B. Isler*,
K. M. Irvin 1*,
S. M. Neal+
*The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
+The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
The identification of genes or markers associated with reproductive traits in swine is an important area of research, due to the large economic impact that these discoveries could have on the swine industry. It has previously been reported that one of these genes, the estrogen receptor (ESR) gene, is associated with increased litter size in pigs. At this time, research is lacking in the examination of the association between ESR genotype and the reproductive system itself. In this phase of the study, we are investigating the association between ESR genotype and reproductive tract traits in a population of 162 Large White, Yorkshire, and crossbred pigs. The ESR genotypes of all 162 animals were determined using a PCR-RFLP procedure. Out of the larger group of 162 animals, 78 females were selected and mated to Hampshire boars. These animals were allowed to progress to approximately day 75 of gestation, at which time the animals were slaughtered and their reproductive tracts collected. Data collected on the tracts included ovulation rate, horn length, number of fetuses in each horn, fetal mass, uterine mass, number of mummies, fetal sex, and fetal placement. These data will be analyzed for associations between ESR genotype and reproductive tract data.
1For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University, 110F Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210; 614-292-6407; fax: 614-292-2929 ; e-mail: irvin.3@osu.edu