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Title: SELECTION FOR EXTREMES IN SERUM FSH CONCENTRATIONS RESULTS IN REDUCED TESTIS SIZE AND FERTILITY IN MEISHAN AND WHITE COMPOSITE BOARS

Author
item Lunstra, Donald
item Ford, Johny
item Wise, Thomas

Submitted to: International Symposium: Swine And Biomedical Research
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The pituitary gland makes chemicals called hormones that affect growth, reproduction, and health of animals. An understanding of how the pituitary gland is regulated in its secretions could lead to improved domestic animal productivity. Studies were conducted to determine relationships of follicle stimulating hormone and testis function. Increases in follicle stimulating hormone concentrations in the blood were negatively related to testis weight, daily sperm production, and fertility. Boars with small testis may tend to be infertile. Such information indicates testis function plays an important role in growth, health, and reproduction, and selection for certain characteristics may improve animal productivity.

Technical Abstract: The Meishan breed of swine was imported from China for its high ovulation rate and as a model to increase fecundity in the swine industry. Concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are increased in Meishan boars (5-10 x) as compared to European breeds utilized for meat production in the United States. In human reproduction, elevated FSH concentrations in men are associated with impaired gonadal function and infertility. In the current studies, concentrations of serum FSH were negatively related to testis size and weights in Meishan boars and White composite boars of European origin. Selection for high FSH concentrations in boars was correlated with reduced testis weight and fertility, all common characteristics of hypergonadotropism-associated infertility in men. Meishan boars that have extremes in FSH concentrations and testis weights may be a useful model for the study of hypergonadotropic-hypogonadal function in men.