1
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Sa P, Gòdia M, Lewis N, Lian Y, Clop A. Genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis towards the understanding of porcine semen quality traits. Past, current and future trends. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107543. [PMID: 38981797 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The importance of boar reproductive traits, including semen quality, in the sustainability of pig production system is increasingly being acknowledged by academic and industrial sectors. Research is needed to understand the biology and genetic components underlying these traits so that they can be incorporated into selection schemes and managerial decisions. This article reviews our current understanding of genome biology and technologies for genome, transcriptome and epigenome analysis which now facilitate the identification of causal variants affecting phenotypes more than ever before. Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of candidate genes, Genome-Wide Association Studies, expression microarrays, RNA-Seq of coding and noncoding genes and epigenomic evaluations have been conducted to profile the molecular makeups of pig sperm. These studies have provided insightful information for a several semen-related parameters. Nonetheless, this research is still incipient. The spermatozoon harbors a reduced transcriptome and highly modified epigenome, and it is assumed to be transcriptionally silent for nuclear gene expression. For this reason, the extent to which the sperm's RNA and epigenome recapitulate sperm biology and function is unclear. Hence, we anticipate that single-cell level analyses of the testicle and other male reproductive organs, which can reveal active transcription and epigenomic profiles in cells influencing sperm quality, will gain popularity and markedly advance our understanding of sperm-related traits. Future research will delve deeper into sperm fertility, boar resilience to environmental changes or harsh conditions, especially in the context of global warming, and also in transgenerational inheritance and how the environment influences the sperm transcriptome and epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sa
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Lewis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Zhuang Z, Li K, Yang K, Gao G, Li Z, Zhu X, Zhao Y. Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Candidate Genes Influencing Semen Traits in Landrace Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1839. [PMID: 38997951 PMCID: PMC11240458 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131839] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination plays a crucial role in pig production, particularly in enhancing the genetic potential of elite boars. To accelerate genetic progress for semen traits in pigs, it is vital to understand and identify the underlying genetic markers associated with desirable traits. Herein, we genotyped 1238 Landrace boars with GeneSeek Porcine SNP50 K Bead chip and conducted genome-wide association studies to identify genetic regions and candidate genes associated with 12 semen traits. Our study identified 38 SNPs associated with the analyzed 12 semen traits. Furthermore, we identified several promising candidate genes, including HIBADH, DLG1, MED1, APAF1, MGST3, MTG2, and ZP4. These candidate genes have the potential function to facilitate the breeding of boars with improved semen traits. By further investigating and understanding the roles of these genes, we can develop more effective breeding strategies that contribute to the overall enhancement of pig production. The results of our study provide valuable insights for the pig-breeding industry and support ongoing research efforts to optimize genetic selection for superior semen traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanwei Zhuang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kebiao Li
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Guangxiong Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangxi Yangxiang Co., Ltd., Guigang 537100, China
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Wang T, Feng Y, Chen D, Bai R, Tang J, Zhao Y, Zhu L, Ye L, Li F, Li J. Nonsynonymous SNPs within C7H15orf39 and NOS2 are associated with boar semen quality. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2106-2110. [PMID: 35622405 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2077213] [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: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the developmental process that produces spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within C7H15orf39 and NOS2 genes and to determine the correlations between two SNPs and semen quality in Duroc boars (n = 604). The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping the selected two nonsynonymous SNPs. The significant correlation was observed between two SNPs (rs80969873: g.58385473 G > A within C7H15orf39; rs325865291: g.44175445 G > A within NOS2) and semen traits in Duroc boars. This study indicates the SNPs in C7H15orf39 and NOS2 may be the potential molecular marker for improving the semen quality traits in Duroc boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dake Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Bai
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiang Zhao
- Yangxiang Co., Ltd, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Yangxiang Co., Ltd, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ye
- Yangxiang Co., Ltd, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenge Li
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialian Li
- Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Yangxiang Co., Ltd, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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4
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Tsheten G, Fuerst-Waltl B, Pfeiffer C, Sölkner J, Bovenhuis H, Mészáros G. Inbreeding depression and its effect on sperm quality traits in Pietrain pigs. J Anim Breed Genet 2023; 140:653-662. [PMID: 37409752 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12816] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
In most cases, inbreeding is expected to have unfavourable effects on traits in livestock. The consequences of inbreeding depression could be substantial, primarily in reproductive and sperm quality traits, and thus lead to decreased fertility. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to compute inbreeding coefficients using pedigree (FPED ) and genomic data based on runs of homozygosity (ROH) in the genome (FROH ) of Austrian Pietrain pigs, and (ii) to assess inbreeding depression on four sperm quality traits. In total, 74,734 ejaculate records from 1034 Pietrain boars were used for inbreeding depression analyses. Traits were regressed on inbreeding coefficients using repeatability animal models. Pedigree-based inbreeding coefficients were lower than ROH-based inbreeding values. The correlations between pedigree and ROH-based inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0.186 to 0.357. Pedigree-based inbreeding affected only sperm motility while ROH-based inbreeding affected semen volume, number of spermatozoa, and motility. For example, a 1% increase in pedigree inbreeding considering 10 ancestor generations (FPED10 ) was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with a 0.231% decrease in sperm motility. Almost all estimated effects of inbreeding on the traits studied were unfavourable. It is advisable to properly manage the level of inbreeding to avoid high inbreeding depression in the future. Further, analysis of effects of inbreeding depression for other traits, including growth and litter size for the Austrian Pietrain population is strongly advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyembo Tsheten
- Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Division of Livestock Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Johann Sölkner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Division of Livestock Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Henk Bovenhuis
- Wageningen University and Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gábor Mészáros
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Division of Livestock Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Krupa E, Krupová Z, Žáková E, Bauer J, Moravčíková N, Vrtková I. An Assessment of the Genetic Parameters of Boars' Reproductive Traits. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2003. [PMID: 38002946 PMCID: PMC10671126 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112003] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the reproductive traits of boars based on single-nucleotide polymorphism data. A total of 109,836 semen samples from 2249 boars were collected between 2010 and 2022. Five basic traits were assessed: sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility, number of abnormal sperm, and, for the first time for the local population, libido. In addition, two derived traits were assessed: total sperm count and number of functional sperm. Genetic parameters were estimated using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method (ssGBLUP). Dam and sire breeds were evaluated separately. The five basic traits were evaluated using five-trait models, while the two derived traits were evaluated using single-trait models. The heritability coefficients had lower values for all sperm quality traits with both methods. For the basic traits, the heritability ranged from 0.099 to 0.342. The greatest difference between dam and sire breeds was observed for the heritability of the sperm concentration trait (0.099 and 0.271, respectively). The heritability of the libido trait was twice as high for boars of sire breeds as it was for boars of dam breeds. The genetic parameters estimated with ssGBLUP can be used in routine genetic evaluations to improve the pig breeding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Krupa
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Zuzana Krupová
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Eliška Žáková
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Jiří Bauer
- Czech-Moravian Breeders Association, 25209 Hradistko, Czech Republic;
| | - Nina Moravčíková
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Irena Vrtková
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Mendel University, Zemedelska 1, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic;
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Hodge MJ, de Las Heras-Saldana S, Rindfleish SJ, Stephen CP, Pant SD. QTLs and Candidate Genes Associated with Semen Traits in Merino Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2286. [PMID: 37508063 PMCID: PMC10376747 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ram semen traits play a significant role in conception outcomes, which in turn may influence reproductive efficiency and the overall productivity and profitability of sheep enterprises. Since hundreds of ewes may be inseminated from a single ejaculate, it is important to evaluate semen quality prior to use in sheep breeding programs. Given that semen traits have been found to be heritable, genetic variation likely contributes to the variability observed in these traits. Identifying such genetic variants could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying variability in semen traits. Therefore, this study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with semen traits in Merino sheep. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken using 4506 semen collection records from 246 Merino rams collected between January 2002 and May 2021. The R package RepeatABEL was used to perform a GWAS for semen volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility. A total of 35 QTLs, located on 16 Ovis aries autosomes (OARs), were significantly associated with either of the four semen traits in this study. A total of 89, 95, 33, and 73 candidate genes were identified, via modified Bonferroni, within the QTLs significantly associated with volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Among the candidate genes identified, SORD, SH2B1, and NT5E have been previously described to significantly influence spermatogenesis, spermatozoal motility, and high percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Several candidate genes identified could potentially influence ram semen traits based on existing evidence in the literature. As such, validation of these putative candidates may offer the potential to develop future strategies to improve sheep reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, Merino ram semen traits are lowly heritable (0.071-0.139), and thus may be improved by selective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie J Hodge
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Apiam Animal Health, Apiam Genetic Services, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Saldana
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, a Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | | | - Cyril P Stephen
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Sameer D Pant
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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7
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Yu G, Wang C, Wang Y. Genetic parameter analysis of reproductive traits in Large White pigs. Anim Biosci 2022; 35:1649-1655. [PMID: 36108704 PMCID: PMC9659455 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to determine the genetic parameters for reproductive traits among Large White pigs, including the following traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), litter birth weight (LBW), average birth weight (ABW), gestation length (GL), age at first service (AFS) and age at first farrowing (AFF). METHODS The dataset consisted of 19,036 reproductive records from 4,986 sows, and a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate genetic variance components of seven reproductive traits. RESULTS The heritability estimates for these reproductive traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.26, with the highest heritability for GL and AFF, and the lowest heritability for NBA. The repeatabilities for TNB, NBA, LWB, ABW, and GL were ranged from 0.16 to 0.34. Genetic and phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.41 to 0.99, and -0.34 to 0.98, respectively. In particular, the correlations between TNB, NBA and LBW, between AFS and AFF, exhibited a strong positive correlation. Furthermore, for TNB, NBA, LBW, ABW, and GL, genetic correlations of the same trait between different parities were moderately to strongly correlated (0.32 to 0.97), and the correlations of adjacent parities were higher than those of nonadjacent parities. CONCLUSION All the results in the present study can be used as a basis for the genetic assessment of the target population. In the formulation of dam line selection index, AFS or AFF can be considered to combine with TNB in a multiple trait swine breeding value estimation system. Moreover, breeders are encouraged to increase the proportion of sows at parity 3-5 and reinforce the management of sows at parity 1 and parity ≥8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Chuduan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China
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Gonzalez‐Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Effect of season, genetic line and temperature during transport on sperm motility of commercial insemination doses of pooled boar semen: a retrospective study. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1363-1374. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez‐Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
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Ogawa S, Kimata M, Tomiyama M, Satoh M. Heritability and genetic correlation estimates of semen production traits with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6535633. [PMID: 35201314 PMCID: PMC9030147 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated heritabilities of semen production traits and their genetic correlations with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Semen production traits were semen volume, sperm concentration, proportion of morphologically normal sperms, total number of sperm, and total number of morphologically normal sperm. Litter traits at farrowing were total number born, number born alive, number stillborn, total litter weight at birth, mean litter weight at birth, and piglet survival rate at birth. Litter traits at weaning were litter size at weaning, total litter weight at weaning, mean litter weight at weaning, and piglet survival rate from birth to weaning. Pork production traits were average daily gain, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. We analyzed 45,913 semen collection records of 896 boars, 6,950 farrowing performance records of 1,400 sows, 2,237 weaning performance records of 586 sows, and individual growth performance records of 9,550 animals measured at approximately 5 mo of age. Heritabilities were estimated using a single-trait animal model. Genetic correlations were estimated using a 2-trait animal model. Estimated heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of estimated genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme. Genetic parameters of 5 semen production traits, 10 litter traits, and 3 pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs was estimated. Heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ogawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - M Kimata
- CIMCO Corporation, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
| | - M Tomiyama
- CIMCO Corporation, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
| | - M Satoh
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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Hong Y, Yan L, He X, Wu D, Ye J, Cai G, Liu D, Wu Z, Tan C. Estimates of Variance Components and Heritability Using Random Regression Models for Semen Traits in Boars. Front Genet 2022; 13:805651. [PMID: 35186033 PMCID: PMC8854859 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.805651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proven that the random regression model has a great advantage over the repeatability model in longitudinal data analysis. At present, the random regression model has been used as a standard analysis method in longitudinal data analysis. The aim of this study was to estimate the variance components and heritability of semen traits over the reproductive lifetime of boars. The study data, including 124,941 records from 3,366 boars, were collected from seven boar AI centers in South China between 2010 and 2019. To evaluate alternative models, we compared different polynomial orders of fixed, additive, and permanent environment effects in total 216 models using Bayesian Information Criterions. The result indicated that the best model always has higher-order polynomials of permanent environment effect and lower-order polynomials of fixed effect and additive effect regression. In Landrace boars, the heritabilities ranged from 0.18 to 0.28, 0.06 to 0.43, 0.03 to 0.14, and 0.05 to 0.24 for semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm percentage, respectively. In Large White boars, the heritabilities ranged from 0.20 to 0.26, 0.07 to 0.15, 0.10 to 0.23, and 0.06 to 0.34 for semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm percentage, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Hong
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Limin Yan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Dan Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Jian Ye
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenfang Wu, ; Cheng Tan,
| | - Cheng Tan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, WENS Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenfang Wu, ; Cheng Tan,
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11
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Caamaño JN, Tamargo C, Parrilla I, Martínez-Pastor F, Padilla L, Salman A, Fueyo C, Fernández Á, Merino MJ, Iglesias T, Hidalgo CO. Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071885. [PMID: 34202862 PMCID: PMC8300257 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genetic resource banks were created to preserve the genetic material of endangered, rare, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Sperm cryopreservation is a practical and widespread strategy to preserve these genetic materials. This study aimed to characterize the frozen-thawed sperm of the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta, considering the effects of boar age and season of semen collection on post-thaw sperm quality. We found that the boar age did not have a significant effect on the sperm parameters assessed. However, the season significantly affected many of these parameters (motility, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity). In general, sperm samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. Our findings demonstrated that the post-thawing sperm quality of Gochu Asturcelta was in the range of results for commercial breeds, bringing a good prospect for the use of assisted reproductive technologies in this local breed. Abstract Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Néstor Caamaño
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-98-450-2010
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (I.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (F.M.-P.); (A.S.)
- Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (I.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Amer Salman
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (F.M.-P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carmen Fueyo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Ángel Fernández
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - María José Merino
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Tania Iglesias
- Unidad de Consultoría Estadística, Universidad de Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain;
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
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Shi J, Tan B, Luo L, Li Z, Hong L, Yang J, Cai G, Zheng E, Wu Z, Gu T. Assessment of the Growth and Reproductive Performance of Cloned Pietrain Boars. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2053. [PMID: 33171943 PMCID: PMC7694642 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
How to maximize the use of the genetic merits of the high-ranking boars (also called superior ones) is a considerable question in the pig breeding industry, considering the money and time spent on selection. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is one of the potential ways to answer the question, which can be applied to produce clones with genetic resources of superior boar for the production of commercial pigs. For practical application, it is essential to investigate whether the clones and their progeny keep behaving better than the "normal boars", considering that in vitro culture and transfer manipulation would cause a series of harmful effects to the development of clones. In this study, 59,061 cloned embryos were transferred into 250 recipient sows to produce the clones of superior Pietrain boars. The growth performance of 12 clones and 36 non-clones and the semen quality of 19 clones and 28 non-clones were compared. The reproductive performance of 21 clones and 25 non-clones were also tested. Furthermore, we made a comparison in the growth performance between 466 progeny of the clones and 822 progeny of the non-clones. Our results showed that no significant difference in semen quality and reproductive performance was observed between the clones and the non-clones, although the clones grew slower and exhibited smaller body size than the non-clones. The F1 progeny of the clones showed a greater growth rate than the non-clones. Our results demonstrated through the large animal population showed that SCNT manipulation resulted in a low growth rate and small body size, but the clones could normally produce F1 progeny with excellent growth traits to bring more economic benefits. Therefore, SCNT could be effective in enlarging the merit genetics of the superior boars and increasing the economic benefits in pig reproduction and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsong Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu 527300, China;
| | - Baohua Tan
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Lvhua Luo
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu 527300, China;
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu 527300, China;
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu 527300, China;
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.S.); (B.T.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (J.Y.); (G.C.); (E.Z.)
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Estimation of the Genetic Parameters for Semen Traits in Spanish Dairy Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121147. [PMID: 31847301 PMCID: PMC6940766 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The limited studies addressing the estimation of genetic parameters for ram semen traits in different breeds show a wide variation, highlighting the importance of studying these traits for individual breeds. Therefore, this work aimed to estimate genetic parameters for traits related to semen production and quality in five dairy sheep breeds. For that, ejaculates of rams from Assaf, Churra, Latxa Cara Negra, Latxa Cara Rubia, and Manchega breeds were analyzed. Estimates of the genetic covariance structure were obtained with multiple-trait animal models using the average information REML (restricted maximum likelihood) method in the BLUPF90 family of programs. Repeatability estimates for all the traits were also calculated. Heritability estimates were of low to moderate magnitude, although the estimates differed among the breeds. The estimated genetic correlations among the three semen traits showed adequate precision only in the Manchega (MAN) breed. The heritability estimates reported here suggest that improvement of these traits may be achieved by genetic selection. Abstract This work aimed to estimate genetic parameters for traits related to semen production and quality in Spanish dairy sheep breeds. For that, ejaculates of rams from Assaf, Churra, Latxa Cara Negra, Latxa Cara Rubia, and Manchega breeds were analyzed to measure volume, semen concentration, and motility. Estimates of variance components were obtained with multiple-trait animal models using the average information REML method in the BLUPF90 family of programs. Repeatability estimates for all the traits were also calculated, with values ranging from 0.077 to 0.304 for the motility and the semen concentration traits, respectively. Heritability estimates were of low to moderate magnitude, ranging from 0.014 (motility in Latxa Cara Rubia) to 0.198 (volume in Churra), although the estimates differed among the breeds. The estimated genetic correlations among the three semen traits showed adequate precision only in the MAN breed. The heritability estimates for the semen traits reported in the present paper suggest an adequate response to selection. The practical extension of these results to the other breeds studied here will be secondary to the estimation of more reliable genetic correlations in these breeds.
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