Worldwide, greater than 90% of sows are inseminated with fresh semen. Less than 1% is inseminated using frozen semen. Albeit, frozen semen is an effective technology for the transfer of genes between breeding pyramids and also to reliably provide semen for planned matings. Little information exists on the long term use of frozen boar semen in commercial pork production operations. The objective...

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...

The objective of this study was to examine semen quality parameters for the Přeštice black-pied breed over a test period of 8 years while considering the potential effects of collection month and boar age. Ninety-nine ejaculates were collected using the gloved-hand technique from healthy and fertile mature boars from selected farms. Ejaculate volumes were relatively low because the boars were a...

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...

Since the initial outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in 1987 and subsequent identification of the causative virus in 1991, the primary concern of the swine industry has been the routes of PRRS virus (PRRSV) transmission. Initial epidemiological studies, particularly in Europe, indicated that airborne transmission, even over significant distances, was important. Ho...

Farrowing rate and number of pigs born alive were compared after use of either frozen semen or combined fresh and frozen semen matings in nulliparous gilts. Estrus was synchronized using Altrenogest (AT: Regu-Mate® Solution, Hoescht Roussel Vet, Warren, New Jersey) and detected with a mature boar. The farrowing rate was 74% for females inseminated with frozen semen, and 88% for females insemina...

Of the toxins produced by Bacillus cereus, the emetic toxin is likely the most dangerous but, due to the lack of a suitable assay, the least well known. In this paper, a new, sensitive, inexpensive, and rapid bioassay for detection of the emetic toxin of B. cereus is described. The assay is based on the loss of motility of boar spermatozoa upon 24 h of exposure to extracts of emetic B. cereus s...

AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only liquid-stored semen is used, with a single boar inseminating about 2000 sows yearly. The use of liquid semen, moreover, constrains international trade and slows genetic improvement. Research efforts, reviewed hereby, are underway to reve...

Boar semen is usually collected by the gloved hand method, allowing possibilities for bacterial contamination during the collection process as well as during the subsequent processing of the semen. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp., are found on the skin and mucosa of health animals as well as in the gut (e.g. enteric bacteria) and respiratory tract [1]. Personnel also repr...

The present study determined the effect of different types of sugars (lactose, fructose, glucose and sorbitol) used in egg yolk-based extender on the post-thawed boar semen quality. Twenty-two ejaculates from 6 fertility-proven Yorkshire boars were cryopreserved by liquid nitrogen vapor method. Sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and intact functional plasma membrane were determined a...