Evaluation of three bovine Y specific microsatellite loci as an alternative biomarkers for semen quality traits in crossbred bull

Although some of the studies earlier reported that bovine semen parameters are associated with some candidate markers genes, but scanty of reports available regarding the effect of allelic variation in Y specific microsatellite markers on semen quality parameters in bulls. In the present study we have targeted three Y specific microsatellite markers (INRA126, INRA 189 and BM861) for their association ship analysis with some semen quality parameters among Frieswal (HF × Sahiwal) crossbred bulls of Indian origin. The polymorphic loci of INRA 126, bulls with 182 and 184 alleles had significantly (P < 0.01) higher semen volume as compared to 186 allele, however, 186 allele showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher concentration per ml of semen compared to 182 and 184. Interestingly our study also revealed that number of sperm/ejaculate is also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 184 allele compared to 182 and 186. Similarly, association analysis of INRA 189 major three alleles also revealed a significant difference in semen volume and concentration. Allele 89 and 96 having significantly (P < 0.01) higher volume compared to 86, whereas allele 86 having significantly (P < 0.01) higher concentration per volume of semen than 89 and 96. Again after association of two major alleles (160 and 164) of BM861 loci with semen parameters revealed no significant difference with any of the semen quality parameters chosen here. Therefore the present study may be for the first time revealed that the Y chromosomal microsatellite alleles are important male reproductive biomarkers for improving semen quality traits in bulls.