GRM8 GENE POLYMORPHISM AND STALLION SPERM QUALITY

Abstract

Genome-Wide Association Studies fertility will allow further selection of animals at the genomic level, and genomic selection will allow the selection of animals with good spermatogenesis at an early age. After our GWAS, several candidate genes associated with stallion sperm quality were identified. One of these genes was the GRM8 gene. In the course of Sanger sequencing studies, four SNPs were identified in the exon of the GRM8 gene and their association with the quality of stallion sperm was carried out. For the rs1138419111 genotype, no significant differences were found in the studied parameters. According to the identified single nucleotide substitution rs1147388106, the largest volume of ejaculate was in stallions with the GG genotype. According to SNP rs395286150, stallions with the heterozygous CT genotype had the best sperm quality. Analysis of data on the SNP rs394524550 revealed a significant effect of the genotype on progressive motility. Three of the four SNPs identified in the exon of the GRM8 gene are significantly associated with such indicators of stallion sperm quality as ejaculate volume, concentration, and progressive motility. Project of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 121052600354-7.