Semen Quality and Haematological Characteristics of Exotic and Crossbred Boars Exposed to Different Durations of Thermal Stress in the Humid Tropics

Semen Quality and Haematological Characteristics of Exotic and Crossbred Boars Exposed to Different Durations of Thermal Stress in the Humid Tropics

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-6099-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “Semen Quality and Haematological Characteristics of Exotic and Crossbred Boars Exposed to Different Durations of Thermal Stress in the Humid Tropics” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Agricultural Engineering (AE), Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “Semen Quality and Haematological Characteristics of Exotic and Crossbred Boars Exposed to Different Durations of Thermal Stress in the Humid Tropics” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 45 and 60 minutes of exposure of crossbred (LW x Local) and exotic (LW) boars to tropical solar radiation on their body temperature pattern, libido, semen quality and haematological profile. 12 LW x Local and 12 LW boars of 10 months old were used for the experiment. The experiment was carried out in the Piggery Unit of the Department of Animal Science Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for a period of eight weeks (4 weeks for the exposure and, another 4 weeks for the boars to recover). The results showed that, in the exposure period, the rectal temperature of the boars exposed to solar radiation significantly (P<0.05) increased from 36.80 ± 0.360C to 41.88 ± 0.470C in LW x Local and 37.23 ± 0.360C to 42.04 ± 0.240C in LW boars and these changes varied significantly (P<0.05) between the durations of the exposure.

The hyperthermic state of the exposed boars adversely affected the libido, semen quality and haematological characteristics. Specifically, the values for sperm progressive motility, sperm concentrations, sperm abnormalities, reaction time, and ejaculation time were significantly (P<0.05) affected between genotypes and between durations of exposure to thermal treatments. The interactions effects of genotype and duration of exposure (G x D) were highly significant (P<0.01) in all these parameters. Total volume of ejaculate was significantly (P<0.01) higher in LW boars than LW x Local, while volume of gel-fraction, strained ejaculate and semen pH were not significantly (P>0.05) different between genotypes and between durations of exposure. G x D interaction also had no significant effect on these parameters. Total ejaculate volume was not significantly (P<0.05) affected by durations of exposure and G x D interaction. Erythrocyte count, PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were significantly
different (P< 0.05) between genotype and between durations of exposure to thermal stress. G x D interaction significantly (P< 0.05) influenced these parameters. In the recovery phase, the two genotypes were reared under average ambient temperature of 26.100C.

They returned to their normal body temperature of 37.00 ± 0.190C and 36.97 ±0.200C for LW x Local and LW boars respectively within period of one hour after withdrawal of heat stress. The LW x Local boars recovered much more rapidly (30-40 minutes) than LW (45 -60 minutes). The LW x Local boars recovered much faster than the LW in most of the semen quality and haematological traits under both durations of exposure. The crossbred pigs returned to their post exposure values from the 2nd week for …


Semen Quality and Haematological Characteristics of Exotic and Crossbred Boars Exposed to Different Durations of Thermal Stress in the Humid Tropics

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

… As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

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