SNP Associated with Litter Size in Pigs

December 27, 2006 — 

Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) in Clay Center, Neb., have discovered a genetic marker linked to litter size in swine.

The researchers have identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the erythropoietin receptor gene which creates either a T or a C allele. In studies on two unrelated swine populations, those with the T allele had an average litter size one to two piglets greater than those with the C allele.

An assay has been developed to detect the SNP in individual sows. This would allow breeders to one day select sows with improved uterine capacity and litter size thus increasing reproductive efficiency.

Source:
USDA, Agricultural Research Service,
December 27, 2006