Abstract
BackgroundN-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used in reproduction, yet few studies have addressed the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on boar reproduction. The present study aimed to determine the effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on the reproductive performance ofn breeding boars. Thirty-two boars with body weights of 15.0 ± 1.4 kg were divided into four treatments (C, T1, T2, T3) and fed diets with different n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (29.06:1, 20.07:1, 1:1, 1:17.96, respectively) for 174 days.ResultsThe highest testis index was observed for treatment T2. Sperm density and total sperm number per ejaculate in the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those in all other treatments, whereas the sperm deformity rate was the lowest. Interestingly, the fatty acid compositions and ratios of sperm were consistent with dietary treatments. Acid phosphatase and fructose concentration of seminal plasma, and the total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase of sperm in T2 were higher than those in other treatments. The concentration of testosterone and prostaglandin E2 increased in boars fed on diets supplemented with fatty acids as compared with boars subjected to the C grouptreatment, reaching a peak at n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios of 1:1. Furthermore, higher expression of Δ6-fatty acid desaturase and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α in spermatozoa of the T2 treatment were observed, indicating more vigorous metabolism and intensive hormonal regulation.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the ideal n-6/n-3 ratio in the diet of breeding boars is 1:1, and proper balancing of n-6/n-3 fatty acids plays an important role in male reproduction.
Highlights
N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used in reproduction, yet few studies have addressed the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on boar reproduction
There were no significant differences in bodyweight between boars at the beginning of the experiment, nor in average body weight gain or food intake
Discussion there are some reports that fatty acid supplementation may improve the reproduction of human and animal males [9, 32, 33], little research has been done to study the effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio before sexual maturity on male reproduction and semen quality
Summary
N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used in reproduction, yet few studies have addressed the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on boar reproduction. Intake of different types and sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been shown to change the fatty acid composition of animal sperm and affect sperm quality [2,3,4]. The few studies published to-date regarding the effects of PUFA on human and animal male reproduction have reported divergent findings. Fish oil (rich in n-3 PUFA) has been shown to alter sperm structure and penetration resistance, and to increase sperm number [9] and antioxidant capacity [10]. Some studies report no effect of fish oil on sperm quality [11, 12]. Different oils have different fatty acid compositions, and we hypothesize that the
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