Freemartinism in females born from heterosexual multiple pregnancies is characterized by the presence of XX/XY cell lines due to the formation of a shared blood system by anastomoses between fetal membranes of co-twins and leads to disturbed development of the reproductive system, including infertility. The aim of this study was to estimate the most precise and effective diagnostic method, especially useful for early identification of freemartinism in young female calves. The cytomolecular evaluation results of 24 Holstein-Friesian heifers from heterosexual twins was verified by molecular techniques: PCR, short tandem repeats (STRs), and relative quantitative PCR. The molecular analyses have been found to be a more efficient testing strategy, with a higher diagnostic success rate than karyotype evaluation. In 21 heifers, leucocyte chimerism determined by the 60, XX/60, XY karyotype was revealed-the proportion of the 60, XY male cell line in individual animals was in the range of 4-66%. In three cases, a normal karyotype 60, XX was identified, which indicates that anastomoses did not occur in 12.5% of studied twins and suggests that these potentially fertile heifers can be qualified for further breeding. The precise and early identification of freemartinism can be the basis for guidelines and selection recommendations concerning the reproductive performance of heifers born from heterosexual multiple pregnancies.
Keywords: Polish Holstein-Friesian breed; cytomolecular diagnostics; freemartinism.