Comparative analysis of Duroc and Pietrain boar sperm morphology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare ejaculates of Duroc and Pietrain boars in terms of sperm morphology characteristics. Analysis was performed on 116 ejaculates collected from 6 Duroc boars and 9 Pietrain boars. The boars selected for examination were young and at the beginning of their reproductive utilization. Ejaculates were collected at monthly intervals over the period of 10 months. Microscopic slides were prepared immediately after collection of ejaculates. The slides were examined to assess the frequency of morphological abnormalities. Moreover, morphometric measurements were taken from 15 randomly selected morphologically normal spermatozoa. Also, conventional evaluation of ejaculates was made following methods used at Polish sow insemination centres. Differences were found in the dimensions and shape between Duroc and Pietrain spermatozoa. Pietrain spermatozoa were characterised by significantly smaller head perimeter compared with Duroc (P ≤ 0.01). Moreover, Pietrain spermatozoa tails were by 0.8 μm longer (P ≤ 0.01), and their total sperm length was greater by 0.5 μm compared to Duroc (P ≤ 0.05) sperm. The volume of Duroc ejaculates was lower but their sperm concentration was greater. The results of the present study contribute to scientific progress as they demonstrate differences in sperm size between boars of different breeds, which may be reflected in different reproductive performances of the boars.