EN
H-FABP and A-FABP genes are considered as candidates for intramuscular fat (IMF) accretion. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of H-FABP and A-FABP genes in m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and liver tissues of Laiwu and Lulai Black pig populations of different body weight (BW). Eighty-four barrows at different BW (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg, n06 per group) of Laiwu Black pig (no 100 kg group) and Lulai Black pig (no 30 kg group) were used to study the development changes of A-FABP and H-FABP mRNA expression and their relationships to IMF content. The results showed that, in both breeds, the IMF content increased continuously with growing (P< 0.05). The expression of H-FABP and A-FABP genes also increased with growing in LD tissue (P<0.05), and reached a peak at 50 and 70 kg BW in Laiwu and Lulai Black pig, respectively. However, this regularity was not observed in liver tissue in both breeds. A positive correlation was just found between the A-FABP mRNA expression level in LD tissue and IMF content and BW in both breeds (P<0.05). In conclusion, the A-FABP gene is strongly related to the development and function of IMF accretion in pigs.