Cytomolecular assay of size nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) polymorphism in Pietrain pigs

The aim of this study was to identify and classify the size variants of nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) as markers useful for genetic characteristics of Pietrain breed pigs. On the basis of cytomolecular analysis carried out by silver staining (Ag-I) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques, four size variants of rDNA-FISH-signals and Ag-NORs silver deposits were classified. Results of cytomolecular assay of size NORs polymorphism can be used in inter-breed or inter-species comparative surveys and studies of evolutionary relationships in Suidae family.