Effects of long-term treatment with the GnrH agonist deslorelin (Suprelorin®) on sexual function in boars

Abstract

Immunization against GnRH has been proven effective for boar taint removal, and long-term treatment with GnRH analogues has been shown to suppress GnRH dependent reproductive processes in several species. This study was conducted to treat boars (n = 5) with Suprelorin®, i.e., an implant that contains 4.7 mg of the long-acting GnRH analogue deslorelin, and to test the effects on sexual function. Insertion of the implant occurred at the age of 5 weeks and animals were observed until market age at 26–27 weeks. Surgically castrated (n = 4) and intact boars (n = 3) served as controls. Testes growth was markedly reduced and steroidogenesis (testosterone, estrone, estrone sulphate, estradiol 17β) as well as spermatogenesis suppressed in 4 of 5 GnRH treated boars, respectively. The remaining fifth boar resumed testes growth after week 17 of age and had high hormone concentrations when tested at weeks 26 and 27. Restoration of spermatogenesis was observed at 34 weeks of age. There were no effects of treatment on general health, nor were there local inflammatory reactions. Results indicate that suppression of sexual functions in boars due to long-term treatment with the GnRH agonist deslorelin through an implant such as Suprelorin® is possible and can last for several months up to market age; thus it has potential as an alternative to other methods used for boar taint removal. Because the maximum duration of suppression seems to vary between boars, further studies are necessary to refine the treatment.