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Mappanganro R, Sonjaya H, Baco S, Hasbi H, Gustina S. Seminal plasma protein profiles based on molecular weight as biomarkers of sperm fertility in horned and polled Bali bulls. Vet World 2025; 18:122-132. [PMID: 40041500 PMCID: PMC11873378 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.122-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Seminal plasma proteins (SPPs) significantly influence sperm quality, playing a critical role in fertility. This study aims to investigate the molecular weight (MW) profiles of SPPs in horned and polled Bali bulls and their correlation with sperm quality parameters. Materials and Methods Semen samples were collected from six Bali bulls (3 horned, 3 polled). Sperm quality was evaluated based on motility, viability, abnormalities, intact membranes, and acrosomes. SPPs were extracted and analyzed using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine protein MWs. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze relationships between MW profiles and sperm quality metrics. Results SPPs were identified across a MW range of 15-165 kDa, with specific proteins showing strong correlations with sperm quality. Proteins at 50 and 46 kDa positively correlated with motility (r = -0.96), viability (r = -0.99), and intact membranes (r = -0.86). Conversely, proteins at 40 kDa negatively correlated with these parameters. A 25 kDa protein displayed a positive correlation with intact acrosomes (r = -0.93) and a negative correlation with abnormalities (r = -0.99). Differences in sperm quality metrics between horned and polled bulls were observed, with polled bulls exhibiting fewer abnormalities. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of SPP MW profiles as biomarkers of sperm quality in Bali bulls. Proteins at 50, 46, and 25 kDa are promising markers for sperm motility, viability, and intact acrosomes, respectively. These findings could inform bull selection and reproductive management strategies. Further research is recommended to validate these biomarkers using advanced proteomic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasyidah Mappanganro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, Indonesia
- Animal Science Study Program, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Herry Sonjaya
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Sudirman Baco
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Hasbi Hasbi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Sri Gustina
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
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Pacheco HA, Rossoni A, Cecchinato A, Peñagaricano F. Genomic prediction of male fertility in Brown Swiss cattle. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:568-571. [PMID: 39650045 PMCID: PMC11624393 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024]
Abstract
Bull fertility has been recognized as an important factor affecting dairy herd fertility. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of predicting male fertility in Brown Swiss cattle using genomic data. The dataset consisted of 1,102 Italian Brown Swiss bulls with sire conception rate (SCR) records and genotype data for roughly 480k SNP. The analyses included the use of linear kernel-based regression models fitting all SNPs or incorporating markers with large effect. Predictive performance was evaluated in 5-fold cross-validation using the correlation between observed and predicted SCR values and mean squared error of prediction. The entire SNP set exhibited predictive correlations around 0.19. Interestingly, the inclusion of 2 markers with large effect yielded predictive correlations around 0.32. Overall, using linear kernel-based models fitting markers with large effect is a promising approach. Our findings could help Brown Swiss breeders make enhanced genome-guided management and selection decisions on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendyel A. Pacheco
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Attilio Rossoni
- Italian Brown Breeders Association, Bussolengo, Verona 37012, Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Das PJ, Kour A, Bhati J, Mishra DC, Sarkar M. Genomic and transcriptomic evaluations of infertile or subfertile Arunachali yak sperm. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:341-347. [PMID: 39417303 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199424000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Sperm infertility or subfertility is detrimental to the precious highland germplasm like yak whose population has been gradually declining in India. Understanding the 'omic' landscape of infertile or subfertile yak sperm can reveal some interesting insights. In an attempt to do the same, this study considered the semen of infertile or subfertile yak bulls for whole-genome and transcriptome evaluations. DNA sequencing revealed that the yak sperm genome contains the necessary genes to carry out all the important biological processes related to the growth, development, survival and multiplication of an organism. Interestingly, RNA Seq results highlighted that genes like VAMP7, MYLK, ARAP2 and MARCH6 showed increased expression, while biological processes related to immune response (GO:0043308, GO:0002447, GO:0002278, GO:0043307, GO:0043312, GO:0002283, GO:0043299 and GO:0002446) were significantly overrepresented. These findings hint at a possible role played by immune system in regulating infertility or subfertility in yaks. Further, in-depth studies can validate these findings and help in improving our biological understanding in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranab Jyoti Das
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Aneet Kour
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jyotika Bhati
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Mihir Sarkar
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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4
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Peñagaricano F. Genomics and Dairy Bull Fertility. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:185-190. [PMID: 37669889 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that dairy bull fertility is influenced by genetic factors, and hence, it could be managed and improved by genetic means. There are major mutations that explain about 4% to 8% of the observed differences in conception rate between bulls segregating in most dairy breeds. Research has shown that genomic prediction of bull fertility is possible, and this could be used to make accurate genome-guided selection decisions, such as early culling of predicted subfertile bull calves. Inbreeding negatively influences bull fertility, and the increase in homozygosity seems an important risk factor for dairy bull subfertility.
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5
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Hasbi H, Iskandar H, Sonjaya H, Purwantara B, Arifiantini RI, Agil M, Pardede BP, Suyadi S, Septian WA, Samsudewa D, Damayanti E, Maulana T, Said S. Comparative developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal and poor sperm motility. Vet World 2024; 17:593-601. [PMID: 38680141 PMCID: PMC11045541 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.593-601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Fertility is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of livestock production, as it directly impacts the reproductive rates. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sperm quality and embryo development is key to optimizing reproductive outcomes and improving the quality of livestock. This study analyzed the developmental competence of in vitro embryos recovered from Bali cattle with normal or poor sperm motility. Materials and Methods Nine bulls with normal fresh semen (NFS) or poor fresh semen (PFS) motility were ejaculated for semen. Semen ejaculates, including volume, motility, and sperm concentration, were evaluated immediately after collection to measure the quality of the fresh semen. Frozen semen was evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) for motility, progressive sperm motility, distance curve path, distance curve linear, distance straight line, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity, straightness (STR), linearity of forward progression (LIN), wobble, and average lateral head displacement (ALH). Bull groups were used to determine in vitro embryo cleavage ability after fertilization of Bali cattle. Ovaries of Bali cattle were collected by slicing, and only cytoplasmic oocytes with compact cumulus cells were used in this study. The oocytes were matured, and in vitro fertilization was performed using fertilization media with a final sperm concentration of 1.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. After 48 h, the embryo cleavage ability of the cultured oocytes was evaluated. Results There were significant differences in motility values between the NFS and PFS groups; however, there were no significant differences in the volume or sperm concentration. There was a significant difference in the LIN value between the groups but no significant differences in other CASA parameters. There were no significant differences in the cleavage rate and morula between the groups, but a positive correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and the morula and between the morula and ALH. A significant negative correlation was observed between the cleavage rate and STR and between the morula and STR; no significant differences were observed for other variables. Conclusion Despite variations in sperm characteristics, both normal and poor sperm motility demonstrated comparable in vitro embryonic development competence. These findings provide important insights into the fertility potential of Bali bulls, providing valuable information that can enhance selection strategies to improve the quality of livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasbi Hasbi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Hikmayani Iskandar
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Herry Sonjaya
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Suyadi Suyadi
- Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Wike Andre Septian
- Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Daud Samsudewa
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia
| | - Erni Damayanti
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16914, Indonesia
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Kafi A, Khalid M, Herath T, Kershaw C. Cysteine supplementation pre-freeze and post-thaw improves integrity and reduces oxidative stress in cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104854. [PMID: 38286327 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreserved ram sperm is highly sensitive to oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which impair sperm function and integrity. Antioxidants such as cysteine can mitigate the effect of ROS, although the optimal concentration or timing of supplementation is unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of concentration and timing of cysteine supplementation on the integrity and function of cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. Nine ejaculates were collected from three Texel rams then cryopreserved and supplemented with cysteine (0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/mL) added pre-freeze (PF), post-thaw (PT) or pre-freeze and post-thaw (PF + PT) generating seven treatments: 1) control 0 mg/mL, 2) PF 0.5 mg/mL, 3) PF 1 mg/mL, 4) PT 0.5 mg/mL, 5), PT 1.0 mg/mL, 6) PF + PT 0.5 mg/mL and 7) PF + PT 1.0 mg/mL. Sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, ROS production and penetrability through artificial cervical mucus were assessed post-thaw. Cysteine supplementation reduced ROS production which thereby improved spermatozoa motility, viability, acrosome integrity and penetrability (p < 0.001) Sperm integrity for all parameters was greatest in spermatozoa treated PF + PT with 1.0 mg/mL cysteine, although treatment pre-freeze or post-thaw also improved integrity beyond the control. This study has identified that 1.0 mg/mL cysteine is most beneficial and has highlighted the importance of preventing oxidative stress in spermatozoa post-thaw. These finding can help to mitigate the detrimental effect of cryopreservation on spermatozoa and aid the development of cryopreservation protocols in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kafi
- Department of Animal Health, Behavior and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- Department of Animal Health, Behavior and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Tharangani Herath
- Department of Animal Health, Behavior and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
| | - Claire Kershaw
- Department of Animal Health, Behavior and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
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Gacem S, Castello-Ruiz M, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P, Soler C, Yániz JL, Silvestre MA. Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3607-3624. [PMID: 37782577 PMCID: PMC10629479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento
de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Castello-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario
y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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Pichardo-Matamoros D, Sevilla F, Elizondo-Salazar J, Jiménez-Sánchez C, Roldan ERS, Soler C, Gacem S, Valverde A. Exploration of semen quality analyzed by casa-mot systems of brahman bulls infected with BLV and BHV-1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18659. [PMID: 37907654 PMCID: PMC10618460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzootic bovine leukosis virus (BLV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) are very important infectious agents for the livestock industry worldwide. The present study aimed to explore the association between natural exposure to BLV and BHV-1 with sperm quality analyzed by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems. Ten sexually mature Brahman bulls, with sanitary status BLV+/BHV-1+ (n = 2), BLV-/BHV-1+ (n = 6) and BLV-/BHV-1- (n = 2) were evaluated twice, 30 days apart. Results showed that sanitary status of each bull was not associated with semen quality. It was found that the quality of the semen from the second collection was better due to the interruption of sexual rest. The evidence thus revealed that a bull infected with BLV generated good-quality contaminated semen and, therefore, that it is essential to detect contaminated seminal samples to prevent the spread of BLV. A multivariate analysis showed the presence of four sperm subpopulations in Brahman bulls that differ significantly in their kinematic patterns and with respect to sanitary status (P < 0.05), indicating that infection-free and seronegative bulls present the best kinematic parameters, which improved discrimination of sperm quality according to sanitary status. Overall, the analyses indicate that the seropositive-infected bulls with BLV and BHV-1 should be excluded from beef cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derling Pichardo-Matamoros
- National Agrarian University, Juigalpa Campus, Chontales, 55000, Nicaragua
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Costa Rica, 11501, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela, 223-21002, Costa Rica
| | - Jorge Elizondo-Salazar
- Faculty of Agri-Food Sciences, Alfredo Volio Mata Experimental Station, University of Costa Rica, 30304, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Sánchez
- Tropical Diseases Research Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine School, National University of Costa Rica, Benjamín Núñez Campus, 40101, Barreal de Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Gacem
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB, Edifici V, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela, 223-21002, Costa Rica.
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Tan WLA, Neto LRP, Reverter A, McGowan M, Fortes MRS. Sequence level genome-wide associations for bull production and fertility traits in tropically adapted bulls. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:365. [PMID: 37386436 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetics of male fertility is complex and not fully understood. Male subfertility can adversely affect the economics of livestock production. For example, inadvertently mating bulls with poor fertility can result in reduced annual liveweight production and suboptimal husbandry management. Fertility traits, such as scrotal circumference and semen quality are commonly used to select bulls before mating and can be targeted in genomic studies. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association analyses using sequence-level data targeting seven bull production and fertility traits measured in a multi-breed population of 6,422 tropically adapted bulls. The beef bull production and fertility traits included body weight (Weight), body condition score (CS), scrotal circumference (SC), sheath score (Sheath), percentage of normal spermatozoa (PNS), percentage of spermatozoa with mid-piece abnormalities (MP) and percentage of spermatozoa with proximal droplets (PD). RESULTS After quality control, 13,398,171 polymorphisms were tested for their associations with each trait in a mixed-model approach, fitting a multi-breed genomic relationship matrix. A Bonferroni genome-wide significance threshold of 5 × 10- 8 was imposed. This effort led to identifying genetic variants and candidate genes underpinning bull fertility and production traits. Genetic variants in Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 5 were associated with SC, Sheath, PNS, PD and MP. Whereas chromosome X was significant for SC, PNS, and PD. The traits we studied are highly polygenic and had significant results across the genome (BTA 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 28, and 29). We also highlighted potential high-impact variants and candidate genes associated with Scrotal Circumference (SC) and Sheath Score (Sheath), which warrants further investigation in future studies. CONCLUSION The work presented here is a step closer to identifying molecular mechanisms that underpin bull fertility and production. Our work also emphasises the importance of including the X chromosome in genomic analyses. Future research aims to investigate potential causative variants and genes in downstream analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang Andre Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Chemistry Bld, 68 Cooper Rd, Brisbane City, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | | | - Antonio Reverter
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Michael McGowan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Marina Rufino Salinas Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Chemistry Bld, 68 Cooper Rd, Brisbane City, QLD, 4072, Australia
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10
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Pausch H, Mapel XM. Review: Genetic mutations affecting bull fertility. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100742. [PMID: 37567657 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle are a well-suited "model organism" to study the genetic underpinnings of variation in male reproductive performance. The adoption of artificial insemination and genomic prediction in many cattle breeds provide access to microarray-derived genotypes and repeated measurements for semen quality and insemination success in several thousand bulls. Similar-sized mapping cohorts with phenotypes for male fertility are not available for most other species precluding powerful association testing. The repeated measurements of the artificial insemination bulls' semen quality enable the differentiation between transient and biologically relevant trait fluctuations, and thus, are an ideal source of phenotypes for variance components estimation and genome-wide association testing. Genome-wide case-control association testing involving bulls with either aberrant sperm quality or low insemination success revealed several causal recessive loss-of-function alleles underpinning monogenic reproductive disorders. These variants are routinely monitored with customised genotyping arrays in the male selection candidates to avoid the use of subfertile or infertile bulls for artificial insemination and natural service. Genome-wide association studies with quantitative measurements of semen quality and insemination success revealed quantitative trait loci for male fertility, but the underlying causal variants remain largely unknown. Moreover, these loci explain only a small part of the heritability of male fertility. Integrating genome-wide association studies with gene expression and other omics data from male reproductive tissues is required for the fine-mapping of candidate causal variants underlying variation in male reproductive performance in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Xena Marie Mapel
- Animal Genomics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Abril-Parreño L, Carthy TR, Keogh K, Štiavnická M, O'Meara C, Lonergan P, Kenny DA, Fair S. Genome-wide association study reveals candidate markers related to field fertility and semen quality traits in Holstein-Friesian bulls. Animal 2023; 17:100841. [PMID: 37224615 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro assessment of bull semen quality is routinely used in bull semen processing centres in order to ensure that semen destined to be used in the field has passed minimum standards. Despite these stringent quality control checks, individual bulls that pass the quality control checks can still vary in field fertility by up to 25%. A genome-wide association study was undertaken to determine genetic markers associated with prefreeze and post-thaw bull sperm quality traits as well as field fertility. Genome-wide association analysis was performed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) regression mixed linear model in WOMBAT. Genes within a 250 Kb span of a suggestive (P ≤ 1 × 10-5) SNP were considered as candidate genes. One SNP was associated with adjusted pregnancy rate, and 21 SNPs were associated across the seven semen quality traits (P ≤ 1 × 10-5). Functional candidate genes include SIPA1L2 which was associated with adjusted pregnancy rate. This encodes a Rap GTPase-activating protein involved in Rap1 signalling pathway and was previously found to play a role in the process of sperm differentiation. Gene ontology (GO) analysis also identified significantly enriched biological processes involved protein tyrosine kinase activity including genes such as DYRK1A, TEC and TXK that were associated with sperm motility prior to freezing. Another candidate gene associated with post-thaw sperm motility was FHDC1 which coordinates actin filament and microtubule dynamics. The induced 11 GO terms in the ejaculates rejected after freezing trait were related to ATPase, phosphatase and hydrolase activity. These results reveal novel specific genomic regions and candidate genes associated with economically important phenotypes such as field fertility and semen quality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Tara R Carthy
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Kate Keogh
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Miriama Štiavnická
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ciara O'Meara
- National Cattle Breeding Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 WF59, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
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12
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Carvalho FE, Ferraz JBS, Pedrosa VB, Matos EC, Eler JP, Silva MR, Guimarães JD, Bussiman FO, Silva BCA, Cançado FA, Mulim HA, Espigolan R, Brito LF. Genetic parameters for various semen production and quality traits and indicators of male and female reproductive performance in Nellore cattle. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:150. [PMID: 36973650 PMCID: PMC10044441 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the economic relevance of fertility and reproductive traits for the beef cattle industry, investigating their genetic background and developing effective breeding strategies are paramount. Considering their late and sex-dependent phenotypic expression, genomic information can contribute to speed up the rates of genetic progress per year. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and genetic parameters, including heritability and genetic correlations, for fertility, female precocity, and semen production and quality (andrological attributes) traits in Nellore cattle incorporating genomic information. RESULTS The heritability estimates of semen quality traits were low-to-moderate, while moderate-to-high estimates were observed for semen morphological traits. The heritability of semen defects ranged from low (0.04 for minor semen defects) to moderate (0.30 for total semen defects). For seminal aspect (SMN_ASPC) and bull reproductive fitness (BULL_FIT), low (0.19) and high (0.69) heritabilities were observed, respectively. The heritability estimates for female reproductive traits ranged from 0.16 to 0.39 for rebreeding of precocious females (REBA) and probability of pregnancy at 14 months (PP14), respectively. Semen quality traits were highly genetically correlated among themselves. Moderate-to-high genetic correlations were observed between the ability to remain productive in the herd until four years of age (stayability; STAY) and the other reproductive traits, indicating that selection for female reproductive performance will indirectly contribute to increasing fertility rates. High genetic correlations between BULL_FIT and female reproductive traits related to precocity (REBA and PP14) and STAY were observed. The genetic correlations between semen quality and spermatic morphology with female reproductive traits ranged from -0.22 (REBA and scrotal circumference) to 0.48 (REBA and sperm vigor). In addition, the genetic correlations between REBA with semen quality traits ranged from -0.23 to 0.48, and with the spermatic morphology traits it ranged from -0.22 to 0.19. CONCLUSIONS All male and female fertility and reproduction traits evaluated are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic or genomic selection. Selection for better sperm quality will positively influence the fertility and precocity of Nellore females. The findings of this study will serve as background information for designing breeding programs for genetically improving semen production and quality and reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe E Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - José Bento S Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor B Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Elisangela C Matos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Joanir P Eler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio R Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - José D Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Vicosa, Vicosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando O Bussiman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Barbara C A Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Cançado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique A Mulim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Rafael Espigolan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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13
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Corte Pause F, Crociati M, Urli S, Monaci M, Degano L, Stradaioli G. Environmental Factors Affecting the Reproductive Efficiency of Italian Simmental Young Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2476. [PMID: 36139335 PMCID: PMC9495061 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the study aimed to evaluate the effect of weather conditions and scrotal circumference (SC) on standard semen characteristics of Italian Simmental young bulls (n = 577), all raised in the same performance station and sampled by the artificial vagina (AV) method. Considering the increasing SC, the results showed a significant increase in quantitative semen parameters (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, for sperm concentration and total number of spermatozoa, respectively); for every extra centimeter of SC, 17.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL and 0.102 × 109 of total spermatozoa were produced. The age of the animal at semen collection (395 and 465 days) had similar positive effects. The effect of the average temperature humidity index (THI limits ≤ 40 and ≥70) in the previous 60, 30, and 10 days before the semen collection was also considered. Sixty days before the semen collection, the increasing THI increased both primary (p < 0.0001) and secondary (p < 0.0001) abnormalities while the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa decreased (p < 0.0001). Thirty and ten days before collection, the same effect on morphological traits was maintained, but total and progressive motility was also influenced (p < 0.01) with an unexpected increasing pattern. Thus, environmental conditions can influence semen quality during the entire spermatogenesis and results can guide future research on this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Susy Urli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Maurizio Monaci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Degano
- Italian Association of Simmental Breeders (ANAPRI), Via Ippolito Nievo 19, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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14
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Mapel XM, Hiltpold M, Kadri NK, Witschi U, Pausch H. Erratum to "Bull fertility and semen quality are not correlated with dairy and production traits in Brown Swiss cattle" (JDS Commun. 3:120-125). JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:378. [PMID: 36342882 PMCID: PMC9623789 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-3-5-378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2021-0164.].
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15
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Pacheco HA, Rossoni A, Cecchinato A, Peñagaricano F. Deciphering the genetic basis of male fertility in Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10575. [PMID: 35732705 PMCID: PMC9217806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving reproductive performance remains a major goal in dairy cattle worldwide. Service sire has been recognized as an important factor affecting herd fertility. The main objective of this study was to reveal the genetic basis of male fertility in Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Dataset included 1102 Italian Brown Swiss bulls with sire conception rate records genotyped with 454k single nucleotide polymorphisms. The analysis included whole-genome scans and gene-set analyses to identify genomic regions, individual genes and genetic mechanisms affecting Brown Swiss bull fertility. One genomic region on BTA1 showed significant additive effects. This region harbors gene RABL3 which is implicated cell proliferation and motility. Two genomic regions, located on BTA6 and BTA26, showed marked non-additive effects. These regions harbor genes, such as WDR19 and ADGRA1, that are directly involved in male fertility, including sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and embryonic development. The gene-set analysis revealed functional terms related to cell adhesion, cellular signaling, cellular transport, immune system, and embryonic development. Remarkably, a gene-set analysis also including Holstein and Jersey data, revealed significant processes that are common to the three dairy breeds, including cell migration, cell-cell interaction, GTPase activity, and the immune function. Overall, this comprehensive study contributes to a better understanding of the genetic basis of male fertility in cattle. In addition, our findings may guide the development of novel genomic strategies for improving service sire fertility in Brown Swiss cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendyel A Pacheco
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Attilio Rossoni
- Italian Brown Breeders Association, Bussolengo, 37012, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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16
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Ruelle I, Bruyas JF, Charreaux F, Michaud S, Carracedo S, Catalán J, Miró J, Delehedde M, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 Semen Concentrations as a Valuable Marker Protein of Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Bull Fertility: A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:224. [PMID: 35622752 PMCID: PMC9144616 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown to be immotile, abnormal, and infertile. In this study, the objective was to evaluate proAKAP4 concentration values with the classic sperm motility descriptors and fertility outcomes (NRR at 90 days) in post-thawed conditions of 10 bulls' semen. ProAKAP4 expression was confirmed by Western blotting and proAKAP4 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Variations in proAKAP4 concentrations were observed independently of the motility sperm descriptors measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). A ProAKAP4 concentration of 38.67 ± 8.55 ng/10 million spermatozoa was obtained as a statistical mean of all samples. Threshold values of proAKAP4 were then determined between 19.96 to 96.95 ng/10 million spermatozoa. ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated with progressive motility and the linearity coefficient. The sperm showing the lowest progressive motility were the samples exhibiting proAKAP4 concentrations below 20 ng/10 million spermatozoa. Furthermore, proAKAP4 concentrations were significantly higher in bulls with a higher NRR in the field. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the semen concentration of proAKAP4 and NRR-90d (p = 0.05) in post-thawed bull semen, highlighting the potential of proAKAP4 as a predictive marker of bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- U1172 LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, CHU Lille, Inserm, University Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isabelle Ruelle
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Sandrine Michaud
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Carracedo
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Maryse Delehedde
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
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17
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Hiltpold M, Janett F, Mapel XM, Kadri NK, Fang ZH, Schwarzenbacher H, Seefried FR, Spengeler M, Witschi U, Pausch H. A 1-bp deletion in bovine QRICH2 causes low sperm count and immotile sperm with multiple morphological abnormalities. Genet Sel Evol 2022; 54:18. [PMID: 35255804 PMCID: PMC8900305 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-022-00710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semen quality and insemination success are monitored in artificial insemination bulls to ensure high male fertility rates. Only ejaculates that fulfill minimum quality requirements are processed and eventually used for artificial inseminations. We examined 70,990 ejaculates from 1343 Brown Swiss bulls to identify bulls from which all ejaculates were rejected due to low semen quality. This procedure identified a bull that produced 12 ejaculates with an aberrantly small number of sperm (0.2 ± 0.2 × 109 sperm per mL) which were mostly immotile due to multiple morphological abnormalities. RESULTS The genome of this bull was sequenced at a 12× coverage to investigate a possible genetic cause. Comparing the sequence variant genotypes of this bull with those from 397 fertile bulls revealed a 1-bp deletion in the coding sequence of the QRICH2 gene which encodes the glutamine rich 2 protein, as a compelling candidate causal variant. This 1-bp deletion causes a frameshift in translation and a premature termination codon (ENSBTAP00000018337.1:p.Cys1644AlafsTer52). The analysis of testis transcriptomes from 76 bulls showed that the transcript with the premature termination codon is subject to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The 1-bp deletion resides in a 675-kb haplotype that includes 181 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Illumina BovineHD Bead chip. This haplotype segregates at a frequency of 5% in the Brown Swiss cattle population. Our analysis also identified another bull that carried the 1-bp deletion in the homozygous state. Semen analyses from the second bull confirmed low sperm concentration and immotile sperm with multiple morphological abnormalities that primarily affect the sperm flagellum and, to a lesser extent, the sperm head. CONCLUSIONS A recessive loss-of-function allele of the bovine QRICH2 gene likely causes low sperm concentration and immotile sperm with multiple morphological abnormalities. Routine sperm analyses unambiguously identify homozygous bulls for this allele. A direct gene test can be implemented to monitor the frequency of the undesired allele in cattle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Hiltpold
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fredi Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xena Marie Mapel
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Naveen Kumar Kadri
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zih-Hua Fang
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Present Address: Genome Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Deutsches Zentrum Für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Str. 23, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ulrich Witschi
- Swissgenetics, Meielenfeldweg 12, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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