Genetic effect and combined genotype effect of , β, and loci on litter size in a Large White population.

To select new Large White line with high number of piglets born, genotypes of estrogen receptor (), the follicle stimulating hormone β subunit (β), catenin alpha like 1 () and were tested in 472 Large White sows. The associations of different genotypes with litter size traits were also studied. The results showed ESR and FSHβ sows produced 0.

mutations are associated with litter size traits in Large White and Chinese DIV pigs.

Litter size is an important economic traits in pigs. gene is a member of (swine leukocyte antigen) complex. In our previous study, the gene was differentially expressed in PMSG-hCG stimulated preovulatory ovarian follicles of Chinese Taihu and Large White sows.

The transcription factor ccaat/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and miR-27a regulate the expression of porcine Dickkopf2 (DKK2).

Using Affymetrix porcine Gene-Chip analyses, we found that Dickkopf2 (DKK2), a WNT antagonist, is differentially expressed in pre-ovulatory follicles between Large White and Chinese Taihu sows. This study aims to identify the regulatory factors responsible for DKK2 expression. Deletion fragment and mutation analyses identified DKK2-D3 as the porcine DKK2 core promoter.