Correlation between the sperm characteristics evaluated by a computerized system (CASA) and the reproductive performance of sows

Karen Martins Leão,Francisco Ribeiro De Araújo Neto,Leidiane Gonçalves Fernandes,Emanuelle Maria Gottardi,Thaisa Campos Marques

doi:10.33448/rsd-v9i6.3389

Karen Martins Leão, Francisco Ribeiro De Araújo Neto + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i6.3389

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Abstract

Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems have been one the most used tools to evaluate sperm kinetics. The objective of this research was to estimate the correlation between sperm motility characteristics evaluated by CASA during 72 hours of cooling with the farrowing rate (FR) and total number of piglets born (TNB) after artificial insemination. Multiparous sows (n=464) were inseminated with semen from seven boars (19.6 ± 1.3 ejaculates/male). Sperm motility parameters were determined immediately after dilution and after 24, 48 and 72 hours of cooling at 15°C: total motility (TM-%), progressive motility (PM-%), curvilinear velocity (VCL-μm/s), straight line velocity (VSL-μm/s), average path velocity (VAP-µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH-µm), flagellar beat cross frequency (BCF-Hz), straightness (STR-%) and linearity (LIN-%). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to analyze the data and the comparison of the means of the sperm characteristics between the boars was done by Tukey’s test at 5% probability. TM and PM at time zero (T0) were significant and had a moderate to high correlation with FR and TNB. After 72 hours of refrigeration, the semen quality was reduced and showed a significant and low correlation of the TM and PM with these same parameters. The boar presenting the lowest value of TM and PM after dilution obtained lower FR and TNB. In conclusion, computer-assisted semen analysis soon after dilution can be used to predict fertility of boars.

Highlights

The breeder fertility can be affected by several factors, such as factors inherent to sperm production, ejaculate processing in the laboratory, genetic factors and factors related to matrix quality and insemination process (Kummer, et al, 2013)
The main finding of this study was that the fertility of boars can be effectively predicted by means of computer-assisted semen analysis soon after dilution
The Pearson correlation coefficient in the present study revealed that, after dilution (T0), total motility (TM) and PM parameters presented highly significant moderate to high correlation with the farrowing rate and the total number of piglets born (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The breeder fertility can be affected by several factors, such as factors inherent to sperm production, ejaculate processing in the laboratory, genetic factors and factors related to matrix quality and insemination process (Kummer, et al, 2013) This is a quantitative, experimental and applied research with explanatory purpose. Seven boars of PIC® (PIC, Hendersonville, TN, USA) with an average age (±standard deviation) of 11 ± 1 month of age, kept in the AIC of BRF S.A. were housed in individual cages in a shed with controlled average temperature (±standard deviation) of 23 ± 5°C, receiving water ad libitum and corn-soy diet formulated to meet specific nutritional needs for reproduction (13.5% crude protein and 3210 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg), according. Females had access to water ad libitum and were fed a corn-soy diet formulated to meet nutritional needs during reproduction, gestation and lactation (13.5% crude protein and 3210 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg)

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