Boar seminal plasma components and their relation with semen quality

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Boar seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in preserving sperm during storage and transport.
• Understanding the biochemical composition of SP is essential for evaluating boar fertility and optimizing artificial insemination (AI) programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between specific components of boar seminal plasma and key semen quality parameters.
• To determine if biochemical analysis of SP can serve as an indicator of reproductive health in AI boars.

Main Methods:

• Semen and SP were collected from 39 boars categorized into high (Group A) and low (Group B) semen quality groups.
• Semen quality was assessed for volume, concentration, motility (using CASA), morphology, and vitality.
• SP was analyzed for enzyme activities (AST, GGT, ALP) and concentrations of minerals (Na, K, Cl, Ca, PO4, Mg, Se, Zn).

Main Results:

• Enzyme activities (GGT, ALP) and mineral concentrations (Na, K, Cl, Se, Mg, Zn) showed significant associations with ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, and membrane damage.
• Specific minerals like Na, Cl, and Zn differed significantly between high and low semen quality groups.
• Repeated measures indicated time-dependent variations in Na, Mg, and Zn concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Several biochemical components within boar seminal plasma are demonstrably related to semen quality parameters.
• SP biochemical analysis offers valuable supplementary information for assessing the reproductive health and fertility status of boars used in AI.