The micro-RNA content of unsorted cryopreserved bovine sperm and its relation to the fertility of sperm after sex-sorting

Abstract Background The use of sex-sorted sperm in cattle assisted reproduction is constantly increasing. However, fertility can substantially differ between unsorted (conventional) and semen batches the same sire. Sperm microRNAs (miRNA) have been suggested as promising biomarkers bull last years. In this study, we hypothesized that miRNA profile cryopreserved conventional related to after artificial insemination with X-bearing sperm. For purpose, analyzed 18 samples obtained from nine high- (HF) low-fertility (LF) bulls were contemporaneously used produce batches. annual 56-day non-return rate for each type (NRR conv NRR ss , respectively) was recorded bull. Results total, 85 miRNAs detected. MiR-34b-3p miR-100-5p two most highly expressed their relative abundance reaching 30% total. MiR-10a-5p miR-9-5p differentially LF HF (false discovery < 10%). expression levels miR-9-5p, miR-34c, miR-423-5p, miR-449a, miR-5193-5p, miR-1246, miR-2483-5p, miR-92a, miR-21–5p significantly correlated but not . Based on robust regression analysis, miR-7859 miR-342 showed highest contribution prediction Conclusions A set detected conventionally produced linked fertilizing potential bovine sex-sorting. These should be further evaluated a sire’s suitability production