A COMPARISON OF CROSSBRED AND PUREBRED BOARS FOR SEMEN AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Crossbred Hampshire–Duroc boars were compared to purebred Hampshire, Duroc and Landrace boars for seven semen characteristics and for reproductive performance under competitive double mating. A total of 14 boars were represented: three Hampshire–Duroc, three Hampshire, three Duroc and five Landrace. Significant breed of boar effects were observed on semen volume (P <.01), sperm concentration (P <.10), concentration score (P <.05), morphology score (P <.10), live–dead rate score (P <.05) and total semen score (P <.01). Landrace and Hampshire–Duroc boars produced more than twice the volume of semen produced by purebred Hampshires and Durocs. Hampshire, Duroc and Hampshire–Duroc boars had greater sperm concentrations and concentration scores than Landrace. Hampshire–Duroc boars ranked highest for morphology and total semen scores, but lowest for live–dead rate score. When double-mated to Landrace sows, breed of boar had no significant effect on conception rate but significantly affected (P <.05) percent of litter sired. Hampshire, Duroc and Hampshire–Duroc boars sired almost twice as many pigs as the Landrace.