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Poor welfare compromises testicle physiology in breeding boars
Thiago Bernardino1,2, Carla Patricia Teodoro Carvalho3, Leonardo Batissaco4
1Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
Plos One
|May 26, 2022
Summary
Boar housing significantly impacts testicular health. Crates increase scrotal temperature and testicular perfusion, leading to reduced fertility indicators like sperm agglutination and altered motility.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Boars face stress in commercial farms, with confined housing being a concern, though its impact on boars is less studied than on sows.
- Previous research highlights the negative effects of crates on sows, prompting an investigation into boar welfare and reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of three distinct housing systems on boar testicular health and sperm quality.
- To compare the effects of crates, pens, and enriched pens on physiological and semen parameters.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven boars were housed in crates, pens, or enriched pens for 10 weeks.
- Scrotal surface temperature (SSMT) was measured using thermal imaging.
- Testicular parenchyma perfusion was assessed via ultrasound, and sperm characteristics were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Boars in crates exhibited higher SSMT and testicular perfusion compared to those in pens or enriched pens.
- Semen from boared housed in crates showed increased agglutination and higher VCL (linear curved linear velocity).
- Pens and enriched pens resulted in better sperm motility and less agglutination, indicating improved fertility.
Conclusions:
- Housing conditions significantly influence boar testicular health and sperm quality.
- Pens and enriched pens offer a superior environment for boar welfare and reproductive potential compared to crates.
- These findings support the need for improved housing systems in boar management to enhance fertility.
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