1
|
Bortolozzo FP, Zanin GP, Christ TS, Rech RD, da Rosa Ulguim R, Mellagi APG. Artificial insemination and optimization of the use of seminal doses in swine. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 269:107501. [PMID: 38782677 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The optimization of processes associated with artificial insemination (AI) is of great importance for the success of the pig industry. Over the last two decades, great reproductive performance has been achieved, making further significant progress limited. Optimizing the AI program, however, is essential to the pig industry's sustainability. Thus, the aim is not only to reduce the number of sperm cells used per estrous sow but also to improve some practical management in sow farms and boar studs to transform the high reproductive performance to a more efficient program. As productivity is mainly influenced by the number of inseminated sows, guaranteeing a constant breeding group and with healthy animals is paramount. In the AI studs, all management must ensure conditions to the health of the boars. Some strategies have been proposed and discussed to achieve these targets. A constant flow of high-quality and well-managed breeding groups, quality control of semen doses produced, more reliable technology in the laboratory routine, removal of less fertile boars, the use of intrauterine AI, the use of a single AI with control of estrus and ovulation (fixed-time AI), estrus detection based on artificial intelligence technologies, and optimization regarding the use of semen doses from high genetic-indexed boars are some strategies in which improvement is sought. In addition to these new approaches, we must revisit the processes used in boar studs, semen delivery network, and sow farm management for a more efficient AI program. This review discusses the challenges and opportunities in adopting some technologies to achieve satisfactory reproductive performance and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Piovesan Zanin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Thaís Spohr Christ
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dalmina Rech
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bolarin A, Berndtson J, Tejerina F, Cobos S, Pomarino C, D'Alessio F, Blackburn H, Kaeoket K. Boar semen cryopreservation: State of the art, and international trade vision. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 269:107496. [PMID: 38763787 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Biosecurity is a major concern in the global pig production. The separation in time of semen collection, processing and insemination in the pig farm is a few days for chilled semen but it can be indefinite when using cryopreserved semen. Field fertility results of boar cryopreserved semen are close to chilled semen, which makes it a valuable resource for the establishment of semen genebanks, long-distance semen trade, and the implementation of other technologies such as the sex-sorted semen. But cryopreserved semen is far from being routine in pig farms. The most recent research efforts to facilitate its implementation include the use of additives before freezing, or in the thawing extender. Long-term preserved semen trade is a biosecurity challenge. To harmonize international trade of germplasm, the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) established a regulatory framework for all member countries. The present paper aims to review the latest advances of boar semen cryopreservation with special focus on the benefits of its inclusion as a routine tool in the pig industry. We also review recently reported field fertility results of cryopreserved semen, its international trade compared to chilled semen, and the regulatory framework involved. Boar cryopreserved semen is a valuable tool to control biosecurity risk, implement other technologies, and facilitate international trade. Research already demonstrated good field fertility results, but it still represents less than 0.1 % of the international trade. As boar cryopreserved semen gets closer to implementation, the correspondent authorities are reviewing the trade rules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F Tejerina
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. General Sub-directorate of Livestock Inputs, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Cobos
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. General Sub-directorate of Health Agreements and Border Control, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Pomarino
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. General Sub-directorate of Animal Health and Hygiene and Traceability, Madrid, Spain
| | - F D'Alessio
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - H Blackburn
- USDA-ARS, National Animal Germplasm Program, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - K Kaeoket
- Semen Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon-Pathom 73170, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schulze M, Henneberg S, Riedel A, Hensel B. Trends and challenges in liquid-preserved boar semen production: From boar to product. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59 Suppl 2:e14590. [PMID: 39233595 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Boar semen production plays a pivotal role in modern swine breeding programmes, influencing the genetic progress and overall efficiency of the pork industry. This review explores the current challenges and emerging trends in liquid-preserved boar semen production, addressing key issues that impact the quality and quantity of boar semen. Advances in new reproductive technologies, boar selection, housing, semen processing, storage and transport, and the need for sustainable practices including the use of artificial intelligence are discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Anine Riedel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang S, Zeng X, Liu S, Hoque SAM, Min L, Ding N, Zhu Z. Vibration Emissions Reduce Boar Sperm Quality via Disrupting Its Metabolism. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:370. [PMID: 38927250 PMCID: PMC11200616 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) with liquid-preserved semen has recently become common in pig breeding. The semen doses are produced in a centralized manner at the boar stud and then subsequently distributed and transported to sow farms. However, vibration emissions during transportation by logistic vehicles may adversely affect the quality of boar sperm. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of vibration-induced emissions on sperm quality and function under simulated transportation conditions. Each time, ejaculates from all 15 boars were collected and then pooled together to minimize individual variations, and the sample was split using an extender for dilution. Different rotational speeds (0 rpm, 80 rpm, 140 rpm, 200 rpm) were utilized to simulate varying intensities of vibration exposure using an orbital shaker, considering different transportation times (0 h, 3 h, and 6 h). Subsequently, evaluations were conducted regarding sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, pH, glycolytic pathway enzyme activities, and capacitation following exposure to vibration emissions. Both vibration time and intensity impact sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosomal integrity. Vibration exposure significantly reduced sperm ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the levels of mitochondria-encoded proteins (MT-ND1, MT-ND6) (p < 0.05). After vibration emission treatment, the pH value and mitochondrial ROS levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Inhibition of sperm glycolysis was observed, with reduced activities of hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), along with decreased lactate levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, sperm tyrosine phosphorylation levels were significantly reduced by vibration emissions compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After the vibration emission treatment, the number of sperm bound to each square millimeter of oviduct explants decreased significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, compared to the control group, using semen subjected to vibration stress for AI results in significantly reduced pregnancy rates, total born litter size, live-born litter size, and healthy born litter size (p < 0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanpeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China (L.M.)
| | - Xuejun Zeng
- Fujian Aoxin Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 363000, China;
- Ji’an Aobao Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Ji’an 343000, China
| | - Shenao Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China (L.M.)
| | - S. A. Masudul Hoque
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh;
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China (L.M.)
| | - Nengshui Ding
- Fujian Aoxin Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 363000, China;
- Ji’an Aobao Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Ji’an 343000, China
- State Key Laboratory for Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dierberger H, Pieper L, Jung M, Schulze M. Vibration emissions affect the quality of liquid-preserved AI doses in stallions. Theriogenology 2024; 218:1-7. [PMID: 38280300 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) with liquid-preserved stallion semen is a widely used reproductive technology. As the demand for AI doses of high-class stallions is transnational, they are frequently exposed to long-distance transport. Since recent studies in boars indicated that vibration emissions caused by transport negatively affected sperm quality in vitro, this study questioned whether sperm quality in stallions is similarly impaired. Furthermore, we investigated stallion and extender-related differences in the spermatozoa's resistance to transport-related quality loss. Stallion ejaculates (n = 30) were collected at a German AI center, split in half, and subsequently diluted to a final sperm concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/mL using the semen extenders EquiPlus or Gent (both Minitüb GmbH, Germany). Four 12 mL aliquots of each sample were filled in plastic syringes according to a split-sample design and exposed to vibration (Displacement index Di = 3.0 ± 0.1) at 5 °C for 0 h (control), 3 h, 6 h or 9 h. All samples were stored for four days at 5 °C after transport simulation and analyzed for total sperm motility, thermo-resistance, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity determined by flow cytometry as well as the pH. After calculating generalized linear mixed models for each sperm quality trait, a negative impact of the duration of transport simulation could be shown on total sperm motility (P = 0.001), thermo-resistance (P = 0.030), and the pH (P = 0.001). Simulated transport for 6 h and 9 h diminished sperm quality (P ≤ 0.01), with 9 h reducing thermo-resistance by 5 ± 2.2% points (PP) for EquiPlus and sperm motility by 2.2 ± 1.7 PP for Gent compared to the control group. In contrast, samples exposed to vibration for 3 h showed no decline in sperm quality (P > 0.05). The individual stallion influenced every semen trait (P < 0.05) and transport-related losses in sperm thermo-resistance of up to 15.9 PP were demonstrated. Furthermore, EquiPlus was superior to Gent in all semen assessments (P < 0.001). We conclude that in vitro sperm quality is impaired by vibration. As the quality loss depends on the transport time, we recommend keeping shipping time as short as possible especially for spermatozoa of stallions that are susceptible to vibration-induced sperm quality loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Dierberger
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany
| | - Laura Pieper
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hensel B, Henneberg S, Riesenbeck A, Jung M, Schulze M. Effects of vibrations during boar semen transport: Low-temperature transport as a new management tool. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 261:107413. [PMID: 38241824 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Transport-related vibrations (TV) compromise the quality of conventionally stored (17 °C) boar semen, but knowledge about TV effects after 5 °C transport is insufficient. This study evaluates the effects of TV after novel 5 °C transport compared to a 17 °C control. Ejaculates of 18 fertile Piétrain boars, diluted in a split sample procedure using Androstar Premium® (AP, 5 °C storage) or Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS, 17 °C storage), were subjected to transport simulation using a laboratory shaker IKA MTS 4. The timing was set according to the respective processing protocols: for 17 °C BTS samples, TV simulation was performed the day of collection, 5 °C AP samples were subjected to TV the day after collection following completion of the established cooling curve to 5 °C. Six samples per ejaculate were exposed to different TV durations (0 h, 3 h, or 6 h) to evaluate the effect on sperm quality (progressive motility (PM), thermo-resistance test (30 and 300 min incubation at 38 °C (TRT30/TRT300)), mitochondrial activity (MITO), plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI)). Generalized linear mixed models revealed TV (P = 0.021) and storage time (P < 0.001) dependent declines in PM. Direct, pairwise comparisons revealed that 5 °C samples are not affected by TV (P(3 h vs. 6 h transport) = 1.0; P(0 h vs. 6 h transport) = 1.0). They therefore showed superior quality maintenance after TV compared to 17 °C samples (P(3 h vs. 6 h transport) = 0.025; P(0 h vs. 6 h transport) < 0.001). Concluding, low-temperature transport is possible without significant semen quality loss and with better quality maintenance than standard transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Anja Riesenbeck
- Genossenschaft zur Förderung der Schweinehaltung eG, zum Pöpping 29, D-59387 Ascheberg, Germany
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|