Association of BF, RBP4, and ESR2 Genotypes with Litter Size in an Autochthonous Pig Population

The aim of the present study was to determine any potential association of the BF, RBP4, and ESR2 genes with reproduction traits in an autochthonous Greek pig population. The PCR-RFLP methodology was implemented for genotyping purposes of the examined genes. No deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for the examined loci, while the B allele noted to be the more frequent in all analyzed genes. In addition, sows with the AA genotype of BF gene found to produce significantly lower numbers of the total born piglets (TNB) and number of piglets born alive (TNA), while the respective BB genotype significantly exceeded in TNB and NBA traits compared to the other two genotypes (P < 0.001). In the case of RBP4 gene, sows with the AB genotype noted to have significant higher values of TNB and NBA in regard to the respective homozygous genotypes (AA or BB), while the BB genotype showed intermediate results (P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the BB genotype and the AB genotype of ESR2 locus in regard to the examined traits. However, a noticeable superiority (P < 0.01) of the BB genotype compared to the homozygous AA genotype, adding almost 2 piglets/litter in TNB and NBA trait, was found.

TNB: Total number of born piglets; NBA: Number of piglets born alive.