Abstract
Consistent estimates of boar fertility potential from objective semen evaluation could be a valuable tool for boar selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate semen characteristics of Kolbroek and Large White boars following computer aided sperm analysis® (CASA). Eight ejaculates were collected separately from individual Kolbroek (n = 4) and Large White (n = 4) boars using the gloved-hand technique. Following semen collection, semen was evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the differences between the breeds (P<0.05). The bodyweight of Kolbroek (154.7 ± 8.5) was significantly lower compared to Large White (189.9 ± 7.7) boar. There was also a positive correlation between bodyweight and semen volume of both Kolbroek (r = 0.2197) and Large White (r = 0.2577) boar. However, no significant differences were observed in Kolbroek and Large White boar semen volume (140 and 170 ml), sperm concentration (0.727 and 0.761 × 109 sperm cell/ml), pH (7.0 and 7.0), total motility (95 and 91%) and morphology (84 and 82%). In conclusion, the bodyweight of Kolbroek and Large White boar was positively correlated with ejaculated semen volume. Sperm characteristics of both Kolbroek and Large White boar were similar. Sperm class analyser® provided a precise and more objective information of sperm motility characteristics. Key words: Sperm, Large White, Kolbroek, motility rate, boar.
Highlights
Large White is the most popular exotic breed in South Africa (ARC, 1993) due to their superior fertility and growth rate (Ncube et al, 2003)
This study demonstrates that the bodyweight of Kolbroek (154.7 ± 8.5) was significantly lower compared to Large White (189.9 ± 7.7) boar
The bodyweight of Kolbroek and Large White boar was positively correlated with ejaculated semen volume
Summary
Large White is the most popular exotic breed in South Africa (ARC, 1993) due to their superior fertility and growth rate (Ncube et al, 2003). Their high nutrient requirements and intensive management systems make them unsuitable for resource-poor rural farmers and harsh environmental conditions. A recent survey indicated a catastrophic collapse in the population of South African indigenous germplasm (FAO, 2007) This collapse was attributed among others to unplanned breeding, crossbreeding and introduction of exotic germplasm (Scholtz, 2005). Mating and crossbreeding are largely unsupervised leaving these breeds vulnerable to inbreeding and uncontrolled genetic
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