Abstract
The preservation of semen for Artificial insemination (AI) required the use of extender, which served as a buffer media to keep the sperm cell in good condition for fertilization. In this study, fluted pumpkin Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract (TOLE) potential as an unconventional boar semen extender was compared to Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), a conventional semen extender over a 48hr storage period. Aqueous solution of TOLE was prepared at three (3) concentration levels (25, 50 and 75%). Fresh ejaculates from boar were extended at (1:4) in TOLE solutions and BTS extender in a completely randomized design; treatments were replicated four (4) times. Extended semen was stored at 170C and evaluated for semen qualities which include pH, dead/live ratio (%) and sperm cell concentration at time intervals (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48) hrs. Extended semen was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by semen extenders and storage periods for pH, and dead/live ratio (%) but sperm cell concentration (103/cm3) not (P > 0.05) affected. The pH values for BTS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to TOLE extenders. 75% TOLE extender had highest value (43.89%), and BTS had lowest value (12.15%) for dead/live ratio significantly (P < 0.05). The pH and dead/live ratio (%) values increased over storage time in all extender. The optimum performance of TOLE as compared to BTS extender was recorded at 50% concentration of TOLE extender. TOLE showed a potential as boar semen extender, but further studies are required to validate and improve its application.
Highlights
Swine farming in sub-Saharan Africa is faced with challenges which include nutrition, health management and breeding
The need to sustain existence of good breeds has led to importation of pigs from other continents a procedure since replaced by artificial insemination (AI)
Processing of aqueous Telfairia occidentalis leaf extracts (TOLE) Fresh leaves were harvested from matured stems at onset of flower emergence
Summary
Swine farming in sub-Saharan Africa is faced with challenges which include nutrition, health management and breeding. The need to sustain existence of good breeds has led to importation of pigs from other continents a procedure since replaced by artificial insemination (AI). Artificial insemination (AI) techniques enhance production rates and carcass homogeneity as well as the application of new management systems; have increased in the last decade. An important aspect of AI that has facilitated its wide application is storage of semen for subsequent use. The seminal plasma supplies the necessary nutrients for the high metabolic demands of sperm transport through the female genital tract. In the ejaculate, this high metabolic activity can only be maintained over a limited period (Rijsselaere et al, 2012). The proportion of spermatozoa that maintain normal membrane integrity, ultrastructure and biochemical components decreases (Johnson et al, 2006)
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