Association of T340C and G286A loci GnRHR gene polymorphism with sperm quality and quantity in Iranian Holstein bulls

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between G286A and T340C loci of the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) gene and sperm quality related traits in Iranian Holstein bull’s populations. Phenotypic data and blood samples were collected from 150 bulls at the Sheikh Hassan Tabriz and Jahed Karaj Breeding Centers between 1992-2014. To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of GnRHR gene, PCR-RFLP method and MboII and BspMI restriction enzymes were used for G286A and T340C loci, respectively. The T and C alleles in T340C locus and A and G alleles in G286A locus two were obtained. G (0.679) and T (0.676) alleles and TC (0.46) and GA (0.45) genotypes were the most abundant. Analysis of variance showed a significant relationship between the above candidate loci and most of the sperm traits. The results of mean comparison indicated the superiority of heterozygous GA and TC genotypes in the studied loci. This study for the first time investigated the significant relationship of GnRHR gene with sperm-related traits in Iranian Holstein population. However, further research is needed.