April 2024
Abstract:
Storage of boar semen at 5 °C instead of the conventional temperature of 17 °C is an innovative preservation concept. It enhances protection against the growth of bacteria normally occurring in the ejaculates and potential drug-resistant contaminants from the environment. Thereby it allows the reduction or even elimination of antibiotics in porcine semen extenders. The present article reviews the current state of the low-temperature preservation approach of boar semen, with a special focus on antimicrobial efficiency and fertility in field insemination trials. Particularly the role of semen extenders and temperature management for the achievement of high fertility and biosecurity are elucidated. Insemination data of 1,841 sows in there different countries revealed equally high farrowing rates and litter sizes of semen stored at 5 °C compared to the controls stored at 17 °C. Microbiology data obtained from semen doses spiked with multi-drug resistant bacteria showed the efficiency of the cold semen storage for inhibiting the growth of Serratia marcescens, a bacterial species with high sperm-toxicity. Evolving concepts on the physiological role of the male reproductive microbiome for female fertility provides a further argument against the complete eradication of bacteria in the semen dose by antibiotic additives to the extenders. Finally, motivation and practical considerations for the use of the novel preservation tool in artificial insemination of pigs are revealed, which might encourage the transformation towards a sustainable production of boar semen doses following the One Health approach.
Waberski D, Luther AM
Boar semen storage at 5 °C for the reduction of antibiotic use in pig insemination: Pathways from science into practice.
Anim Reprod Sci. 2024 Apr 30:107486 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107486
doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107486. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38704330.
November 2022
There are animal welfare concerns about the continued use of permanent crating systems for farrowing and lactating sows, which is the most prevalent maternity system in global pig production. Greater societal attention in recent years has culminated in changes (or proposed changes) to regulations as well as market-driven initiatives to move away from crated systems. Transitioning from farrowing crates to systems that allow the sow greater freedom of movement and behavioral expression requires a number of key decisions, with various trade-offs apparent when trying to balance the needs of different stakeholders. This review discusses these decisions based on common questions asked by farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders when deciding on a new system to build/approve. Based on the latest scientific evidence and practical insight, decisions such as: whether to retrofit an existing barn or build a new one, what spatial dimensions are necessary per sow place, whether to adopt free farrowing or temporary crating, how to provide substrate/enrichment and be hygienic and environmentally friendly, and how to optimize the human inputs and transition between systems are considered. The aim of this paper is to provide a roadmap for those interested in uptake of higher welfare systems and practices, as well as to highlight areas requiring further optimization and research.
The full article can be found here.
Emma M. Baxter, Vivi A. Moustsen, Sébastien Goumon, Gudrun Illmann, Sandra A. Edwards
Front. Vet. Sci., 14 November 2022
Sec. Animal Behavior and Welfare
Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.998192
January 24, 2023
For the first time ever, researchers have proven through a controlled study that boars can infect gilts with African swine fever (ASF) through artificial insemination (AI). As the threat of the deadly ASF virus continues to inch closer to the U.S., more research is being conducted to help prevent and prepare for an ASF outbreak.
To date, little has been done to study the risk of boar semen.
Read more … Could African Swine Fever Be Spread by Artificial Insemination?
February 2022
The application of cloprostenol after farrowing improved fertility rates and reduced non-productive days.
Read more … Administration of cloprostenol to sows improves WSI and farrowing rate
August 2021
The most frequent problems are reproductive and locomotive. What should I do if the percent among sows serviced is greater than 2%?
Read more … Causes of increased number of culled pregnant sows
June 2021
What could be causing abortions that are not seasonal and that are not affecting a certain phase of gestation in particular?
Read more … Causes of abortions occurring at non-specific points in the gestation
March 2021
When using thawing extender at pH 8, there was enhanced post-thawing sperm motility and preservation of motility as storage time advanced.
Read more … Improvement of the motility of boar sperm after cryopreservation
January 2021
Postnatal differences in the reproductive potential of growth restricted females are programmed early in gestation.
Read more … Associations between foetal size and ovarian development in the pig
December 2020
Pork producers and veterinarians need to be aware that the porcine parvovirus (PPV) has been evolving into new strains.
The evolution of PPV and its implications for swine health management are discussed by Professor André Felipe Streck of the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Caxias do Sul in southern Brazil.
December 2020
The proper addition of taurine to the semen extender suppresses sperm damage and subsequent dysfunction during liquid preservation.
Read more … Effect of different levels of taurine on boar semen quality
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