Influence of Neonatal Environment on Sperm Production of Mature Boars

North Carolina State University Swine Reproduction Research from 2001. Littermate pairs of boars were raised in either groups of 12 or 6 animals from birth until 90 days of age. Nutrition and space requirements were similar between the two groups of animals from weaning through 90 days of age. Boars raised in groups of 6 were heavier at maturity than their counterpart maintained in groups of 12. No differences were present between treatments in testicular size at maturity. Total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate and daily sperm production were greater in boars raised in groups of 6 than 12. These data demonstrate that the first 3 months of life, a period largely ignored in boar development programs, has important ramifications for adult sperm production.