Association of a microsatellite flanking FSHB gene with reproductive traits and reproductive tract components in pigs

Microsatellite FSHBMS polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of FSHB gene was genotyped and associations with reproductive traits in several pig populations and with reproductive tract components in the Large White x Meishan F-2 offspring were studied. The results showed that FSHBMS allele 98 carriers had a non-significantly higher total number born and number born alive in multiple parities; 118/118 animals had a significantly higher number of piglets at weaning than 98/98 and 98/118 animals (P < 0.05) and significantly higher litter weight at weaning and individual weight at weaning than 98/98 animals (P < 0.05). The 98/118 animals had the shortest gestation length (P < 0.05); the length of uterine horns and the length of oviducts of 98/98 individuals were shorter and longer, respectively, than those with 98/118 genotype (P < 0.05).