Genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for traits of raw and frozen-thawed semen in German Warmblood stallions.
Abstract: Objectives of the present study were to estimate genetic parameters for frozen-thawed semen traits of 271 fertile German Warmblood stallions and genetic correlations with raw semen quality traits. Semen samples were collected from stallions utilized for semen collection and artificial insemination (AI) on the Lower Saxon National Stud Celle and the North Rhine-Westphalian National Stud Warendorf. Semen quality variables were analyzed in 63,972 raw (gel-free volume, concentration, progressive motility, number of sperm) and 3681 frozen-thawed samples (motility, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), non-viable sperm). A multivariate linear animal model was used to estimate additive genetic and permanent environmental variances among stallions as well as estimated breeding values (EBVs) for all semen traits. Heritability estimates were greatest for DFI (h2 = 0.45) and least for non-viable sperm counts ( h2 = 0.11). Additive genetic correlations between progressive sperm motility in raw semen and DFI (rg = -0.79) as well as non-viable sperm (rg = -0.45) were negative. The EBVs for frozen-thawed semen traits ranged from 49 to 181 with mean reliabilities of 0.28 to 0.43. The EBVs for progressively motile sperm post-thawing and DFI were the most highly correlated traits with EBVs for stallion fertility (r = 0.38 and r = -0.17). Stallions with relatively greater EBVs for progressive motility in raw semen may be most suitable when freezing semen for storage and subsequently thawing it for AI. Using EBVs for semen traits in selection of stallions to AI mares appears as an option for genetic improvement to enhance fertility after AI.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-09-23 PubMed ID: 31635785DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106194Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study aimed to estimate the genetic characteristics of semen in German Warmblood stallions, including both raw and frozen-thawed samples, and determine the correlations with fertility traits. The results showed varying heritability for different traits and suggested that using estimated breeding values (EBVs) for semen traits can help in selecting stallions for artificial insemination and improving subsequent fertility.
Context and Objectives
- The study focused on determining the genetic parameters for raw and frozen-thawed semen from German Warmblood stallions, and exploring their relationship with raw semen quality traits.
- The researchers’ primary aim was to investigate the potential for improving fertility rates through artificial insemination (AI) by better understanding these parameters.
Methodology and Findings
- Semen samples were collected from 271 fertile stallions, with nearly 64,000 raw samples, and over 3,600 frozen-thawed samples analyzed.
- Multiple quality variables were considered, such as gel-free volume, concentration, progressive motility, number of sperm, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
- According to the analysis, heritability estimates were highest for DFI (0.45) and lowest for non-viable sperm counts (0.11).
- The data showed negative additive genetic correlations between the progressive sperm motility in raw semen and both DFI (-0.79) and non-viable sperm (-0.45).
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
- EBVs for the different semen traits varied from 49 to 181, with average reliabilities ranging from 0.28 to 0.43.
- The researchers identified the highest correlations with stallion fertility in the EBVs for progressive motility post-thaw and DFI.
- Stallions that had better EBVs for progressive motility in raw semen were suggested as the most suitable for creating frozen semen stores for later AI.
Implications
- These findings have practical applications for improving AI practices, particularly for German Warmblood stallions.
- By utilizing these insights on EBVs for semen traits in stallion selection, the overall genetic improvement and fertility post-AI can be enhanced.
Cite This Article
APA
Greiser T, Sieme H, Martinsson G, Distl O.
(2019).
Genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for traits of raw and frozen-thawed semen in German Warmblood stallions.
Anim Reprod Sci, 210, 106194.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106194 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany; Unit of Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany.
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany.
- Lower Saxon National Stud Celle, Celle, Germany.
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany. Electronic address: ottmar.distl@tiho-hannover.de.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Freezing
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Semen / physiology
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Sperm Motility / physiology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Boni R, Ruggiero R, De Luca F, Serritella ML, Di Palma T, Cecchini Gualandi S. Repeatability of Selected Parameters Related to Stallion Sperm Quality and Cryotolerance. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 26;15(19).
- Gmel AI, Burger D, Neuditschko M. A Novel QTL and a Candidate Gene Are Associated with the Progressive Motility of Franches-Montagnes Stallion Spermatozoa after Thaw. Genes (Basel) 2021 Sep 25;12(10).
- Laseca N, Anaya G, Peña Z, Pirosanto Y, Molina A, Demyda Peyrás S. Impaired Reproductive Function in Equines: From Genetics to Genomics. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 3;11(2).
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