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The aim of the study was to establish the complete microbiological profile of boar semen (Sus scrofa domesticus) and to choose the most effective antiseptic measures in order to control and optimize AI reproduction in pig farms. One hundred and one semen samples were collected and analyzed from several pig farms. The microbiological profile of ejaculates was determined by evaluating the degree of contamination of fresh semen and after dilution with specific extenders. The bacterial and fungal load of fresh boar semen recorded an average value of 82.41/0.149 × 103 CFU/mL, while after diluting the ejaculates the contamination value was 0.354/0.140 × 103 CFU/mL. Twenty-four germs (15 bacterial and 9 fungal species) were isolated, the most common being Candida parapsilosis/sake (92%) and Escherichia coli (81.2%). Modification of the sperm collection protocol (HPBC) reduced contamination in raw sperm by 49.85% in bacteria (significant (p < 0.00001) and by 9.67% in fungi (non-significant (p < 0.111491). The load in bacteria and filamentous fungi can be controllable, but not in levuras fungi. Some fluconazole-added extenders (12.5 mg%), ensure fungal aseptization, and even an increase in sperm progressivity (8.39%) for at least a 12 h shelf life after dilution. Validation of sperm aseptization was done by maintaining sow fecundity unchanged after AI (insignificant p > 0.05).

Background:The success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate (CR) are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. Objectives:The aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development programme in Suffolk sheep by streamlining hormone therapies and optimizing technique.Methods: A total number of 60 sheep and three rams were included in this study, divided into two groups (receptors and donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4-PGF-FSH multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol, while the cross-bred recipients' group was synchronized with P4-PGF-PMSG.Results: On the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than five dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3%, while 72.9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6% and CR was 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation optimized by us were capable of producing by this improved technique the optimization of the reproduction indices at embryo-transfer (ET) and to be able to be used successfully. Conclusions:The application of an MOET protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo embryo production (IVD) embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.

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The preservation in liquid form, at 17°C for several days is still the most used method of semen preservation in boar. In these conditions, it would be of great value to know the factors that can predict the capacity of an ejaculate to maintain its biological value over preservation period. This study aimed to identify the correlations between some parameters of raw semen, and those of extended semen, stored in liquid form, for three days at 17°C. Over 1000 ejaculates were collected by means of manual method and artificial vagina over a period of two years from 400 mature boars housed in a specialized unit in Germany. The semen was examined immediately after collection (before dilution) as well as after three days of preservation. All the parameters (except the volume) were determined by means of computerized instruments. The examination of raw semen was performed using SQA-Vp, while the stored semen was analyzed using Spermvision version 3.7. All data were processed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. The Pearson correlation revealed no strong correlation between any of the raw semen parameters when analysed together with stored semen parameters. However, some moderate or weak correlations were found, for example a positive correlation between motility of raw semen and motility of stored semen (p<0.01), a positive correlation between percentage of morphological normal sperm in raw semen and the motility of stored semen (p<0.01), a negative correlation between the concentration of raw semen and the linearity and wobble coefficient in stored semen (p<0.01) as well as a couple other weak correlations. We conclude that, despite the fact that some correlations were revealed, unfortunately the analyzed parameters of raw semen have low predictive value on the parameters of extended semen after preservation at 17°C, and that the parameters of semen will behave differently from one ejaculate to another.