Boar Semen Shipping for Artificial Insemination: Current Status and Analysis of Transport Conditions with a Major Focus on Vibration Emissions

Abstract

In the modern pig reproduction system, artificial insemination (AI) doses are delivered from AI centers to sow farms via logistics vehicles. In this study, six breeding companies in three countries (Brazil, Germany, and the USA) were interviewed about their delivery process. It was found that there is currently no comprehensive monitoring system for the delivery of semen. The entire process “shipping of boar semen” was documented using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). Although it is not currently known which vibrations occur at all, it is suspected that vibration emissions affect the quality of boar semen. For this reason, a prototype of a measuring system was developed to calculate a displacement index (Di), representing vibration intensities. Vibrations were analyzed in standardized road trials (n = 120) on several road types (A: smooth asphalt pavement, B: rough asphalt pavement, C: cobblestone, and D: dirt road) with different speeds (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 km/h). A two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in mean Di, depending on road surface and speed as well as an interaction of both factors (p < 0.001). A field study on a reference delivery from a German AI center to several sow farms indicated that 33% of the observed roads are in good quality and generate only a few vibrations (Di ≤ 1), while 40% are of a moderate quality with interrupted surfaces (Di = 1–1.5). However, 25% of the roads show markedly increased vibrations (Di ≥ 1.5), as a consequence of bad conditions on cobblestones or unpaved roads. Overall, more attention should be paid to factors affecting sperm quality during transport. In the future, an Internet of Things (IoT) based solution could enable complete monitoring of the entire transport process in real time, which could influence the courier’s driving behavior based on road conditions in order to maintain the quality of the transported AI doses.

Vibration Emissions Reduce Boar Sperm Quality via Disrupting Its Metabolism

“…In modern pig-breeding systems, reducing the loss of boar sperm quality during transportation is an effective way to improve the efficiency of AI [ 3 ]. Due to the concentration of semen production units and the considerable distance between boar studs and sow farms, in China, the typical transport times for most semen doses range from 10 to 20 h, with some being transported for more than 40 h ( Figure S2 ).…”

“…During driving, vibrations are typically correlated with activities like acceleration, steering, and braking [15]. Hafemeister et al (2022) [3] reported that both speed and road surfaces significantly influenced vibration emissions in standardized road trials. In addition, in various industries, including the transport of fruit and beverages, it is imperative to minimize vibration emissions to maintain product quality [16][17][18].…”

“…Artificial insemination (AI) is a pivotal tool in pig reproduction, meeting the rising demand for high-quality pork and enhancing herd health [ 1 ]. As AI technology has progressed, semen production units have been centralized, necessitating the transportation of semen doses over extended distances via logistics vehicles within contemporary pig-breeding systems [ 2 , 3 ]. This transportation process from semen production units to sow farms after collection and processing typically spans hours to days [ 4 ].…”

“…However, past studies have revealed that boar sperm was notably susceptible to the stresses linked to handling and transport, resulting in sublethal cellular harm [ 5 ] and diminished viability [ 6 ]. Furthermore, several studies indicated that temperature fluctuations [ 7 ], UV light [ 3 ], and vibrations [ 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] could adversely affect boar sperm quality. Nonetheless, the specific impact of vibration emissions on boar sperm function during the transportation process remains unclear.…”

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“…Some authors have demonstrated that the transport of semen AI-doses can lead to damages to sperm structures, as acrosome (SCHULZE et al, 2018). The researchers report that both speed and road surface significantly influence the produced vibrations (HAFEMEISTER et al, 2022).…”