Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #155537
Title: LIBIDO RESPONSE TO TREATMENT WITH PROSTAGLANDIN-F2ALPHA IN BOARS WITH SUPPRESSED CONCENTRATION OF GONADAL STEROIDS

Author
item ESTIENNE, MARK - VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST
item HARPER, ALLEN - VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC
item KNIGHT, JIM - VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC
item Barb, Claude
item RAMPACEK, GEORGE - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Submitted to: American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2003
Publication Date: 2/1/2004
Citation: Estienne, M.J., Harper, A.F., Knight, J.W., Barb, C.R., Rampacek, G.B. 2004. Libido response to treatment with prostaglandin-f2alpha in boars with suppressed concentration of gonadal steroids. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting. Abstract Paper No. 70.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that prostaglandin-F2alpha (PGF) increases libido in boars with suppressed testosterone and estradiol secretion. After semen collection at wk 0, boars received an s.c. implant containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) or were sham-implanted. Beginning at wk 1, GnRHa-implanted boars received i.m. treatment with 10 mg PGF (n = 5) or vehicle (n = 5) upon entering the semen collection room. Sham-implanted boars (n = 5) received i.m. vehicle. Blood was sampled and libido assessed at wk 0 and 5. The GnRHa implants suppressed serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) (P = 0.05), testosterone (P = 0.03) and estradiol (P = 0.04). The number of boars ejaculating, time from entering collection room to the first attempt to mount the artificial sow, time from entering to the start of ejaculation, and duration of ejaculation were not affected by treatment (P > 0.1). The number of false mounts (mounting artificial sow but dismounting prior to semen collection) was increased (P = 0.03) by GnRHa implants, an effect reversed (P = 0.03) by PGF. We suggest that acutely suppressing concentrations of testosterone and estradiol will not abolish libido in boars, but leads to an increase in the number of unsuccessful mounts of an artificial sow. The number of false mounts can be decreased by treatment with PGF.