Genetic analysis for semen quality traits in buffalo bulls

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Semen quality is crucial for successful artificial insemination and breeding programs in livestock.
• Understanding the genetic basis of semen traits in buffalo bulls is essential for improving breeding efficiency.
• Murrah buffalo bulls are a key genetic resource for dairy production in many regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate genetic parameters for various semen quality traits in Murrah buffalo bulls.
• To identify semen traits with significant heritability and phenotypic correlations.
• To assess genetic trends in semen quality and their implications for breeding programs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 10,975 ejaculates from 45 Murrah buffalo bulls (24-72 months old) collected between 2010 and 2020.
• Evaluation of semen quality traits including ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, and sperm numbers.
• Estimation of heritability, phenotypic correlations, and genetic trends for the studied traits.

Main Results:

• Average ejaculate volume was 2.82 mL and sperm concentration averaged 1040.12 million/mL.
• Higher heritability was observed for sperm number per ejaculate, motile sperm number, and sperm concentration.
• Significant phenotypic correlations were found between ejaculate volume and sperm numbers, and between sperm concentration and sperm numbers.

Conclusions:

• Genetic parameters for semen traits are valuable for selecting superior Murrah buffalo bulls in breeding programs.
• Traits like sperm number and concentration exhibit significant heritability, making them amenable to genetic improvement.
• Estimated genetic trends indicate potential for improving ejaculate volume and motile sperm numbers through selective breeding.