Association of BF gene polymorphism with litter size in a commercial pig cross population

In the present study, the single nucleotide polymorphism of CFB (Complement Factor B), BF gene, was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in a commercial pig population in Greece. BF gene is coding for properdin, a protein that plays an integral role in the uterine epithelium growth and is found in a QTL region with many other genes associated with specific reproductive traits. BF gene is considered to affect various reproductive traits in pigs and the present study associated the BF gene genotypes with litter size of the sows (TNB, total number born and NBA number born alive piglets/birth). Sows with AB genotype gave statistically significant lower values for TNB and NBA piglets/birth (p < 0.05) than the BB genotype. Our results support the concept that BF belongs to the group of genes that control the litter size of the sows and thus BF gene could be used for Marker-assisted selection programmes for the genetic improvement of reproductive characteristics in livestock.