Risk factors for bacterial contamination during boar semen collection

• Published in: Research in veterinary science Vol. 95; no. 2; pp. 362 - 367
• Main Authors: Goldberg, Ana Maria G., Argenti, Laura E., Faccin, Jamil E., Linck, Lídia, Santi, Mônica, Bernardi, Mari Lourdes, Cardoso, Marisa R.I., Wentz, Ivo, Bortolozzo, Fernando P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.10.2013; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Animal Husbandry - standards; Animals; Artificial insemination; Bacteria; Bacterial contamination; Boar stud; boars; Breeding of animals; coliform bacteria; diverticulum; Extended porcine semen; Hogs; Housing, Animal - standards; hygiene; Male; penis; Risk Factors; semen; Semen - microbiology; Semen collection; Semen Preservation - methods; Semen Preservation - standards; Semen Preservation - veterinary; Sheep; Swine; Swine - physiology; Veterinary medicine; Bacterial contamination; Swine; Extended porcine semen; Boar stud; Semen collection; Artificial insemination
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.06.022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of multiple factors on bacterial contamination in 213 ejaculates from four boar studs. Semen contamination by aerobic mesophiles increased in ejaculates where the preputial fluid flowed into the collection container, collection glove was dirty, preputial hair was long (>1.0cm), the collection lasted >7min and boars were older than 18months. An increase in coliforms occurred when preputial fluid dripped into the collection container, collections lasted >7min or when penis escaped during collection. Semen contamination increased when two or more factors related to hygiene (poor hygiene of the boar, dirty preputial ostium, large preputial diverticulum, long preputial hair, dirty gloves, preputial liquid trickling from the hand of the technician into the semen container and penis escaping) were present. A vigilant protocol of collection must be followed to minimize bacterial contamination, especially avoiding dripping of preputial liquid into the semen container.