164 Comparison of different extenders and storage temperature on sperm quality of Windsnyer boar semen
M. A. Thema A B , M. L. Mphaphathi A , M. R. Ledwaba A B and T. L. Nedambale A BA Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Irene, Republic of South Africa
B Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 35(2) 209-209 https://doi.org/10.1071/RDv35n2Ab164
Published: 5 December 2022
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the IETS
The Windsnyer (wind-cutter) pig is an indigenous breed with a short frame and narrowed body, predominantly found in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Effective liquid preservation of the semen collected from the Windsnyer boar breed will enhance productivity, assist biosecurity measures, and facilitate gender-selection technology. The purpose of the current study was to determine the efficacy of different semen extenders and in vitro storage temperature on sperm quality. A total of 18 ejaculates (6 replication/boar) were collected from three Windsnyer boars of the same age using the gloved-hand technique, twice per week during winter season. The sperm-rich fraction was collected using a ThermoFlask containing warm (37°C) water in a well-ventilated and temperature-controlled boar house (25–27°C). Semen from individual boars was evaluated for sperm morphology, viability, and motility characteristics before pooling. Only semen of greater than 80% sperm total motility, 70% live normal sperm, and less than 10% of sperm with abnormalities were pooled. Pooled semen was allocated randomly per treatment of three extenders (Beltsville Thawing Solution [BTS], Kobidil+, and medium 199 [M199]). Diluted semen was liquid preserved at 18 and 37°C and evaluated at different time intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h) for sperm morphology, viability, and motility characteristics. Sperm motility was evaluated with the use of Sperm Class Analyser®. The eosin-nigrosin staining solution was mixed with semen in an eppendorf tube, smeared across the microscope glass slide, and air dried at room temperature. Sperm morphology was evaluated at ×100 magnification under the microscope. A total of 200 sperm per slide/treatment were evaluated for sperm morphology. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Highest live sperm for BTS (76%), Kobidil+ (69%), and M199 (69%) were recorded at 0 h (P > 0.05). Sperm total motility recorded from semen diluted with BTS, Kobidil+, and M199 did not differ at 0 h (94; 92; 95%; P > 0.05). The semen diluted with BTS extender maintained higher sperm total motility at 8 h (83.4%), 12 h (78%), 24 h (58%), and 48 h (13%) when stored at 18°C compared with other extenders (P < 0.05). Semen diluted with M199 extender had lower sperm total motility at 4 h (72%), 8 h (43%), 12 h (14%), 24 h (0%), and 48 h (0%) when stored at 37°C compared with the other extenders (P < 0.05). Semen diluted with BTS maintained highest sperm progressive motility at 0 h (52%), 4 h (53%), 8 h (46%), 12 h (39%), and 24 h (23%), when stored at 18°C (P < 0.05). Therefore, boar sperm motility and viability were maintained over 48 h when the semen was diluted with BTS and stored at 18°C.
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Agricultural Research Council, Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, Tshwane University of Technology, AgriSETA, and National Research Foundation for the financial assistance.
