Storage-dependent changes in sperm motility, membrane integrity and morphology following preservation of Duroc boar...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative parameters of sperm during storage of the semen of Duroc boars. The ejaculates were diluted, and insemination doses were then prepared and stored at 17°C. Analyses were performed four times: after collection, after one day of storage, after four and after eight days. Parameters of sperm motility, morphology and morphometry, cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity were evaluated. Analysis using the CASA system revealed a decrease in the percentage of motile sperm and sperm showing progressive motility during liquid storage of boar semen samples. The greatest differences, which were statistically significant, were shown between the results on the day of ejaculate collection and after eight days of semen storage. In addition, the percentage of sperm with head and tail defects increased, and differences were noted in the morphometric dimensions of the sperm during preservation of the semen. The length, width and area of the sperm heads increased over storage time. Preservation of Duroc boar semen at 17°C for eight days resulted in a decrease in the percentage of sperm with an integral cell membrane, sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity. The breakthrough moment was the fourth day of sperm conservation. After then, the semen quality of Duroc boars deteriorated significantly. This study is particularly important since it provides a more complete analysis of the qualitative traits of the sperm of Duroc boars during semen preservation. However, there is a need for further study to determine the relationship between the qualitative parameters of the semen of Duroc boars evaluated during liquid storage of semen samples and fertility data.