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Reference gene with stable copy number is essential for normalization in qPCR based copy number assay. Present study aims to identify a suitable reference gene in pigs for qPCR based relative copy number profiling of chromosomal genes. A total of 30 crossbred pigs of both sexes were cyto-screened and gDNA was extracted from the pigs having numerically normal karyotypes. The copy number stability was studied for 7 genes (FSHB, IL4, IGF1R, TCF24, BRMS1L, ARMC1 and SRSF4) selected on the basis of the chromosomal location, reports of single copy and lack of involvement in structural chromosomal abnormalities. The copy number was estimated from Ct values in 3 technical replicates using 6 animals from either sex for each gene. The stability was evaluated from the variations in Ct values using different (Delta Ct, geNorm, BestKeeper and normFinder) algorithms. While the moderate variation was observed among relative copy number stabilities among the genes, comprehensive ranking revealed the most stable gene for normalization (IGF1R > FSHB > TCF24 > IL4 > ARMC1> SRSF4 > BRMS1L) across the samples. The selected reference gene was validated using DNA of cyto-screened pigs to find out ratio of X and Y chromosome fragments using qPCR based copy number analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of 195 crossbred pigs (75% Landrace + 25% Desi), raised over a period of 2 years from 2014 to 2015, maintained at the Livestock Production Research (Pigs), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh were used in this study to determine the effect of various environmental factors on growth and litter traits. Growth was recorded in terms of body weight at birth and thereafter at weekly interval up to 8 wks and then at 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of age. Generation interval had a significant effect on body weights at all ages. Piglets born in first generation had higher growth at most of the study period. Effect of sex was significant on body weight at most of the ages, except at 7, 8, 16 and 24 week. Male piglets had a higher growth at most of the weeks except at birth, 8 and 16 weeks. Piglets born in season II (March, April, May and June) had higher growth at most of the weeks, except at 4 and 5 weeks. Season of birth had a significant effect on body weight at birth, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. Effect of year of birth was significant on body weight at birth, 1, 2, 6, 16 and 20 weeks of age only. Piglets born in 2014 had higher growth at most of the weeks, except at 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks of age. Generation I & II had a significant effect on litter traits, except average weight at birth. Piglets born in second generation had higher litter traits compared to the first generation. Effect of parity of dam was also significant on all litter traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]