Logistic Regression Analysis Factors Affecting Sperm Motility and Abnormal Sperm Morphology in Boars

Abstract

Logistic regression models, including variables of boar breed, age, serum, and seminal plasma elements, were used to identify the influencing factors of sperm motility and morphology in this study. Sperm motility degree was classified as grade 0: ≤85% and grade 1: >85%. Abnormal sperm morphology was classified as grade 0: ≤10%, grade 1: 10–20%, and grade 2: >20%. Element concentration of 385 boars was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that boars with serum Cu ≥ 2.5 mg/L had lower sperm motility (odds ratio (OR): 0.496; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.285–0.864) and higher abnormal sperm morphology (OR: 2.003; 95% CI: 1.189–3.376) than those with serum Cu ≤ 2.0 mg/L. Boars with serum Fe ≥ 1.5 mg/L had lower abnormal sperm morphology than those with serum Fe ≤ 1.0 mg/L (OR: 0.463; 95% CI: 0.255–0.842). The presence of Pb in seminal plasma increased abnormal sperm morphology. The probability of abnormal sperm morphology >20% from boars with seminal plasma Pb increased with a range of 5.78–15.30% than that from boars without seminal plasma Pb among three breeds. In conclusion, serum Cu excess, serum Fe deficiency, and seminal plasma Pb are risk factors for poor semen quality in boars.