FSHR gene polymorphism and its association to reproductive traits in Friesian Holstein cattle

Abstract Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) is a receptor for FSH, a hormone that stimulates reproductive cells in both male and female animals. Polymorphisms in the FSHR gene may impair cattle reproduction performance, reducing reproductive efficiency. This study aims to look into FSHR genetic variation and how it affects reproductive performance in Friesian Holstein (FH) dairy cattle. A total of 26 blood samples were collected from female FH for DNA analysis, followed by data collection on reproductive traits such as postpartum mating (PPM; days), calving interval (CI; months), and services per conception (SC). Alu I was used as an enzyme restriction in PCR-RFLP to determine the FSHR genotype. The results show three genotypes: CG (highest frequency), CC, and GG, with Hardy-Weinberg analysis indicating that the population is in equilibrium. All reported reproductive traits showed no significant association with FSHR genotypes. Although not statistically significant, the GG genotype performs better in PPM and CI. Meanwhile, the CC genotype has the lowest SC among the genotypes. It is concluded that the FSHR gene may be used as a genetic marker in the reproduction performance of FH dairy cattle.