Age Of Boars Research Articles

Frequency of Cytoplasmic Droplets Depends on the Breed and Age of Insemination Boars.

In this study an attempt was made to analyse morphological changes in sperm with particular attention to sperm with a cytoplasmic droplet, taking into account the age and breed of the boar. The material for the study consisted of ejaculates of insemination boars of five breeds. Morphological examination of sperm was carried out in 30 randomly selected boars--6 individuals from each breed. The morphology of 500 spermatozoa was evaluated in each slide. The percentage of sperm with normal morphology in the semen of the boars varied between breeds and was dependent in varying degrees on the age of the boar. The primary defects in sperm occurred more frequently in Duroc and Pietrain boars than in other breeds and were more dependent on the age of the boar. The high percentage of primary defects in the sperm of young Duroc boars was determined by the frequency of sperm cells with a proximal cytoplasmic droplet on the midpiece. A particularly high percentage of sperm cells with secondary defects was noted in the initial stage of the reproductive life of the boars. The high number of sperm cells with secondary defects noted in the semen of the Duroc and Pietrain boars and the changes occurring with age in the frequency of secondary morphological defects were mainly determined by the frequency of sperm cells with a distal protoplasmic droplet in the middle piece and to a lesser degree by that of sperm cells with a pseudodroplet.

Valutazione di indici cinegetici relativi alla caccia al cinghiale in due ambienti forestali in Toscana

The aim of this study was to analyze wild boar population dynamics using indexes related tohunting in two areas of Tuscany located in the Provinces of Pistoia and Grosseto. Ratio analysisshowed different trends in the two areas. The data on the structure of the population confirmedthe observed trends. We used a method for controlling the age of the wild boars reported byhunters, which allowed us to estimate the error of this evaluation. Harvest indexes, if detectedand corrected according to standardized methods, proved to be a good approach for wild boarmonitoring for management purposes

Survey of serum vitamin D status across stages of swine production and evaluation of supplemental bulk vitamin D premixes used in swine diets

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in pigs of different age groups, to determine if 25(OH)D concentrations varied with season, and to assess the quality of vitamin D supplements used in swine diets from multiple commercial suppliers. Serum samples (n = 1200) submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for routine surveillance were assayed for serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Vitamin D premix samples were obtained from suppliers and analyzed at two laboratories over a 9-month period. In all age categories, 25(OH)D concentrations in numerous serum samples were lower than reference values. In the nursery, finisher, and boar age categories, there was a difference between the months of January and June (P < .05), with June samples containing higher quantities of circulating 25(OH)D. Serum samples from outdoor herds had higher 25(OH)D concentrations than samples from confined pigs (P < .01). Among the supplement samples evaluated, no individual supplement had a concentration of 25(OH)D significantly lower than 500,000 IU per g. These results revealed that commercial swine may be deficient in serum vitamin D at varying times of the year, and feed-supplement concentrations may vary.

Biological characterization of Vietnamese native wild boars in central highland (Sus scrofa)

In this study, we accessed and estimated morphological characteristics of Vietnamese native wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Central Higlands. The Vietnamese native wild boars had compact body shape, compact abdorminal, long tail. The height of mature male wild boar was about 65-75 cm. The Vietnamese native wild boars had small head, long snout, small forearms and agility. The weight of mature male wild boar was about 80-100 kg. In nature, the wild boars were clustered in one group which contained 5-20 wild boars including immature wild boars, mature wild boars and aging wild boars. The mature age of The Vietnamese native wild boars was lower than other wild boars and domestic pigs that were breeding in Central Higlands. The native wild boar male were matured and able to mating at 8-10 months old. The mating season of native female wild boar was about from April to August. The mating season of wild boars in Central Highlands was at end of dry season and early rainy season. This explained for the reason why we could collect wild boars in nature at rainy season.

The age structure and sex ratio in wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations as determined by observations of free-roaming populations and by harvests of collective hunts in southern Poland

Wild boars shot during collective hunts, where there are no limitations pertaining to sex and age of the harvested animals, may properly represent the sex and age structure of the population. Thus, the objective of the presented study was to compare sex and age structures evaluated via the results of collective hunts, with those based on direct observations between December 2009 and January 2010, in the large complex of the Bory Dolnośląskie forest (BD) and in the farmland-forest mosaic of the Lasy Śląskie forest (LS). There were no significant differences between the sex and age structures of the population determined via observations and those based on harvests collected in both the BD forest and the LS forest. It was shown that the age and sex structure in the wild boar population assessed purely on the basis of observation was significantly different between the BD forest and the LS forest. The calculated differences in the age and sex structures for the wild boar harvested in the study areas were also significant. It is suggested that the age and sex structure of wild boars harvested in collective hunts should be certified by using data from direct observations of free-rooming wild boar populations.

Influences on semen traits used for selection of young AI boars

The ability to produce high-quality semen in sufficient quantity is a crucial trait of artificial insemination (AI) boars in the pig industry. Therefore, the selection process of young boars at AI centers, apart from their genetic value, should specifically take into account the quality of collected semen. The aim of the current study was to analyze factors influencing semen quality in boars ranging from 4.5 to 16.8 months of age and to demonstrate the impact of these factors on selection of AI boars. The present multi-factorial analysis includes a complete standard spermatology data set of 4611 semen samples from 3633 young boars of five different breeds. Data were obtained from one reference laboratory during the years 2002–2012. Approximately one-half of the boars were excluded from use for AI due to below-threshold values of semen quality. In this group of excluded boars was a noticeably high number of boars less than 8 months of age. Boar age and breed were identified as significant (P<0.001) factors influencing semen quality. The influence of season was marginal. Therefore, a minimum age is proposed for young boars to qualify for selection, or alternatively, age-related semen quality thresholds in young boars should be established.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae temporal trends of infection and pathological effects in wild boar populations

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is the principal etiological agent of enzootic pneumonia (EP), one of the most economically important diseases in the pig production industry worldwide. Although swine and wild boars (Sus scrofa) share susceptibility to Mhyo infection, information regarding the dynamics of Mhyo infections and pathology in wild boars is currently limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the spatiotemporal dynamics of Mhyo infections in free-living wild boars through serological ELISA testing. Additionally, the presence of EP-like gross lesions and their association with the presence of Mhyo, based on a PCR assay, were assessed. Over a period of 5 years, antibodies against Mhyo were detected in 655 (30.0 %) of the 2,177 analyzed wild boars. A generalized temporal increase of seroprevalence coupled with an increase of mean antibody titers of seropositive individuals was found. Moreover, a similar seroprevalence between age classes associated with higher antibody titers of younger individuals indicated the wild boars were infected during the early stages of their life. Out of 99 lungs tested, 43 showed EP-like lesions and 45 were PCR positive for the presence of Mhyo DNA. The lung lesion scores were related to the sex and age of the wild boars, with young individuals having higher lung scores than others, and there was a positive association with the Mhyo PCR-positive status. The temporal increase of the Mhyo seroprevalence and infection association with EP-like lesions, when coupled with the spreading of wild boar populations, raises concerns on the epidemiological role of this species.

Influence of year seasonality and boar's age on chromatin structure, apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa

Influence of year seasonality and boar's age on chromatin structure, apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa

The effect of breed, boar and season on some properties of sperm

The main objective of this study was to assess the phenotypic variability of the ejaculate volume (VOL) and progressive sperm motility (MO) under the influence of breed, boar within breed and season. The study included 555 ejaculates of Danish Landrace (DL), Danish Large White (DLW) and Danish Duroc (DD) boars. The effect of boar was analyzed within the investigated breeds. The impact of the season was investigated as the influence of the month in which the ejaculate was taken. The model included a linear regression effect of boar age when the semen was taken. Data analysis was performed using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc.., 2002-2003). Impact assessment was carried out using the GLM procedure. The impact of all factors analyzed in both sperm traits was significant to highly significant, and the observed factors largely explain the phenotypic variability VOL compared to MO. The highest values were found in VOL of DL boar (3:58 ? 164.96 ml), and the MO of boar breed DLW (85.45 ? 0.94%). Boars DD had VOL and MO below the averages of all analyzed breeds. Between boars within studied genotypes differences were established (p &lt;0.05, p &lt;0.05, p &lt;0.01 p &lt;0.001) and a boar of DLW breed compared to all tested boars had the highest volume of ejaculate sperm with progressive motility of 90.47%. Volume, or mobility varied (p &lt;0.01 or p &lt;0.05) influenced by season, and in September and October boars had ejaculates with the VOL values above average and the lowest MO. Since most VOL and MO above the annual average in June, it was possible to get the highest number of doses per ejaculate with optimal reproductive/fertile ability.

Variability of ejaculate volume and sperm motility depending on the age and intensity of utilization of boars

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age (A) and the intensity of the boars' utilization (s) on the phenotypic variability of ejaculate volume (VOL) and sperm motility (MO). The study included 274 ejaculates of Large White boars (LW). Boars were divided into six classes according the age when the ejaculate was taken (10-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-25, 26-29 and ?30 months). Semen samples were analyzed during four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The intensity of the use of boars was seen as the impact of the group (class) of intervals between two successful collections (I; ? 5 , 6, 7 , 8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-21 days). Data processing was performed using the GLM procedure using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Average values of VOL, MO, I, A, were: 178.94 ml, 90.35%, 9.37 days and 655.93 days. The effect of boars on both studied sperm traits was highly significant (p&lt;0.001). The volume of ejaculate varied under the influence of boar age (p&lt;0.001) and season (p&lt;0.01). The effect of I on VOL and MO was not significant (p&gt;0.05). Traits VOL and MO varied (p&lt;0.001) between boars which indicated the need for individual control of each of boars used for artificial insemination. The highest VOL was determined in boars at the age of 26 to 29 months, and the difference to the boars aged 10-13 months was 62.70 ml (p&lt;0.001). No statistically significant differences in regard to VOL between boars older than 17 months (from class 3 to 6) were recorded. The highest differences between winter and spring period were determined in mean values of VOL (32.15 ml; p&lt;0.01). In the winter period, boar ejaculate volume was lower than in the autumn (-26.57 ml) and the difference determined was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05).

Role for endogenous estrogen in prepubertal Sertoli cell maturation

Reducing prepubertal endogenous estrogens led to increased numbers of Sertoli cells and the associated increased testicular size and testicular sperm production capacity in boars. The increased number of Sertoli cells might be due to a longer time for proliferation; delayed differentiation of Sertoli cells during suppressed endogenous estrogens would be consistent with this hypothesized, prolonged proliferation interval. This study used immunohistochemical detection of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of immature Sertoli cells, and of CDKN1B, a cell cycle inhibitor associated with more mature Sertoli cells, to determine if suppressing endogenous estrogens detectably delayed “differentiation” of porcine Sertoli cells. Testes were from littermate pairs of boars previously treated with Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, or vehicle, from the first week of age until tissue collection at 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 months of age. Four animals were examined at each age following Letrozole treatment and their corresponding littermates evaluated following treatment with vehicle. Amount of AMH protein in Sertoli cells decreased with age of boar and could not be detected at 6 months of age. The AMH labeling was greater in the Letrozole-treated boars compared with littermate vehicle controls at 4 months of age (P=0.03). The percentage of CDKN1B-labeled Sertoli cells apparently increased with age through 5 months of age. At 4 and 5 months of age, the mean percentage of CDKN1B-labeled Sertoli cells was less in the Letrozole-treated animals than in the vehicle control animals (P=0.03 and 0.04, respectively). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that continual inhibition of aromatase (and concomitatant reduced estrogen synthesis) causes a delay in Sertoli cell maturation in boars.

The value of microscopic semen motility assessment at collection for a commercial artificial insemination center, a retrospective study on factors explaining variation in pig fertility

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between boar and semen related parameters and the variation in field fertility results. In 8 years time semen insemination doses from 110 186 ejaculates of 7429 boars were merged to fertility parameters of inseminations of 165 000 sows and these records were used for analysis. From all ejaculates boar and semen related data were recorded at the artificial insemination (AI) centers. Fertility parameters, such as farrowing rate (FR), ranging between 80.0% and 84.0%, and the total number of piglets born (TNB), ranging between 12.7 and 13.1, were recorded and from these the least square means per ejaculate were calculated. Only 5.9% of the total variation in FR was due to boar and semen variability of which 21% (P = 0.0001) was explained by genetic line of the boar, 11% (P = 0.047) was explained by laboratory technician, and 7% (P = 0.037) was explained by the AI center. For TNB the total variation was 6.6% boar and semen related of which 28% (P < 0.0001) was explained by genetic line of the boar and 7% (P = 0.011) was explained by the AI center. Only 4% of the boar and semen related variation was caused by sperm motility (microscopically assessed at collection, ranging from 60% to 90%). Other variation in FR and TNB was explained by management and semen related parameters (age of boar, 3%; P = 0.009; and 8%; P = 0.031, respectively), days between ejaculations (1%; P < 0.0001 of FR), number of cells in ejaculate (1%; P = 0.042 of TNB), year (9%; P = 0.032), and 13%; P = 0.0001, respectively), and month (11%; P = 0.0001; and 5%; P = 0.0001, respectively). Although semen motility is considered an important parameter to validate the quality of the ejaculate processed, it only minimally relates to fertility results under the current Dutch AI practice. Other boar and semen related parameters, like genetic line of the boar, are more relevant factors to select boars for AI purposes.

Age-related changes in quality and fertility of porcine semen

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boar age on quality traits and fertility of liquid-stored semen. Boars were allocated into 3 age groups: 7-10 months (young), 18-33 months (mature), 51-61 months (old). Ejaculates of > 200x10(6) sperm/ml and 85% total motile sperm were extended to 30x10(6) sperm/ml, stored at 17-18 °C and used within 12-24 h for artificial insemination (AI) of 2062 multiparous sows. After 24 h of storage, aliquots of diluted semen were assessed for sperm progressive motility (SPM), incidence of sperm chromatin instability (SCI), proportion of live morphologically normal sperm (LMNS) and head morphometry of LMNS. The results showed that young boars had higher percentages of SCI and lower proportions of LMNS than those of the mature (p < 0.05) and old (p < 0.001) boars, respectively. Sperm head dimensions of young and old boars were greater (p < 0.03-0.001) than those of mature boars. The farrowing rate of young boars (65%) was significantly lower (p < 0.001; χ2= 30-61) than those of the mature (87.2%) and old (84.7%) boars. The relationship between sperm head dimensions and boar fertility was non-significant. In conclusion, boar age is an important physiological factor contributing to the success of swine AI.

Boar semen quality of the Přeštice black-pied breed (Short Communication)

Abstract. The objective of this study was to examine semen quality parameters for the Přeštice black-pied breed over a test period of 8 years while considering the potential effects of collection month and boar age. Ninety-nine ejaculates were collected using the gloved-hand technique from healthy and fertile mature boars from selected farms. Ejaculate volumes were relatively low because the boars were accustomed to natural mating. Sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (MAS), and sperm motility after 24 h of storage in Androhep extender (dilution rate 1:1.5) were assessed. Significant differences were found in sperm concentration and MAS rate in relation to collection months and boar age in the monitored years (P&lt;0.05). A tendency for MAS to increase with monitored years was observed. Significant differences in sperm motility and motility after 24 h of storage were only observed in relation to collection months (P&lt;0.05). Results of this study detected effects due to collection month and boar age on boar semen quality during the monitored years.

Effect of age on the dimensions and shape of spermatozoa of Large White Polish boars

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).

Reproductive and morphometric characteristics of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Czech Republic

Our study aimed to determine morphometric data for wild boar (Sus scrofa) in various areas of the Czech Republic and the potential influence of environment on its body measurements. Three localities with varying agricultural systems and overall landscape structure were selected. Hunted boars were measured for height at the withers, body length, ear length, metatarsal length and weight (depending on the circumstances, either dressed with head, without head, or undressed). We also determined the age of the hunted boars according to teeth development. During 2003&amp;ndash;2007, a total 654 boars were examined in various age categories. Body development was similar in all areas and without statistically significant differences until the age of 6&amp;ndash;7 months. From 8 months, statistically significant differences in body proportions occur across all localities. It is just at that time that carrying capacities change in the selected localities. The results show that morphometric differences among boars of the same age are influenced by external environmental conditions in which the boars live.

Helminth infections of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in the Bursa province of Turkey

The present study aimed to investigate the status of helminth infections in wild boars in the Bursa province of Turkey. For this purpose, during 2007-2008, 27 wild boars were necropsied and examined for helminths. Individual samples of tongue and diaphragm from 27 necropsied wild boars and an additional 22 tongue and diaphragm samples provided by hunters were examined by trichinoscopy and artificial digestion for Trichinella spp. larvae. Twenty animals (74%) were identified as being infected with at least one helminth species. Twelve species of helminths were detected, with the following prevalence rates: Metastrongylus apri (59%), Metastrongylus salmi (52%), Metastrongylus pudendotectus (52%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (33%), Globocephalus urosubulatus (22%), Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (19%), Gongylonema pulchrum (11%), Physocephalus sexalatus (7%), Trichuris suis (7%), Ascarops strongylina (4%), Hyostrongylus rubidus (4%) and Taenia hydatigena larvae (4%). Generally, lungworms were the predominant helminths. The highest mean abundance was observed for M. pudendotectus, and the lowest was determined for T. hydatigena larvae. Significant differences in the prevalence and intensity were found for D. dendriticum with respect to host age and sex, respectively. The mean intensity of M. pudendotectus was significantly influenced by the sex and age of the wild boars. This study is the first report describing the presence of M. salmi, M. pudendotectus, D. dendriticum, G. urosubulatus, M. hirudinaceus, P. sexalatus, A. strongylina and H. rubidus in wild boars in Turkey. All analysed muscle samples were negative for Trichinella spp. larvae.

Detection and dynamics of porcine circovirus 2 shedding in semen using conventional and real-time PCR

The dynamics of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) shedding in semen of naturally infected boars was studied. Semen was collected serially each 15 or 20 days during 62 days from 5 boars from a herd and from 11 boars from an artificial insemination center. All boars were positive for PCV2 DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction of raw semen in at least two sampling dates, and most of them had detectable shedding in all sampling dates. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed in 23 samples. All samples showed low amounts of PCV2 DNA, ranging from 98 to 652 PCV2 copies/mL. No differences between the frequencies of PCV2 DNA shed in semen were found considering herds and age of boars. PCV2 shedding in the semen can occur continuously or intermittently up to 60 days in naturally infected boars at 12 to 42 months old in absence of PCV2 clinical signs. These results demonstrate sporadic and long-term shedding patterns of low amounts of PCV2 DNA in semen from naturally infected boars.

Hunter feedback of individually marked wild boar Sus scrofa L.: dispersal and efficiency of hunting in northeastern Germany

Increasing wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) population densities all over Europe cause severe economic problems. For understanding mechanisms of epidemics, the knowledge of dispersal is required. Thus, we investigated dispersal rates and distances with regard to sex and age of wild boar in southwestern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. From 152 marked wild boar, 105 have been registered as dead, of which, 51% were males and 49% females. Forty-five percent were shot as piglets, 41% as yearlings, and 14% as adults. The distance between capture site and site of death ranged between 184 m and 41.5 km. Piglets were shot closer to their capture site (mean distance 1 km) than older animals (mean 4 km), although this difference was only significant for males. In general, males tended to disperse further before being shot (3.8 km) than females (1.6 km). Only 3.8% of all animals were shot at distances larger than 10 km. As most animals (84.6%) were shot inside their natal home range, only a small proportion (15.4%) did actually disperse (shot outside mothers home range), which is 32% of all animals surviving to the age of yearlings. Of those dispersed animals, 25% were females. The low dispersal rate is biased by female philopatry and allows actual dispersal only at very high population densities or in sparsely populated regions. In consideration for the low natural mortality proved by radio-tagged animals, the harvest rate is lower than the net reproduction. We did not detect any sex-biased hunting. The dominating hunting method was single hunt at bait, although drive hunts are highly effective. However, hunting rates on piglets and females were too low for regulating the population.

Boar culling and mortality in commercial swine breeding herds

The objectives of this study were to measure culling rate and mortality rate of boars; to compare boar life day (BLD: days from birth date to removal date), boar herd life day (BHLD: days from herd entry date to removal date) and herd entry age of boars between high-performing herds and ordinary herds (herd groups); to examine herd measurements for BLD, BHLD and boar age at herd entry; and to observe removal patterns and survival curves for boars by herd groups. This study used 2474 records of individual boars born in 108 herds from 2000 to 2003. Two herd groups were formed on the basis of the upper 25th percentile of pigs weaned per mated female per year (2001–2005). Mixed-effects models and survival analysis were performed. Means of BLD and BHLD (±S.E.M.) were 984 ± 9.5 and 781 ± 8.4 d, respectively. Annualized culling rate and mortality rate were 0.411 and 0.035 boars per 365 BHLD, respectively. Boars in high-performing herds had 51 higher BLD and 62 higher BHLD than those in ordinary herds ( P < 0.01). High-performing herds had 32 d lower entry ages than ordinary herds ( P < 0.01). Herd measurements such as herd mortality and herd size were not associated with both BLD and BHLD. The hazards in survival analysis were associated with herd groups ( P < 0.05). Measurements in the present study provide benchmarks for boar removal in commercial herds.