The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is an essential enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. To study the expression of HMGR and corresponding cholesterol content in liver, adipose and muscle, six Chinese local breed (Huai pig) and Landrace pigs were selected. The results indicated that significant differences of cholesterol content in adipose ( P , 0.01), liver ( P , 0.05) and muscle ( P , 0.01) tissues were detected between pigs of differing genetic backgrounds. HMGR mRNA expression were noted for adipose, liver and muscle of the two vastly differing genetics. Moreover cholesterol content differed ( P , 0.01) among tissues across breed. Likewise, HMGR mRNA expression was different between adipose and liver tissues, muscle and liver tissues in both breeds; however, no difference was noted between adipose and muscle tissues. Results from this study indicate that cholesterol content and HMGR mRNA expression are higher in Huai pig tissues suggesting this gene is expressed in a breed-and tissue-dependent manner in pigs. Understanding the causes of variation in HMGR gene expression may provide crucial information about cholesterol biosynthesis.