Semen characteristics of the three genetic types of boars reared in Benin

Objective: To characterize the semen of three genetic types of boars (local, improved and Large White) reared in Benin. Methods: Semen of local, improved and Large White boars reared in Benin were collected using the gloved hand method and analyzed to determine volume, pH, concentration, mobility, motility, and morphology. The effect of the genetic type of boar on semen characteristics was aslo studied. Results: Duration of ejaculation and semen volume of Large White boar were significantly higher than those of local and improved boars (P Conclusions: The semen characteristics of pigs reared in Benin vary from one genetic type to another. Each genetic type has a strong point. The Large White boar produces larger semen, the local boar produces more concentrated semen and the improved boar produces spermatozoa that are morphologically better. The semen of these three genetic types can be used in artificial insemination but the improved boar’s semen is more recommended.