Enables cytokine activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including embryonic placenta development; myeloid leukocyte differentiation; and positive regulation of cell population proliferation. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system; labyrinthine zone; liver; and lung. Used to study pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in acute myeloid leukemia; juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia; neutropenia; pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; and visceral leishmaniasis. Orthologous to human CSF2 (colony stimulating factor 2). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]