RELATIONSHIP OF FIBRONECTIN 1 (FN1) TO THE EXTENDED SEMEN SHELF LIFE OF DUROC AND PHILIPPINE NATIVE BOAR-QUEZON AT DIFFERENT STORAGE TEMPERATURES

Abstract

An investigation to assess the seminal plasma protein level of Fibronectin 1 (FN1) as indicator of semen self-life was done using fresh semen from Quezon and Duroc boars diluted with commercially available medium-term extender and stored at either room (22-25℃) or refrigerated (4-8℃) temperature. The seminal plasma FN1 protein levels were quantified using western blot followed by a chemiluminescent screening. Meanwhile, sperm motility parameters and morphology were assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) every 4 hours until acceptable values for good extended semen quality were observed. The contrast between the shelf-lives of extended semen between breeds was not significant at room or refrigerated temperature. Moreover, the comparison of extended semen shelf life between the two storage temperatures yielded a non-significant difference for both Quezon and Duroc boars. Association between FN1 levels and extended semen shelf life revealed a trend (P< 0.10), where a strong relationship in room storage was observed. This study demonstrated comparable characteristics of extended semen from Quezon and Duroc boars, and the potential use of FN1 as a marker for boar semen shelf life analysis.