Comparative study on semen characteristics of Kolbroek and Large White boars following computer aided sperm analysis® (CASA)

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