| Summary: | The main mechanism of innate immunity is the complement system. Its components include the protein products of the <i>C1R</i> and <i>C5</i> genes, which are involved in the classical activation pathway as well as the inflammatory and cytolytic immune responses, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in <i>C1R</i> (726T > C) and C5 (1044A > C) genes, and the values of hematological and biochemical blood indices in suckling crossbred (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace × Duroc × Pietrain) piglets (n = 473), considering their age (younger, 21 ± 3 days, n = 274; older, 35 ± 3 days, n = 199) and health status. The frequencies of the <i>C5</i> genotypes deviated from the Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Younger piglets, healthy piglets, piglets that deviated from physiological norms and older piglets with the <i>C1R</i> TT genotype all had lower white and red blood cell indices. In piglets with the <i>C5</i> CC genotype, younger piglets, piglets that deviated from physiological norms and older piglets, a greater number and/or percentage of monocytes were recorded in the blood. Older piglets also showed an increase in the number of leukocytes and granulocytes, along with a tendency for a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes in their blood. We concluded that a polymorphism in the <i>C1R</i> gene may exhibit a functional association or genetic linkage with other genes involved in the process of erythropoiesis. Furthermore the relationship between the <i>C5</i> gene polymorphism and the number and/or percentage of monocytes in the blood may modify the body’s defense abilities. Piglets with the CC genotype, having an increased number/proportion of these cells in their blood, probably display a weakened immune response to pathogens or a chronic stimulation of the immune system.
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