Abstract
Simple SummaryIt is important to know the semen quality of sires as quickly as possible. The development of DNA testing methods led to their active introduction into the practice of breeding farm animals. Many studies show that variants of single nucleotide polymorphism loci can be effectively used in as genetic markers in breeding. The aim of our study was to look for the association of polymorphism genes with fresh sperm quality in Russian Holstein bulls. In this pilot study we found that some genotypes of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene are associated with doublet volume, concentration, and the total number of spermatozoa and some genotypes of hormone inhibin gene with higher sperm concentration and volume of ejaculate. Polymorphisms in hormone receptor genes may be good markers of spermatogenesis. This will allow for the finding of bulls with poor sperm quality at an early age.The aim of the study was to search for new mutations in the previously studied gene loci of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), inhibin α (INHA), inhibin β A (INHAB), prolactin (PRL), transition protein 2 (TNP2), and sperm flagella 2 (SPEF2) by sequencing, as well as the search for associations of previously identified mutations at these loci with fresh semen quality in Russian Holstein bulls. Phenotypic data from 189 bulls was collected. Data was analyzed for most bulls for three years of semen collection. The maximum value of each semen quality indicator (doublet ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and total number of spermatozoa) were selected. SNPs were identified in the FSHR, INHA, INHAB, TNP2, SPEF2 genes. The PRL gene did not have polymorphism. Significant (p < 0.05) associations of polymorphisms in the FSHR gene with double ejaculate volume, concentration and total number of spermatozoa were identified. Polymorphism in the INHA gene was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with sperm concentration. Polymorphism in the INHAB gene was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with doublet ejaculate volume and total number of spermatozoa. Polymorphisms in the TNP2 and SPEF2 genes did not have significant associations with semen quality. The SNPs studied in our pilot work may be considered as candidate genetic markers in the selection of bulls.
Highlights
It is important to look for genetic markers of semen quality in bulls in order to detect such males at an early age [5] before they enter the breeding station
No significant differences in ejaculate volume could not be detected by RFLP using the restriction enzymes RsaI, AluI and AciI, while did bulls with thefound
When analyzing the results of our pilot studies on the search for associations between single nucleotide substitutions in the genes responsible for the reproductive function of bulls, it is necessary to take into account that prolonged use of artificial insemination contributes to the natural elimination of undesirable infertility genotypes from the population
Summary
The widespread use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding implies the need to select bulls based on semen quality [1,2,3]. In the Russian Federation, bulls from the best parents are selected for breeding stations at the age of 6–10 months [4]. Sometimes bulls have poor semen quality and sperm do not freeze or freeze poorly. Maintaining such bulls at the breeding station is not profitable. It is important to look for genetic markers of semen quality in bulls in order to detect such males at an early age [5] before they enter the breeding station
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