Abstract
ABSTRACT: Understanding the flow of processes in swine production systems and how they work is fundamental to improving reproductive performance. We surveyed 32 boar studs in Brazil, representing 61.53% of the total in the country. Commercial lines were the most common breed (59.38%) used in the studs. Individual pens and stalls were the most commonly used as housing system (71.9%), and 81.25% of the studs reported having some form of thermal control system. For most of the studs (62.51%), average weekly sperm concentration was higher than 200 million cells per mL. Also, for most studs (71.88%) average weekly ejaculate volume was more than 250 mL. In 46.88% of the studs each ejaculate yielded 26 to 40 semen doses. In 6.25% of the studs, 3.5 billion sperm cells per dose were used for artificial, intracervical insemination. Sperm concentration in 46.88% of the studs was determined using a computer-assisted system analysis. The assessment of sperm quality was conducted using morphology, concentration, and microbiological testing. Employees working on semen collection had formal education of elementary/middle school (34.38%) and high school (37.5%). Most of the laboratory technicians had frequented high school (75%). The most time-consuming task was semen processing, taking 16 to 25 h a week (46.8%) and 6 to 10 h was allotted for the cleaning of stud facilities (46.8%). The data collected in the present study allow greater knowledge of this important part in the pig production chain in Brazil.
Highlights
Pork production in Brazil is one of the most important sectors of economy and the country is the fourth biggest exporter worldwide (ABPA, 2018)
Artificial insemination (AI) is commonly used in the swine production system in Brazil (BORTOLOZZO et al, 2015), and estimates indicate that approximately 9.5 million semen doses are produced per year (BENNEMANN et al, 2018)
A questionnaire created using Survey MonkeyTM software was sent to managers from boar studs registered at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) in Brazil
Summary
Pork production in Brazil is one of the most important sectors of economy and the country is the fourth biggest exporter worldwide (ABPA, 2018). Artificial insemination (AI) is commonly used in the swine production system in Brazil (BORTOLOZZO et al, 2015), and estimates indicate that approximately 9.5 million semen doses are produced per year (BENNEMANN et al, 2018). There is substantial variability in the reproductive performance of sows. This variation can be attributed to a number of factors such as the health of the inseminated sow (VARGAS et al, 2009), time of insemination (BORTOLOZZO et al, 2005) and the quality semen doses (SCHULZE et al 2015; POPWELL and FLOWERS, 2004). The reproductive management of females is widespread and has been extensively researched.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
