Relation of porcine myogenin gene PCR/RFLP MspI and reproduction traits of the Czech Large White sows

Abstract Reproduction traits are highly important for pigs producers because of effect on economic efficiency. Hence, breeders as well as geneticists try to find the way to improve the reproduction traits. Because the protein coded by the myogenin gene ( MYOG ) is necessary for regulation of skeletal muscles development during embryogenesis, many authors have studied its influence on the meat traits of pigs. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of myogenin gene on the sows' reproduction traits. There were included 529 litters of 107 Czech Large White sows. Effects on the age of the first conception, service period, insemination index, average birth weight of piglets, average weights of litter at the age of 21 days, total number of born piglets, number of piglets born alive and number of weaned piglets were studied. For studying the influence of myogenin gene on chosen traits we used the mixed linear model procedure REML and in one case general linear model. Significant effects of myogenin gene on the age of first conception, the insemination index and on the litter size were proved.