McPherson, F.J., Chenoweth, P.J., and Nielsen, S. (2011) Characteristics of boar semen stored at different temperatures. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 46 (Supplement 2). p. 87.

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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate storage and temperature effects on extended boar semen characteristics and fertility outcomes.

Methods: Extended semen (143 ejaculates/76 boars) were examined within 1 day of collection and after 4 days storage at 20.4 ± 0.1_C (RT) or 14.7 ± 0.2_C (CT). Fertility data (total, live, mummified, stillborn pigs) was derived from 535 inseminations (sow parity range 1–8) using same-batch semen (41/76 boars) stored at 17°C for 0–4 days at stud. Evaluations included CASA (IVOS) sperm motility (total, progressive, rapid, VCL, VAP, VSL, BCF), sperm clump score (0–3), semen pH and temperature. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA, GLM (stillbirths) and linear regressions (total born and born live) plus chi-square analysis for sow returns and farrowings. Inseminations were performed across four seasons.

Results: Initial (receiving) values were: concentration 49.3 ± 1.4 · 106/ml; temperature 18.7 ± 0.2_C; clump score 1.4 ± 0.05; pH 7.45 ± 0.02; motilities: total 57.7 ± 2.4%; progressive 29.3 ± 1.6%; rapid 43.9 ± 2.3%; VCL 154.4 ± 2.8; VAP 75.5 ± 1.6; VSL 43.5 ± 0.9; BCF 33.8 ± 0.3. Both RT and CT storage for 4 days resulted in a rise in pH (7.7 ± 0.02; p < 0.01) and similar (p < 0.01) declines in a number of motility parameters (total, progressive, rapid and BCF) as well as for VSL (p < 0.05). For CT, declines also occurred in VCL and VAP (both p < 0.01). Clump score was not influenced by storage time or temperature. The proportion of sows farrowing vs. returns was similar for semen stored for 1, 2 or 3+ days. However, storage time and season interacted with litter size (p < 0.05), as did storage time, dam line, and parity with % stillborn (both p < 0.01). Total sperm motility positively influenced % live pigs and both total and progressive motility negatively influenced % stillborn (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Storage of extended semen for 4 days at approximately 15 or 20°C resulted in similar decreases in CASA sperm motility assessments. Overall fertility was not influenced by storage time (0–4 days at 17°C). Despite this, sperm motility measures (total and progressive) influenced % live pigs and % stillborn and storage time interacted with both season and sow factors re. litter size and % stillborn. This research was made possible by financial assistance from Pork CRC Australia.

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