Rendement Napole / RN gene (PRKAG3-related) - Pig

What does this test examine?

This DNA test examines the PRKAG3 RN variant in pigs. In current OMIA notation this is NM_214077.1:c.749G>A, while the original publication described the same classic RN variant as c.599G>A and p.R200Q. The test is known by names such as Rendement Napole, RN gene, RN allele, Hampshire effect, acid meat and PRKAG3-related meat quality.

What does the RN gene mean?

PRKAG3 encodes a muscle-specific subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase, an important enzyme in energy metabolism. The RN variant increases the glycogen content in muscle. After slaughter this can lead to lower pH, stronger acidification, reduced water-holding capacity, greater cooking loss and lower yield of certain processed products, especially cooked ham. At the same time, the meat may differ in texture, slicing properties, flavour, odour and acidity.

This is not a classic hereditary disease, but a genetic trait with clear economic and technological relevance. For breeders, multipliers and producers, knowing RN status helps guide lines, manage desired and unwanted meat-quality traits and base selection on more than appearance or production records alone.

Practical value of this test

• Targeted selection: shows which animals carry the RN allele and which are free of the tested variant.
• Meat-quality planning: helps manage lines where pH, water retention, cooking loss and processing yield matter.
• Breeding decisions: supports mating choices when RN status is considered alongside growth, carcass quality, health and breed background.
• Line transparency: prevents a dominant effect from circulating unnoticed in a line.

Inheritance and result

The RN variant acts as an autosomal dominant trait. An animal with G/G does not carry the tested RN variant. An animal with G/A carries one copy of the RN allele and expresses the RN effect. An animal with A/A carries two copies; this confirms a clear RN genotype status and is relevant for selection and mating plans.