Abstract
Abstract. Studies were conducted on 190 ejaculates collected from 16 Large White Polish boars, 7-8 months old. In order to examine spermatozoa morphology, an ejaculate sample was taken from boar monthly microscopic slides were prepared. In each preparation morphometric measurements were taken of fifteen randomly selected spermatozoa, using a computer image analysis software (Screen Measurement v. 4.1), to determine basic sperm dimensions and morphology parameters. Moreover, evaluation of frequency of spermatozoa morphological abnormalities was made. It was found that boar age was associated with sperm dimensions and shape. As boars grew older, sperm length, width and head area increased. However, young boars, under 11 months old, had slightly longer spermatozoa than older boars, in terms of both the length of the whole spermatozoon and the length of the flagellum. The spermatozoa’s morphological build indicators show that boars aged 16 months approx possess semen that is characterised by an elongated head. This assertion is based on the proportions between the head’s width and its length. This proportion proved to be smaller when compared to that present in the sperm of boars over the age of 17 months (P≤0.01).
Highlights
In Polish animal fertilization centres, boars begin to be utilized at 7-8 months of age
Juvenile boars continue to develop sexually even if they reach the age when they attain sexual maturity as indicated by changing sperm dimensions and shape of Large White Polish boars examined in the present study
Boar sperm heads lengthened and widened until 2 years of age, the finding similar to the studies by Kondracki et al (2005) who have reported that sexually mature males of domestic pig have spermatozoa with larger heads compared with young boars
Summary
In Polish animal fertilization centres, boars begin to be utilized at 7-8 months of age. Developmental abnormalities may be linked to factors associated with disturbed spermatogenesis, environmental factors or personal predisposition of a male to produce semen with poorer quality They can be a result of a male’s carrying genetic mutations. Male age is one of significant causes of variation in spermatozoa morphology and morphometric dimensions Such a Banaszewska et al.: Effect of age on the dimensions and shape of spermatozoa of Large White Polish boars relationship has been deduced based on results of research demonstrating differences in sperm dimensions resulting from a male’s age (Gregor & Hardge 1995, Kondracki et al 2005, Quintero-Moreno et al 2009). The present work is an attempt to evaluate the influence the age of Large White Polish boars has on morphometric characteristics of spermatozoa in their ejaculates
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