Association analysis between FSHßgene polymorphism and litter size in Guizhou Bai Xiang Pig

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three exons in FSHßgene coding region were investigated by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing and the effect of FSHßgene on litter size traits in Guizhou Bai Xiang pig was analyzed by general linear model.The results showed that the polymorphism was found in FSHßgene. One polymorphic site was found in exon2 and AB genotypic sow of Guizhou Bai Xiang pig produced 2.57 piglet more than AA genotypic sow for the first parity(P<0.05). One polymorphic site was found in exon3 and AB genotypic sow of Guizhou Bai Xiang pig produced 2.97 and 2.08 piglet more than BB genotypic sow for the first parity and latter parities, respectively (P<0.05). B allele was the superior allele. The results demonstrated that the FSHßgene can be used as molecular marker in Guizhou Bai Xiang pig for litter size.