Influence of Collection Frequency on Boar Ejaculate Quality Parameters

The aim of study was to examine the effect of the boar ejaculate collection frequency on the parameters of its quality. The research covered a three-year period, and four most common boar breeds in our area. A total of 1705 ejaculates were taken from Yorkshire boars, 1693 ejaculates from Landrace boars, 1106 ejaculates from Pietrain boars and 669 ejaculates from Duroc boars. Within each breed, groups were formed according to the frequency of ejaculate taking (once, twice, three, four, five, or six times a month). Evaluation of ejaculate quality was performed in a reprocentre laboratory, according to their quality standards. Quality parameters that have been determined were the volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, live sperm count, the number of doses per ejaculate and the overall assessment of ejaculate. Results of this study show that the volume and progressive motility increase with the increase of frequency in ejaculate taking, while the sperm concentration drops, except for the Pietrain boars. The best results were observed in ejaculates collected 5-6 times during the month. The highest mean volume of ejaculate was found in the Landrace boars (292.22 ml), in ejaculate taking frequency of five times per month. The highest average progressive sperm motility was 92% in the Yorkshire boars, on collection frequency of six times a month, while the highest concentration of spermatozoa was found in the Duroc boars in collection frequency of one taking per month (447.32 mil/ml). The results of this study indicate that the frequency of ejaculate taking affects the boar semen quality parameters.