Objectively measured sperm motility and sperm head morphometry in boars (Sus scrofa): relation to fertility and seminal plasma growth factors.
This study was conducted to investigate the relationships between results of computer-assisted semen analysis (spermatozoal motility and sperm head morphometry) and fertility of boars. In addition, concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II in seminal plasma were determined. The nonreturn rate (NRR) and the number of live-born piglets were compatible with the requirements of artificial insemination for all boars included in this study. Semen samples of 12 boars (Pietrain; 3 ejaculates each) were evaluated for spermatozoal motility and sperm head dimensions using computer-assisted methods. Native semen samples were centrifuged, and seminal plasma was frozen at -20 degrees C until assayed for IGF-I and IGF-II by specific radioimmunoassays. Spermatozoa of boars with a higher NRR (>86%) had a significantly slower average velocity of motile spermatozoa when compared with that of boars with an NRR below 86%. High-fertility boars (NRR > 86%) had significantly smaller sperm heads than did boars with an NRR below 86%, and their sperm heads were less elongated. Substantial concentrations of IGF-I (8.4-22.2 ng/mL) and IGF-II (12.1-19.8 ng/mL) could be measured in porcine seminal plasma; however, there was no correlation between IGF levels and semen parameters or individual fertility.
Hirai
M
M
Animal Reproduction Department, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
Boersma
A
A
Hoeflich
A
A
Wolf
E
E
Foll
J
J
Aumüller
T R
TR
Braun
J
J
D000818:Animals; D005298:Fertility; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology*; D013077:Sperm Head; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013552:Swine
D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II