Semen characteristics, freezability, and application of motility-based protein markers (proAKAP4) in assessing the suitability of superior Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus) at the Regional AI Center

• Published in: Reproduction and breeding 2024-12, Vol.4 (4), p.279-286
• Main Authors: Kudratullah, Arifiantini, Raden Iis, Yuliani, Enny, Pardede, Berlin Pandapotan, Said, Syahruddin, Purwantara, Bambang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bali bull; proAKAP4; Protein marker; Semen characteristics; Sperm motility
• ISSN: 2667-0712; 2667-0712
• DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2024.09.005

The use of molecular markers in selecting superior bulls, including Bali bulls, for the AI program will significantly increase reproductive efficiency and affect the economic aspects of several countries, especially in the livestock industry sector. Motility-based protein markers, proAKAP4, as one of the molecular markers that have recently been developed in the breeding industry, are expected to be applied and used at AI centers in Indonesia to optimize the use of superior Bali bulls, which are also supported by various semen and freezability characteristics. Using all Bali bulls from the Regional AI center in one of the provinces in Indonesia, this study divided the bulls into motility grade A and motility grade B groups. The collected semen is tested using various methods based on the literature, including fresh and frozen semen and sperm freezability. The proAKAP4 was quantified using the Bull 4MID® Kit with ELISA. The characteristics of fresh semen were significantly different (P  0.05). The frozen semen characteristics were significantly different (P  0.05) in the freezability characteristics of Bali bull sperm. ProAKAP4 was significantly (P