Influence of boar breed and age on semen quality and ability to inseminate

Objectives. The research was carried out in the period from August 2010 to August 2011 in ‘N’ pig farm. The aim of the research was to assess the influence of Landrace, Duroc, Yorkshire boars breed and age on the quality of semen and ability to fertilize. The study evaluated semen volume in millilitres in a special measuring container, the first day – just taken (fresh) semen and the second day – diluted semen. Semen motility was evaluated in percentage with the help of microscope as well as calculated litter size and the percentage of instrumentally inseminated pigs applying the ‘Agrosoft Win Pig’ program. The age of inseminated pigs was selected according to the boar's age and breed. The breed was not mixed as well. Material and Methods. One boar’s semen was taken every seven days, on the same day of the week. A total of 92 ejaculates were surveyed: 44 of Durocs, 24 of Danish Landraces and 24 of Yorkshires. Boars were divided into three groups according to their age: first group – from 7 to 12 months old, the second – 13 to 24 months old and the third – 25 to 36 months old. Results. Comparing the three breeds (Danish Landrace, Yorkshire and Duroc boars) it was noticed that the best results were obtained from the Danish Landrace boars: displacement 351.06±162.99 ml (p<0.05), fresh semen motility 89.38±1.25 per cent. (p<0.05), diluted semen 85.63±3.15 proc. (p<0.05). The number of the live Danish Landrace piglets in the litter was 26 per cent higher than of Yorkshire and 5.1 per cent higher than in Duroc litter (p<0.05), while the number of weaned Danish Landrace piglets was 31.1 per cent higher than Yorkshire and 30.9 per cent higher than Duroc boars. The best sperm quality of boars was obtained in 12 – 24 month years boars with the greatest quantity of semen 313±5.27 ml (p