Effect of Using Supernatant for Post-thawing Solution and Semen Extender prior to Insemination on Sow Reproductive Performance

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of using supernatant (seminal plasma:extender, 50:50 v/v) as post-thawing solution and semen extender on sow fertility. Fifteen sows were allocated into the following experimental groups: Groups A (control), sows (n=5) were inseminated with fresh semen, using a dose of 4x109 spermatozoa in 60 ml of Modena™ extender; Group B, sows (n=5) were inseminated with frozen semen (supplemented with 10 mM of L-cysteine), using a dose of 2x109 spermatozoa in 60 ml of supernatant (50% v/v of seminal plasma plus ModenaTM extender); Group C, sows (n=5) were inseminated with frozen semen (supplementedwith 10 mM of L-cysteine), using a dose of 2x109 spermatozoa in 60 ml of Modena™ extender. All sows were inseminated twice using an intrauterine catheter depending on their weaning to oestrous interval (WOI). Pregnancy rate (PR), farrowing rate (FR), total number of piglet born (TNB) and number of piglet born alive (NBA) were recorded. In group A, the PR and FR were 100%, TNB and NBA were 7.8±3.9 and 7±3.9, respectively. For frozen semen, PR, FR, TNB and NBA in group B were higher than group C (100% versus 60%, 60% versus 0%, 6.0±2.7 versus 0, 6.0±2.7 versus 0, respectively). In conclusion, using supernatant (50% v/v of seminal plasma plus ModenaTM) as post-thawing solution and semen extender for artificial insemination in field condition improve sow fertility.