By Carolina Da Silva and Rodrigo M. Godinho
The sperm cells carry the DNA, which contains the paternal genetic information to fertilization. Damage can occur during sperm production causing DNA fragmentation. This can have consequences for fertility results.
In this study we measured the levels of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculates of young boars from Topigs Norsvin lines. We concluded that the levels of DNA fragmentation are very low in our boar population, and there is decrease in these levels over the last years.
This low level of DNA fragmentation had no effect on field fertility results. We also found a high genetic correlation between DFI (DNA Fragmentation Index) levels and semen quality traits. Most likely, phenotypic selection of boars for semen quality traits over the years has led to a reduction in the levels of DNA fragmentation in the Topigs Norsvin boars.
