Effect of season on boar semen quality and enzymatic activity of aspartate aminotransferase

Frydrychová S., Lustyková A., Lipenský J., Rozkot M.

Institute of Animal Science, Praha Uhříněves, Czech Republic

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find out the effects of season on semen quality parameters and enzymatic activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the fertile hybrid AI boars (n=139 ejaculates) in a period of 4 years. Semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (MAS), total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate and the AST activity in supernatants and in spermatozoa was assessed. Boars were divided into four groups according to season period of the year: winter (1st-3rd month), spring (4th-6th month), summer (7th-9th month) and autumn (10th-12th month). Sperm motility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in winter and spring vs. summer and autumn. Percentage of MAS was significantly higher (P<0.05) in summer and autumn vs. winter and spring. Sperm concentration was significantly the lowest (P<0.05) in autumn vs. winter and spring. Activity of AST in supernatant was significantly the higher in summer and autumn (P<0.05) which could be due to lower motility and higher incidence of MAS. The highest AST values in spermatozoa were found in winter and spring (P<0.05). In conclusion, results of this study detected effect of season on semen quality parameters particularly sperm motility and MAS and on AST activity in supernatant and in spermatozoa.

Key Words: Boar, aspartate aminotransferase, seasonal effect, semen quality