In postpubertal boars, testes should be symmetric (<1 cm difference), with each testis having a minimum length and width of 8 and 5 cm, respectively. Semen is collected with the boar mounted on a phantom or an estrous sow. As the penis is extruded, the tip (incorporating the coiled part) is grasped with a gloved hand and compressed; this stimulates full erection and ejaculation. The opening of the urethra is ~1 cm proximal to the tip of the glans, and care must be taken not to block it while applying digital pressure. The volume of semen is high, and ejaculation occurs over a long period, so semen is usually collected into an insulated container to maintain a relatively constant temperature. A filter or opened gauze sponge is fastened across the opening of the container to filter out gel and debris. Normal semen values for the boar are volume, 50–500 mL; sperm concentration, >50 × 106/mL; progressive motility, >70%; total sperm per ejaculate, >60 × 109; and percentage of morphologically normal sperm, >80%.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Breeding Soundness Examination of the Male
Overview of Breeding Soundness Examination of the Male
Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls
Breeding Soundness Examination of Rams
Breeding Soundness Examination of Bucks
Breeding Soundness Examination of Stallions
Breeding Soundness Examination of Boars
Breeding Soundness Examination of Male Dogs
