Natural Mediterranean photoperiod does not affect the main parameters of boar-semen quality analysis.
Photoperiod is an important factor in the modulation of male reproduction in mammals. In boars, however, it is a controversial factor. The main aim of this work is to determine the precise effect of the natural, Mediterranean photoperiod on boar-semen quality. To do this, boars were housekept in strictly controlled temperature and humidity conditions, whereas light periods were also strictly adjusted to obtain a light-cycle in the farm. The work was performed over a period of one year, thus allowing for the determination of the putative yearly oscillations of boar-semen quality. Variations of the natural Mediterranean photoperiod do not induce substantial changes in overall semen-quality parameters like the percentages of viability, morphological abnormalities and total motility, the response to the osmotic resistance test and sperm motion characteristics. Only the motile-sperm subpopulation structure was significantly (P<0.05) changed depending on the variations of the natural photoperiod. Furthermore, the boar-semen ability for storage at 15-17 degrees C in a commercial extender was not modified by photoperiod changes. Our results indicate that the natural Mediterranean photoperiod does not induce strong changes in boar-semen characteristics, probably due to boar sperm having a strong capability of adaptation to the light variations of this photoperiod.
Rivera
M Montserrat
MM
Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
Quintero-Moreno
Armando
A
Barrera
Xavier
X
Palomo
M Jesús
MJ
Rigau
Teresa
T
Rodríguez-Gil
Joan E
JE
D000818:Animals; D002980:Climate; D008297:Male; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D017440:Photoperiod; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors