A preliminary study of Lasia spinosa Thw. feed supplementation improving semen quality of subfertile purebred boars

Authors

Supitcha Kaewma, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, ThailandFollow
Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFollow
Nutthee Am-In, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFollow
Saritvich Panyaboriban, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, ThailandFollow
Mongkol Techakumphu, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and Decreased April 17, 2024.Follow
Theerawat Swangchan-Uthai, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and CU-Animal Fertility Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Poor semen quality is a significant issue among imported purebred boars in Thailand, affecting both semen quality itself and reducing productivity at AI stations. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST) on improving boar semen quality. A group of boars experiencing poor semen quality were monitored, and three were selected due to their persistent low semen profiles for the supplementation experiment. Dried LST powder was prepared in small bags at a dosage of 4 g per 100 kg body weight and added to the regular feed for daily oral administration over an 8-week experiment period. Semen was collected from the boars one week before treatment initiation and at the end of the supplementation period. Each sample was assessed for volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and morphology. Dietary supplementation with LST significantly improved semen volume (P = 0.03), sperm motility (P = 0.03), viability (P = 0.03), and acrosome integrity (P = 0.03). The percentage of normal sperm head morphology remained unchanged. However, both major and minor sperm defects were significantly reduced (P = 0.03). In conclusion, LST powder supplementation enhances semen quality in subfertile boars and is a feasible intervention for swine farms.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.3674

First Page

63

Last Page

67

Recommended Citation

Kaewma, Supitcha; Suwimonteerabutr, Junpen; Am-In, Nutthee; Panyaboriban, Saritvich; Techakumphu, Mongkol; and Swangchan-Uthai, Theerawat (2024) "A preliminary study of Lasia spinosa Thw. feed supplementation improving semen quality of subfertile purebred boars," The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Vol. 54: Iss. 1, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2985-1130.3674
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjvm/vol54/iss1/8