Association of BF gene polymorphism with litter size in a commercial pig cross population
A Marantidis1, A I Papadopoulos, G Michailidis
1Laboratory of Physiology of Reproduction of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece. agmarant@agro.auth.gr
Abstract:
In the present study, the single nucleotide polymorphism of CFB (Complement Factor B), BF gene, was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in a commercial pig population in Greece. BF gene is coding for properdin, a protein that plays an integral role in the uterine epithelium growth and is found in a QTL region with many other genes associated with specific reproductive traits. BF gene is considered to affect various reproductive traits in pigs and the present study associated the BF gene genotypes with litter size of the sows (TNB, total number born and NBA number born alive piglets/birth). Sows with AB genotype gave statistically significant lower values for TNB and NBA piglets/birth (p<0.05) than the BB genotype. Our results support the concept that BF belongs to the group of genes that control the litter size of the sows and thus BF gene could be used for Marker-assisted selection programmes for the genetic improvement of reproductive characteristics in livestock.
Related Concept Videos
Incomplete Dominance
Trihybrid Crosses
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
What is Population Genetics?
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Test Cross

