How Semen Affects Ovulation in Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Waberski Dagmar, Döhring Anke, Ardón Florencia, Ritter Nadine, Zerbe Holm, Schuberth Hans-Joachim, Hewicker-Trautwein Marion, Weitze Karl Fritz, Hunter Ronald HF
Primary Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
Hypothesis
Leukocytic responses to the presence of whole semen or seminal plasma components in the uterus could influence mature Graafian follicles by secretion of cytokines.
Conclusion
Semen-induced cytokines in the uterine lymph may accelerate the final maturation of pre-ovulatory Graafian follicles.
Supporting Evidence
- Whole boar semen or seminal plasma has been shown to advance the time of ovulation in gilts.
- Significant differences in cellular contents were observed between the side infused with semen and the saline control.
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant differences in MHC II+ cells between control and semen-treated uterine tissues.
Takeaway
When pigs receive semen, it might help them ovulate faster because of special signals sent through their body.
Methodology
Lymph was sampled from a mesometrial vessel in pre-ovulatory gilts infused with whole semen and saline, followed by analysis of lymph and uterine tissues.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and variability in individual responses.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in obtaining lymph samples free of blood contamination.
Participant Demographics
Ten hybrid gilts, aged 8–9 months and weighing between 100–110 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website