Correlation of sperm parameters with fertility in two commercial pig lines

ABSTRACT

Background: One of the most important parameters to be considered in the assessment of male fertility or in the evaluation of methods to preserve sperm cells is the study of sperm viability. Considering that semen quality is of great importance for artificial insemination AI) in sows and for the production of an optimal number of piglets, complementary test results can be correlated with the number of piglets born after AI. The present study aimed to characterise the seminal pattern of breeding boars from two commercial lines and to correlate this pattern with the prolificacy of sows.Materials, Methods & Results: The reproductive performance of four boars from two commercial lines (A and B) was determined by evaluating physical and morphological semen parameters and by conducting a complementary analysis of semen. Semen was subjected to the following parameters total sperm motility, sperm vigor, major sperm defects, minor sperm defects, and total sperm defects, in addition to complementary tests (supravital staining and hypoosmotic swelling tests). The semen was evaluated immediately after collection and every 12 h for up to 72 h of cold storage. A total of 163 breeding sows were inseminated. To evaluate sow prolificacy, the total number of piglets born was recorded. In general, the values obtained for the tests assessing sperm viability (particularly sperm motility and...