Authors : S. Echeverria-Alonzo, R. Santos-Ricalde, F. Centurion-Castro, R. Ake-Lopez, M. Alfaro-Gamboa and J. Rodriguez-Buenfil
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary Se or Vit. E on semen quality and sperm morphology during fresh and warm seasons in young boars. Four diets (0; 0.5 ppm of Se; 250 IU kg-1 diet of Vit. E; or 0.5 ppm of Se +250 IU kg-1 of Vit. E) were used. Significant effects of season and Vit. E or Se on semen quality and sperm morphology was found. Seminal volume was lower in fresh season (p<0.05). However, sperm concentration, Total Sperm number/Ejaculate (TSE) percentage of normal spermatozoa and motility were higher in fresh season (p<0.05). Spermatic motility, percentage of normal spermatozoa, head abnormalities and retention of cytoplasmic droplets were positively affected (p<0.05) by Se and Vit. E in both seasons. Combination of Se and Vit. E improved sperm concentration in fresh season (p<0.05), while Vit. E solely or combined with Se increased sperm concentration in warm season (p<0.06). Positive effect of Vit. E or combined with Se on TSE was observed in warm season (p<0.05). Reduction of tail abnormalities was observed only during the fresh season in boars fed fortified Se and Vit. E diets (p<0.05). These results suggested that semen quality and sperm morphology can be affected negatively during warm season and Vit. E and Se improve semen quality and strength fertility of boars during the warm season.
S. Echeverria-Alonzo, R. Santos-Ricalde, F. Centurion-Castro, R. Ake-Lopez, M. Alfaro-Gamboa and J. Rodriguez-Buenfil, 2009. Effects of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E on Semen Quality and Sperm Morphology of Young Boars During Warm and Fresh Season. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 2311-2317.