Semen evaluation and in vivo fertility in a Northern Italian pig farm: Can advanced statistical approaches compensate for low sample size? An observational study

Animal Reproduction Science
Alberto ElmiMaria Laura Bacci

Abstract

The evaluation of sperm functionality and morphology allows discerning between high and low quality ejaculates, but does not give detailed predictive information regarding in vivo fertility. The current developments in statistical modeling have helped in carrying out reproductive studies, but their biggest limitation is in the size of the dataset to be used. The aim of the present observational study was to evaluate whether advanced statistical approaches, such as mixed effects regression models and bootstrap resampling, can help in assessing the predictive ability of semen parameters in terms of in vivo fertility (farrowing rate and litter size), on a small/medium farm with a limited number of animals. Data regarding 33 ejaculates, including viability, subjective motility and acrosome reaction, were collected. Two hundred and thirty-five sows were inseminated with an outcome of 167 deliveries and 1734 newborn piglets. In order to evaluate the relationships among the parameters measured and fertility, mixed effects regression statistical models were used. Once the covariates to be included in the final models were identified, non-parametric bootstrapping was used. The results showed that the farrowing rate was highly associated...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.