Optimal sperm cryopreservation is a prerequisite for the sustainable commercial application of frozen-thawed boar semen for AI. Three experiments were performed to identify factors influencing variability of postthaw sperm survival among 464 boar ejaculates. Sperm-rich ejaculate fractions were cryopre-served using a standard freezing-thawing procedure for 0.5-mL plastic straws and computer-cont...

.............................................................................................................................. I POPULÄRVETENSKAPLIG SAMMANFATTNING ........................................................... II LIST OF PAPERS .................................................................................................................... V ABBREVIATIONS .........................

Introduction The reproductive efficiency of the breeding herd depends upon the fertility of the boar. Male fertility is essential since the boar's DNA is the primary mechanism through which genetic improvements can efficiently be accomplished. In production settings, the critical event, which begins the reproductive process, is the meeting of sperm and eggs inside the female reproductive tract....

For artificial insemination (AI), boar semen is prepared in rather simple extenders, kept at 16-20°C and usually used in liquid form for up to 3 days from extension. Routine freezing of boar semen is occasionally used for gene banking, replacement of lost genetics or long-distance transport [1]. The reason behind this meagre use of freezing is the low tolerance of the ejaculated boar sperm to c...

The aim of this trial was to investigate the fertility of semen doses that contain sperm from either one, three or six Duroc boars. The trial was conducted on five different farms where sows were randomly assigned to three different groups: Group 1: Sows were inseminated with semen doses containing sperm from one boar. Group 2: Sows were inseminated with semen doses containing sperm from three ...

The effect of boar exposure during artificial insemination (AI) on semen backflow, fertilization, and embryo quality was evaluated. Gilts (approximately 170 d) were induced into estrus with PG600, and ovulation was synchronized using hCG 72 h later. Estrus detection was initiated after PG600 and continued at 12-h intervals. At estrus, gilts were allotted to receive boar exposure (BE, n = 20) or...

Seminal plasma ingredients are important for maintenance of sperm viability. This study focuses on the effect of boar seminal plasma exosomes on sperm function during long-term liquid storage. Boar seminal plasma exosomes had typical nano-structure morphology as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular markers such as AWN, CD9 and CD63 by western blot analysis. The effect on...

The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo fertility of frozen thawed boar semen. Twenty ejaculates collected from six mature boars were frozen in a programmable freezer. After freezing the semen was evaluated for different sperm quality parameters. Twenty five sows were inseminated artificially utilizing frozen thawed semen. The percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, live intac...

Little data are available in the literature regarding freezability of boar sperm or its relationship with other traits. Existing data suggest the trait would respond favourably to selection, and information is available from other species suggesting components that might have changed. Genetic parameters are estimated for boar sperm freezability including heritability and correlations with other...

This study was carried out to compare the semen characteristics, frozen-thawed sperm viability and testosterone concentration and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and development of in vitro matured pig oocytes between two Yorkshire boars. Semen and blood samples were collected once per week from October to November 2002 from two adult Yorkshire boars at 18 months of age with 170 kg body weight. Sp...