Pena, Santiago T., Gummow, Bruce, Parker, Anthony J., and Paris, Damien B.B.P. (2017) Boar sperm DNA damage induced by tropical heat stress can be alleviated using antioxidants. In: [Presented at the CBMDT & CBTID 2017 Annual Scientific Retreat]. From: Centre for Biodiversity & Molecular Development of Therapeutics and the Centre for Biosecurity and Tropical Infectious Diseases 2017 Annual Scientific Retreat, 8-9 September 2017, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Seasonal heat stress is known to significantly diminish reproductive performance in pigs, particularly in the tropics, costing the industry millions in annual loses. The boar's reduced capacity to sweat, non-pendulous scrotum, and widespread use of European breeds in the tropics, makes this species particularly vulnerable to heat stress. While traditionally considered a sow problem, recent mouse studies demonstrate that heat stress-induced sperm DNA damage can result in arrested development and loss of early embryos. Our study investigated the impact of tropical summer heat stress on the quality and DNA integrity of boar sperm, and trialled antioxidant supplementation to alleviate the problem. Motility of sperm obtained from n = 5 Large White boars housed in the dry tropics of Townsville, North Queensland, Australia was characterized by Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis but did not differ between summer, winter or spring (total motility: 71.3 ± 8.1 vs. 90.2 ± 4.2 vs. 70.8 ± 5.5% respectively, P > 0.05; progressive motility: 35.4 ± 7.0 vs. 46.6 ± 4.0 vs. 41.7 ± 2.8% respectively, P > 0.05). Sperm DNA integrity in 20,000 sperm/boar/season, evaluated using TUNEL and flow cytometry, revealed 16-fold more DNA damaged sperm in summer than winter, and nearly 9-fold more than spring (16.1 ± 4.8 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5% respectively, P ≤ 0.05). However, boar feed supplemented with 100g/boar/day of proprietary custom-made antioxidants during summer significantly reduced sperm DNA damage to 9.9 ± 4.5% and 7.2 ± 1.6% (P ≤ 0.05) after 42 and 84 days treatment respectively. Total and progressive motility were not altered by the supplement. In summary, sperm DNA integrity is compromised in boars during summer, suggesting boar factors may contribute to seasonal embryo loss in sows. Moreover, such damage appears undetectable using traditional measures of sperm motility. Antioxidant supplementation during summer appears to mitigate the negative impact of heat stress on sperm DNA integrity.

Item ID:	54258
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	antioxidant, boar, summer infertility; DNA damage, sperm, infertility
Date Deposited:	17 Jul 2018 23:52
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0606 Physiology > 060602 Animal Physiology - Cell @ 25% 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology > 060103 Cell Development, Proliferation and Death @ 25% 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0702 Animal Production > 070206 Animal Reproduction @ 50%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8303 Livestock Raising > 830308 Pigs @ 50% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970107 Expanding Knowledge in the Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences @ 20% 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9603 Climate and Climate Change > 960302 Climate Change Mitigation Strategies @ 30%
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