Mass spectrometric analysis and biostimulatory effects of boar seminal gel, saliva and semen in pigs

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). SG alone and its combined application with saliva (SG+saliva) and semen (SG+semen) also studied to train young boars. SG alone and SG+Saliva investigated for estrus induction in gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid is the novel compound identified in pigs. Other compounds were tridecenol, undecane, hexadecone, eicosane, tetracosane etc. Further, young males (64.86%) were able to get trained. Significant higher (p<0.05) number of males got trained in exposure to SG (80%), SG+saliva (75%) and SG+semen (75%) than control. The time (hrs) taken by young boars to get trained on exposure to combination of SG+saliva (244±22.19) and SG+semen (216±13.14) was lesser (p<0.05) than SG (356±61.85) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by males on exposure to SG, saliva and semen was lesser (p<0.05) than control. Estrus was induced in 61.25% of females. Significant (p<0.05) higher number of females showed estrus response to exposure of SG (72.72%) and SG+saliva (69.23%) than control. Interval taken to exhibit estrus was lesser (p<0.05) in females exposed to SG+saliva (201.88±12.66) than SG (262.14±20.06) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by females on exposure to SG+saliva was lesser (p<0.05) than control. In conclusion, novel compounds with biostimulatory properties have been identified in boar SG, saliva and semen. The combined exposure of SG with saliva and semen have more intense biostimulation effect than SG alone. Such compounds and biostimulatory effects can be exploited for augmenting reproductive efficiency in pigs.