The pig gene corresponding to a mouse protein known to cause susceptibility to infection by several different bacteria (NRAMP1) was cloned and the entire protein coding region sequenced. The pig protein encoded within this gene is highly similar to the mouse and human NRAMP1. A preliminary expression profile of pig NRAMP1 indicates it is expressed in spleen, a rich source of immune cells, and may be expressed in other tissues at low levels. Taken together, these data strongly indicate that the newly cloned gene has a similar physiological function in pigs to that seen for mouse NRAMP1. With this new information, the association of NRAMP1 to Salmonella infection in pigs can be tested.