Service behaviour and semen characteristics in cross-bred boars

Abstract

Six cross-bred boars (Large White Yorkshire X Indigenous) were ejaculated at 72 hours interval by the
"Gloved hand method" using estrus females as dummies. The mean reaction time and duration of ejaculation was
2.72 ± 0.05 and 3.97 ± 0.07 minutes, respectively. The average total semen volume was 161.31 ± 3.29 ml and gel
volume contributed an average of 24.58 ± 0.16 per cent. The average values of pH, sperm concentration, total
sperm per ejaculate, motile sperm percentage and live sperm percentage were 7.61 ± 0.05, 216.25 ± 7.8 million per
ml, 26.69 ± 1.33 X 109, 79.27 ± 1.26 per cent and 82.07 ± 1.1 per cent, respectively. The gel volume and pH
varied non-significantly. There was significant variation (P<0.05) in motile sperm percentage and total sperm per
ejaculate among boars. The service behaviour, total semen volume, gel free volume of semen, sperm
concentration, and live sperm percentage varied significantly (P<0.01) between boars.