[Two novel reciprocal translocations involving chromosome 6 in the domestic pig]

In the present study 2 new reciprocal translocations are described in two hypoprolific boars. The first one, a Gascon/Meishan boar, has produced a mean value of 7.37 +/- 0.69 piglets, vs 12.41 +/- 0.22 piglets per litter in contemporaries. The second one, a Pietrain/Large-White boar, has produced a mean of 5.42 +/- 0.69 vs 12.41 +/- 0.22 piglets per litter in contemporaries. Each of these animals carries a new chromosome translocation involving chromosomes 6, 8 and 15, respectively. The first translocation seems to be a de novo occurring abnormality. The economic consequences of these abnormalities are discussed. Carrier of the gene HAL, the abnormal chromosomes 6 involved in these translocations are important, and could useful markers in gene mapping and flow cytometry studies in pigs.