Fertility-associated antigen on bull sperm indicates fertility potential

A 30-kDa heparin-binding protein named fertility-associated antigen (FAA) was identified in sperm membranes of beef bulls with greater fertility potential. In a survey of 2,191 beef bulls, 88% had FAA present in sperm membranes (FAA-positive), and 12% were FAA-negative. In the first study, 54 Santa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of animal science 1998-08, Vol.76 (8), p.2032-2039
Main Authors: Bellin, M. E, Oyarzo, J. N, Hawkins, H. E, Zhang, H, Smith, R. G, Forrest, D. W, Sprott, L. R, Ax, R. L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal productions
Animal reproduction
Animals
Antigens, Surface - analysis
Antigens, Surface - metabolism
Biological and medical sciences
Cattle
Cattle - physiology
Female
Fertility
Fertility Agents
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Heparin - metabolism
Male
Membrane Glycoproteins - analysis
Membrane Glycoproteins - biosynthesis
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate
Proteins
Spermatozoa - immunology
Terrestrial animal productions
Vertebrates
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Summary:A 30-kDa heparin-binding protein named fertility-associated antigen (FAA) was identified in sperm membranes of beef bulls with greater fertility potential. In a survey of 2,191 beef bulls, 88% had FAA present in sperm membranes (FAA-positive), and 12% were FAA-negative. In the first study, 54 Santa Gertrudis and 51 Santa Cruz bulls were grouped (1 to 14 bulls per group) according to FAA profiles and were bred to 2,403 cows at ratios of 1 bull: 25 cows. Fertility for 14 groups of FAA-positive bulls averaged 88%, whereas three groups of FAA-negative bulls impregnated 79% of the cows. Thus, FAA-positive bulls were nine percentage points more (P < .01) fertile than FAA-negative bulls. In the second study, 2-yr-old Santa Cruz bulls (n = 26) were grouped according to FAA profiles and serving capacity. The fertility of the group of 12 high-serving-capacity, FAA-positive bulls was 87% of 270 cows. The group of six FAA-negative bulls with high serving capacity impregnated 78% of 143 cows. Among the groups of bulls with high serving capacity, FAA-positive bulls were nine percentage points more (P < .05) fertile than FAA-negative bulls. The group of eight FAA-positive bulls with low serving capacity impregnated the least (P < .01) percentage (69%) of 238 cows. Serving capacity of bulls should be considered when optimizing fertility potential. Among bulls with acceptable physical characteristics and serving capacity, determination of FAA profiles in sperm can be used as a tool to identify subfertile bulls.
ISSN:0021-8812
1525-3163
0021-8812
DOI:10.2527/1998.7682032x