Iowa State University Research Foundation Inc

Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation

Carol D Jacobson

Max F Rothschild

Christopher K Tuggle

Graham Stuart Plastow

Alan J Mileham

Max E Rothschild

David A Vaske

Disclosed herein are genetic markers for pig litter size, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening pigs to determine those more likely to produce larger litters and preferably selecting those pigs for future breeding purposes based on the ESR polymorphisms. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the pig estrogen receptor gene. Preferably, the polymorphism is a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Genetic markers for pig litter size

Disclosed herein are genetic markers for pig litter size, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening pigs to determine those more likely to produce larger litters. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the pig estrogen receptor gene. Preferably, the polymorphism is a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). A 3.7 kilobase fragment and a 4.3 kilobase fragment obtained by digesting pig genomic DNA with the restriction endonuclease Pvu II and detecting the fragments with a probe comprising a detectably labeled human estrogen receptor gene are associated with increased litter size.

Method for determining genetic marker for increased pig litter size

Growing community of inventors

Ames, IA, United States of America

Carol D Jacobson