Exploration of Y-chromosome specific markers to discover SNP associated with sub fertility traits in dairy bulls

Abstract

The present study was designed to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Y-chromosome specific genes, namely, sex determining region, Y-encoded (SRY) and testis specific protein, Y-encoded (TSPY) vis-à-vis, detection of association between the SNP and andrological parameters (like, conception rate and per cent individual motility of semen). A total of 106 bulls, belonging to Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian crossbreds cattle), Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo, were selected based on poor reproductive performance (viz., libido, semen quality & freezability), along with some control bulls with normal andrological parameters. Single strand conformation polymorphism followed by sequencing of the different band patterns revealed only a single novel SNP (Guanine to Adenine transition) in the 4^th intron of TSPY gene in Murrah buffalo. There was no significant association between the genotypes and the andrological parameters under study. Further study, encompassing larger number of animals distributed over many farms, could reveal sizeable number of SNP and association with spermatological parameters.