Genetic analysis of semen characteristic traits in Norwegian Red bulls at the artificial insemination center

ABSTRACT Compared with cow fertility, genetic analyses of bull fertility are limited and based on relatively few animals. The aim the present study was to estimate parameters for semen characteristics Norwegian Red bulls at artificial insemination (AI) center (Geno AI station, Stange, Norway) correlations between some these traits andrology measured performance test station. data from consisted records 137,919 collections 3,145 information weight, sperm concentration, motility before after cryopreservation, change during number accepted straws made. Data station included 12,522 observations 3,219 volume, (%) when fresh storing 24 48 h. Genetic were estimated using linear animal repeatability models that fixed effects year-month observation, age bull, interaction collection number, interval all type diluter postcryopreservation traits. random test-day, permanent environmental, additive bull. Based center, we found moderately heritable (0.18–0.20), whereas had a lower heritability (0.02–0.08). Heritability higher cryopreservation than before. among ranged unfavorable (−0.35) favorable (0.93), standard errors ranging 0.02 0.22. Among most precise correlation estimates, made batch correlated favorably weight (0.62 ± 0.06) concentration (0.44 0.08), negatively (−0.33 0.09). 0.64 0.14, strong (−0.93 0.02). (standard error) their respective corresponding 0.83 (0.05), 0.78 (0.09), 0.49 (0.31). final product (number straws) genetically characteristic recorded (ranging 0.51 0.67). Our results show testing done is resource identify best production.