Reciprocal chromosome translocations, (1p–; 11q+) and (1p+; 15q–), in domestic pigs with reduced litter size

Abstract

A Finnish Landrace breed A. 1. (artificial insemination) boar with 34 % reduction in litter size was found to be a carrier of a chromosome translocation involving autosome nos. 1 and 11. Another boar of the same breed from a commercial pig farm, with a 43 % reduction in litter size was found to have chromosomal rearrangements between autosome nos. 1 and 15. These structural rearrangements did not have any effect on the phenotype, the boars as well as their progeny were healthy. The boars showed normal sexual behaviour and the semen picture of the A.1. boar was within normal limits. Records of the litter sizes of the parents of the boars showed that they were above average for their breed. Thus, the chromosomal rearrangements in both boars seemed to have been of de novo origin. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved