Sperm Morphometry in Lusitu Pigs and the Motility Characteristics Post-incubation in Non-hyperactivating and Hyperactivating Media: A Comparison with the Large White Genotype

Abstract

This study explored the reproductive status of Lusitu pigs, in comparison with the Large white genotype, in terms of their morphology and motility metrics. At least five ejaculates were collected from each boar, with a total of 60 analyzed for sperm morphology and kinematic parameters. Data were analyzed descriptively using means and standard deviations and inferentially with a Two-Way nested ANOVA. Both Lusitu and Large white genotypes generally had similar sperm head length, width, area, and perimeter (P>0.05). However, shape varied, particularly ellipticity and rugosity (P<0.05); effect of individual boar on ellipticity and rugosity was also significant (P<0.05). In terms of kinematic parameters, especially Wobble, Linearity, and ALH, Lusitu boars were of a lower fertility status than large white considering the observed mean scores (P<0.05). Fertility superiority of the Large white boar sperm was more evidenced when incubated with a hyperactivating medium; most kinematic parameters varied significantly between the two breed groups (P<0.05). A higher (P<0.05) proportion of Large white boar sperm (61.48%) switched to a hyperactive state compared with those of Lusitu (45.20%) boars. All kinematic parameters for Lusitu boar sperm in non-hyperactivating compared with those in hyperactivating medium varied in respect to their mean scores (P<0.05). It is concluded that breed had an effect on morphology and kinematic characteristics of boar sperm incubated in the two media. The CASA system can be used to determine the morphology and kinematic characteristics of Lusitu boar semen during fertility evaluation.