<div>Background: The study was undertaken to assess the association of genetic polymorphisms in reproductive trait-related genes (ESR2, COX2 and PLCz) with semen quality and fertility in Large White Yorkshire (LWY) boars. Identifying favorable genotypes can enhance reproductive efficiency through targeted genetic selection. 
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Methods: Ten LWY boars were selected and ten ejaculates from each were collected. Semen quality was evaluated immediately after collection and after 24 hours of storage at 17&deg;C in BTS extender. Preserved semen was used to inseminate 60 gilts/sows (6 per boar) and conception rate and litter size were recorded. Blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction using QIAamp Mini Kit. PCR amplification was performed using gene-specific primers for ESR2, COX2 and PLCz, followed by RFLP analysis with restriction enzymes BsrBI, FatI and Tsp509fI, respectively. 
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Result: Significant (P&lt;0.01) variation was observed among boars for sperm concentration, mass activity, conception rate and litter size. Preservation significantly reduced motility, live sperm percentage, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity. The AG genotype of ESR2 showed significantly higher motility, sperm concentration, normal sperm count, plasma membrane integrity, conception rate and litter size and lower abnormal sperm count. The AA genotype of COX2 was associated with significantly higher mass activity, live sperm count, conception rate and reduced abnormal sperm count. The PLCz locus was found to be monomorphic.</div>

Assessment of Boar Semen Quality and Fertility in Relation to Variants of Reproductive Trait Associated Genes ESR2, COX2 and PLCz

Background: Animal body color was crucial for genetics and evolution, among which albinism was the result of genetic mutations and there were multiple genetic mechanisms that impede melanin synthesis, thereby affecting animal survival. Studying the phenomenon of albinism could help deepen our understanding of the secrets of genetic and species adaptive evolution. 
 
Methods: This study utilized high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the mitochondrial genome of the albino Eothenomys eleusis Thomas 1911. The aim was to reveal its structural or compositional characteristics, phylogenetic locationand evolutionary rate. 
 
Result: The characteristic results indicated that the genome sequence (16,347 bp) contained 37 genes and a control region, with a few genes in the &ldquo;-&rdquo; chain and most genes in the &ldquo;+&rdquo; chain. The base composition and skewness of the whole genome exhibited a significant AT preference. Except for nad1 started with GTG and nad1, cox3 and nad4 ended with T (AA), most of the 13 PCGs followed standard genetic code rules. The most commonly used codons were CUA, AUCand AUA, while the relatively commonly used amino acids were Leu1, Ile and Thr. Numerous U-G mismatches were observed in the secondary structure of tRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that albino E. eleusis was closely related to normal E. eleusisand Eothenomys was a monophyletic group. Evolutionary rate analysis suggested that atp8 and nd4l had higher dN/dS mean values, while cox1 and cox2 were the opposite. In conclusion, this study not only revealed for the first time the mitochondrial genome characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of albino E. eleusis, but also provided a new scientific basis and reference direction for the genetic characteristics, diversity and adaptive evolution of Eothenomys and other albino species.

A Rare Mitochondrial Genome of Albino Eothenomys eleusis Thomas 1911 (Cricetidae: Arvicolinae) from Southeastern Yunnan, China and its phylogenetic Analysis