Effect of the polymorphism of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and leptin (LEP) genes on litter size in Polish pigs.

The aim of the experiment was to use the DNA mutations in the PRLR and LEP genes to determine associations between the genotype and litter size in Polish Large White x Landrace sows. Reproductive traits investigated were: total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA) and number of piglets weaned. The polymorphism in PRLR and LEP genes was detected using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, with specific primers and the restriction enzymes AluI and HinfI respectively. Two different alleles of PRLR and LEP gene were identified: alleles A (0.62) and B (0.38) of the PRLR gene and alleles C (0.10) and T (0.90) of the LEP gene. The relationships between the PRLR and LEP genotypes and TBN, NBA and NW were analysed. The analysis showed, in first parity sows, statistically significant (p < or = 0.01) differences between sows carrying different PRLR genotypes. In later parities, sows with the AA genotype still had the largest litter size compared with AB and BB sows, but the difference was statistically not significant. Analysis of the interaction PARITY x PRLR showed small and statistically not significant differences. The analysis of relationship between different LEP genotypes and TNB, NBA, NW showed small and statistically non-significant differences.