Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition

Abstract

How to cite: Lucca MS, Ulguim RR, Bortolozzo FP, Wentz I, Rocha JC, Souza MCD, Escobar RV, Calderam K, Quadros Filho PI, Marcos RA. Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition. Anim Reprod. 2020;17(1):e20190121. AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses preserved at 15-18 °C for up to seven days in long-term extender (Duragen ® ). Parity one (PO1) to PO7 sows were randomly assigned to the following groups: AI1-3 (n=190), insemination with semen doses stored between one and three days; and AI5-7 (n=124), insemination with semen doses stored between five and seven days. Sows were submitted to estrus detection twice a day. Post-cervical insemination according to weaning-to-estrus interval was performed. The farrowing rate (FR) did not differ between the groups (AI1-3=83.2%; AI5-7=82.2%; p>0.05) nor did the total number of piglets born (TPB; AI1-3=14.2±0.3; AI5-7=14.5±0.3; p>0.05). Considering the semen dose most likely responsible for fertilization according to its storage time (1, 2-3, 5, and 6-7 days), the FR (72.7%, 87.8%, 85.7%, and 79%, respectively) and TPB (14.4, 14.0, 14.9, and 13.5, respectively) were similar among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of semen doses extended with long-term extender stored for up to seven days did not impair the reproductive performance of sows. Therefore, it's using could optimize production efficiency and logistics of semen dose deliveries to sow farms.

Update on artificial insemination: Semen, techniques, and sow fertility

“…This temperature variation may lead to a stressful condition for sperm cells, mainly when it occurs in an inconsistent pattern, forcing the cells to readjust their metabolic activity (Flowers, 1997). Recently, studies have reported that using semen doses produced with a long-term extender (Duragen ® ) for up to 7 days allows the use of boars with high genetic merit in the most efficient way, without compromising reproductive performance (Lucca et al, 2020). Thus, the use of such extenders could also be a practical strategy for optimizing the receiving process, reducing the frequency of semen delivery, and optimizing the receiving logistics.…”

Reproductive performance of single fixed-time inseminated sows with semen doses submitted to different semen storage times

“…Long-term extender is also associated with fertility improvement (Pinart et al, 2015). Detrimental impacts on reproductive performance using multiple inseminations with semen doses stored beyond 72 h have not been observed (Anil et al, 2004;Lucca et al, 2020). However, these studies did not explore the differences…”