The predictive value of routine semen evaluation and IVF technology for determining relative boar fertility

Practical techniques for assessing semen quality in order to predict male fertility are still needed. The principal objective of this experiment was to evaluate routine laboratory evaluation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques as predictors of relative boar fertility using a low-dose AI protocol. Nine boars were evaluated during a 6.5±1mo period, beginning at 29–32wk of age. Ejaculates were evaluated for motility, morphology and concentration, diluted to 1.5 billion sperm in 50mL extender, and used to breed 50±5 gilts over the same period. On nine occasions, a specific aliquot of the ejaculate's first sperm-rich fraction was evaluated using IVF procedures. Boars differed (P