Abstract
Abstract. The objective of this study was to examine semen quality parameters for the Přeštice black-pied breed over a test period of 8 years while considering the potential effects of collection month and boar age. Ninety-nine ejaculates were collected using the gloved-hand technique from healthy and fertile mature boars from selected farms. Ejaculate volumes were relatively low because the boars were accustomed to natural mating. Sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (MAS), and sperm motility after 24 h of storage in Androhep extender (dilution rate 1:1.5) were assessed. Significant differences were found in sperm concentration and MAS rate in relation to collection months and boar age in the monitored years (P<0.05). A tendency for MAS to increase with monitored years was observed. Significant differences in sperm motility and motility after 24 h of storage were only observed in relation to collection months (P<0.05). Results of this study detected effects due to collection month and boar age on boar semen quality during the monitored years.
Highlights
Reproduction plays a key role in the successful production of farm animals (Omelka et al 2006)
Genetic markers in association with reproduction traits (Horák et al 2004, Horák et al 2005) and gene polymorphisms associated with meat performance traits (Zrůstová et al 2009) have been studied, but until recently semen quality had not been evaluated
The overall quality of boars semen included into this study can be characterized as follows: semen volume 196.12±68.85 ml, sperm motility 78.79±9.90 %, sperm concentration 472.39±200.19×103/mm3, morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (MAS) 23.20±20.53 %, and sperm motility after 24 h of storage 69.14±11.74 % (Table 1)
Summary
Reproduction plays a key role in the successful production of farm animals (Omelka et al 2006). In the Czech Republic the Přeštice black-pied pig was included in 1992 into the programme for maintaining livestock genetic resources Because their populations are less influenced by intensive selection in comparison to commercial hybrid lines, farm animals represent a very interesting area for research. The Přeštice black-pied pig is our national breed and probably originates from crossing of the Old-Bohemian Bristled pig and the Bavarian pig breed in Western Bohemia (in the area of Přeštice, Klatovy & Domažlice) during the second half of the 19th century The importance of this breed lies in its genes that provide excellent reproduction performance, adaptability, rather easy care, good vitality, and resistance to diseases (Lustyková et al 2008) This breed’s disadvantages include relatively high back-fat thickness, lower percentage of lean muscle, and poorer feed conversion. The objective of this study, conducted over a test period from 2001 to 2009, was to examine the semen quality parameters of the Přeštice black-pied breed while taking into account the potential effects of collection month and boar age
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