Comparison of different extenders and storage temperature on the sperm motility characteristics of Kolbroek pig semen

Maintaining a successful pig artificial insemination programme depends on a number of factors, including evaluation of semen characteristics. This study compared the efficacy of different extenders on the sperm motility of Kolbroek semen during short term storage at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C. Semen was collected from Kolbroek boars using the gloved hand technique and transported to the laboratory for evaluation. Semen was pooled and randomly allocated to four groups and diluted at a ratio of 1: 1 (v/v) with Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), Kobidil(+), egg yolk citrate (EYC) and non-extended semen (Control). Each extender had two similar semen samples, making a total of eight samples. Extended and non-extended semen were stored at 4 degrees C and the other samples at 25 degrees C for 1 h. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The total sperm motility of semen stored at 25 degrees C was higher when semen was extended with BTS and Kobidil(+) in comparison to the egg yolk citrate diluent. However, total sperm motility in the non-extended semen did not differ from the BTS and EYC group during storage at 25 degrees C. Sperm progressive motility was higher in the BTS group, compared to the Kobidil(+) and non-extended groups. Sperm motility of Kolbroek semen at 4 degrees C did not differ between all extender treatments. Total motility rate was significantly higher when Kolbroek sperm were stored at 25 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. It can be concluded that Kolbroek sperm, extended with BTS, maintained their motility rate better for short term storage at 25 degrees C in comparison to 4 degrees C.