Influence of major histocompatibility complex on reproduction and production traits in swine

Summary The effects of the swine lymphocyte antigen (SLA) system on different performance traits were investigated in Swiss pig breeds. Litter size and piglet weight at birth and at weaning were considered and in gilts the average daily weight gain, backfat and muscle thickness as well as percentage valuable cuts were measured. These data were analysed with least squares procedures. Although the effect of SLA on these traits was very small, a few haplotypes seemed to have some influence. Sows of the Large White breed carrying H12 had a significant smaller and those with H24 had a bigger litter size at weaning. Some mating studies were performed to investigate the effects of SLA homozygosity. The obtained results suggest that this has a negative effect on the litter size, especially when H19 in the Large White breed and H7 in Landrace are involved.