Reciprocal translocations in the pig (Sus scrofa): a review

Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bristol, Langford.

The incidence and effect of 29 different reciprocal translocations in the pig are reviewed. It is concluded that heterozygosity for these translocations causes major reproductive loss. The chromosome anomaly appears to occur spontaneously and between 42 per cent and 50 per cent of hypoprolific boars are carrier animals. The incidence in the general population is calculated to be 0.6 per 1000.