Search for Associations of FSHR, INHA, INHAB, PRL, TNP2 and SPEF2 Genes Polymorphisms with Semen Quality in Russian Holstein Bulls (Pilot Study)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: It 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. ABSTRACT: 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.