본 연구는 LED 조명의 파장이 육용종계의 생산성, 번식호르몬, 면역 수준 및 행동에 미치는 영향을 확인하고자 실시하였다. 25주령 아바에이커 192수를 공시하였다. 처리구는 백색(5,000 K), 녹색(520 nm), 황색(570 nm) 및 적색(620 nm) LED 전구를 사용하여 처리구당 6반복, 반복당 8수씩 임의 배치하였으며, 15주간 사양실험을 실시하였다. 산란율은 적색 처리구에서 유의적으로 증가하였고(P<0.05), 난중은 적색 처리구에서 유의적으 로 감소하였다(P<0.05). 수정율, 부화율, 병아리 체중, IgG 수준 및 혈액 생화학 조성은 처리구 간에 통계적인 차이가 없었다. 번식호르몬인 FSH와 LH 농도는 적색 LED 처리구에서 현저히 높게 나타났다(P<0.05). 또한 행동 관찰 결과, 적색 처리구에서 바닥 긁기, 바닥 쪼기 및 깃털 쪼기 행동이 다른 처리구에 비해 유의적으로 높게 나타났다(P<0.05). 본 연구 결과, 육용종계에 LED 점등을 사용할 경우 적색 처리구에서 번식호르몬의 증가와 산란율이 높아지는 것을 확인하였다. 그러나 적색 처리구에서 바닥 긁기, 바닥 쪼기 및 깃털 쪼기 행동이 높게 나타난 원인을 밝히기 위한 추가 연구가 필요한 것으로 보인다. 따라서 산란성적, 번식 호르몬 분비를 고려할 때 육용종계에 적색 LED 조명이 유리하다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

번식효율은 농가수입에 직접적으로 영향을 미치는 요인으로 암소뿐 만 아니라 씨수소의 번식효율은 중요한 경제형질로 여겨지고 있다. 본 연구에서 는 한우 씨수소에 대한 번식효율을 분석하기 위하여 2010~2017년에 전북지역 분만기록 62,284개와 이에 사용된 132두의 KPN에 따른 인공수정 수태율을 분석하였다. 종부차수(NAIPC)가 증가함에 따라 분만간격(CI), 공태기간(CCI)이 유의적으로 증가하였으며(P<0.05), 임신율은 낮아졌다. 첫 종부 임신율은 62.365%로 나타났으나, 3차 이후에는 48.147 이하로 급격히 낮아졌으며, 6차 이후에는 15.664% 이하로 낮아졌다. KPN과 인공수정사 모두 수태율에 크게 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. KPN에 따른 수태율은 39.154~70.621%로 분석되었으며, 인공수정사에 따른 수태율 은 22.237~85.517%로 나타났다. 인공수정 실패 시 같은 KPN의 재사용율은 20% 내외로 특별한 경향은 보이지 않았다. 첫 종부 기록만을 이용하여 상대적 추정 수태율(ESCR)을 분석한 결과 KPN1041이 가장 높은 11.107%로 나타났으며, KPN1112는 가장 낮은 -20.591%로 나타나 31.698%의 차이를 보였다. 본 연구결과 인공수정사 뿐 만 아니라 전북지역에서 사용되고 있는 KPN에 따라 번식효율이 크게 영향 받을 수 있는 것으로 나타났다.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of environmental temperature and backfat thickness (BT) on the reproductive performance of lactating sows. Sixty crossbred sows were allotted to four groups in a 2×2 factorial arrangement by environmental temperature (high temperature [HT], 27.5±1.76℃; low temperature [LT], 23.3±0.89℃) and BT (<20 mm, average 17.70 mm; ≥20 mm, average 23.20 mm) from July to August 2019. Sows in the HT group experienced a greater change in BT and a lower feed intake. Losses in body weight and BT were lower in sows with <20 mm BT than in those with ≥20 mm BT. Sows with low BT had a lower weaning-to-estrus interval than sows with high BT (5.20, 4.93 d vs. 5.87, 5.60 d, respectively). Piglet survivability was lower in the HT group (90.31%) than in the LT group (94.87%). Piglet weaning weight and average daily weight gain were greater in sows with <20 mm BT (5.75 kg and 201.46 g, respectively) than in those with ≥20 mm BT (5.49 kg and 188.41 g, respectively). Sows in the HT group had higher cortisol concentrations than those in the LT group (post-farrowing: HT 7.86 μg/mL vs. LT 6.04 μg/mL; weanling: HT 5.48 μg/mL vs. LT 4.40 μg/mL). In conclusion, environmental temperature adversely influenced sow performance and cortisol levels. Moreover, sows with low BT had a greater weaning-to-estrus interval when subjected to heat stress.

The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of season and breed on the reproductive performance of male and female sheep using 12 rams and 318 ewes of Assaf and Awassi breeds under the seasonal environmental condition of United Arab Emirates for two years. The blood level of testosterone hormone was measured monthly. Semen was collected twice a month from each male using artificial vagina and evaluated for volume, motility, livability, abnormality and concentration. The scrotal circumference and thickness as well as the left testicular length, width, height and volume were measured at one-month intervals. The level of testosterone in Assaf breed was significantly higher in autumn than winter and summer. The scrotal circumference and thickness as well as the left testicular length were significantly higher in Assaf breed than Awassi breed. While, left testicular width and volume were significantly higher in Awassi breed than Assaf breed. Scrotal circumference which was higher in spring and summer than in autumn and winter season in both breeds. The SCC of semen was significantly higher in autumn than in other seasons in both breeds. The sperm abnormality was significantly higher in summer than other seasons in both breeds. The livability was significantly lower in summer in both breeds. Fecundity and prolificacy were significantly higher in Assaf than Awassi breed during autumn season. Assaf breed showed the superior reproductive performance in the autumn season when compared with Awassi breed in the same season and other seasons. The Assaf breed tolerated the climatic conditions in UAE and kept the litter size of 1.72 in comparison to Awassi breed which showed litter size of 1.09. in conclusion, the results showed the superiority of Assaf over Awassi breed and offer a good model of breeding with increased fecundity and prolificacy specially in autumn season.

한국에 있어서 한우는 경제 동물일 뿐 만 아니라 중요한 유전자원 중 하나이다. 그러나 현재 한우의 번식 능력 개량을 위한 연구는 매우 미흡한 실정이다. 한우의 번식 능력에 대한 기초 자료를 확보하기 위해 전북지역(정읍시)에서 인공수정 된 암소 총 33,281두에 대한 105,017개의 번식기록(2010-2017)을 이용하여 임신기간(GP), 분만 후 첫 종부기간(CFSI), 분만 후 임신간격(CCI), 수태당 종부회수(NAIPC), 첫 종부 임신율 (FSCR)을 계산하여 분석에 활용하였다. 전체적으로 GP 는 287.602±4.797일, CFSI와 CCI는 각각 77.513±34.417 및 88.433±42.194일 이였다. 또한 FSCR는 62.365%였으며, NAIPC 는 1.411회로 나타났다. 2017년의 FSCR과 NAIPC는 각각 67.497% 및 1.344회로 2013년 62.366% 및 1.402에 비해 유의적으로 증가하였다(p<0.05). 가을과 겨울에는 번식기간이 더 길었으며, NAIPC는 봄과 여름에 비해 유의적으로 증가하는 것으로 나타났다(p<0.05). 3~7산차 암소의 경우 NAIPC가 1.323±0.669~1.339±0.689회로 다른 그룹에의 1.401±0.772~1.446±0.854회 보다 우수한 것으로 나타났다. 반면, 1산차 암소의 경우 FSCR와 NAIPC가 각각 60.217% 및 1.506±0.937회로 가장 저조한 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과 한우의 번식효율은 산차에 따라, NAIPC는 계절에 따라 영향 받는 것으로 나타났으며, 전체적인 번식효율은 과거에 비해 지속적으로 향상되고 있는 것으로 나타났다.

본 연구는 Canada에서 수입한 동결정액으로 인공수정된 모돈의 번식성적을 조사하여 동결정액을 이용한 인공수정(동결정액 인공수정)의 효율을 개선할 수 있는 통찰력을 얻기 위해 수행되었다. 이를 위해 A(GGP) 농장에서 2016년 5월과 9월 사이 총 626회의 동결정액 인공수정과 B(GGP) 농장에서 2015년부터 2017년 기간 동안 수행한 총 2,429 동결정액 인공수정의 결과 기록을 분석하였다. A종 돈장에서 동결정액을 썼을 때 총산자수 및 실산자수는 9월 보다 5월에 높았다(p<0.05). B종돈장의 분만율, 총산자수 및 실산자수는 조사연도 간에 차이가 없었다. A종돈장 결과와 B종돈장 결과를 통합하여 분석했을 때, 분만율은 A종돈장이 높았으나(p<0.01) 총산자수와 실산자수는 두 종돈장간에 차이가 없었고, 동결정액 인공수정을 했을 때가 액상정액 인공수정을 했을 때보다 낮았다(동결정액:액상정액 인공수정에 대한 총산자수와 실산자수는 각각 10.9±0.3:13.4±0.1두 및 10.0±0.3:12.0±0.1두 이었음; p<0.01). 결론적으로, 이상의 결과는 동결정액 인공수정이 액상정액 인공수정보다 번식 효율이 낮긴 하지만 연중 적절한 시기에 동결정액 인공수정을 실시하면 번식 효율이 증가될 수도 있음을 시사한다.

This study was conducted to investigate effect of feeding beet pulp on reproductive performance, colostrum composition and microbiological characteristics in sows. A total of 12 sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were randomly allotted three dietary treatments at gestating 90 days. The diets were prepared by adding 0, 5 and 10% of the beet pulp in basal diets. The pigs fed 5% beet pulp showed higher litter size than the 0 and 10% beet pulp treatments, although there was not significant among the treatments. Similarly, birth and 21days weight in piglet were not different among the treatments. In colostrum fat, protein, lactose, citric acid, solid, ffa, true protein were ranged to reference values, but not difference among the treatments. E.coli of feces was lower(P<0.01) in the 5% beet pulp than the 0 and 10% beet pulp treatments. But no effect was observed on Lactobacilli of feces among dietary treatments. These our results indicate the beet pulp has no significant effect of reproductive performance and colostrum composition in sows. But, 5% level beet pulp is effective for reduction of intestinal pathogenic microorganisms.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of freeze dried placenta supplementation on reproductive performance, colostrum and plasma biochemical composition in pregnant sows. Eleven Landrace × Large white sows were fed with corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with or without 1% freeze dried placenta powder from 10 days before their expected farrowing dates until 10 days postpartum. The colostrum protein content was significantly higher(P=0.043) in the treatment group than in the control group. Compared to the control group, the immunoglobulin G(IgG) concentration in the colostrum was significantly higher(P=0.004) in the treatment. In day 25 piglets plasma, the IgG concentration was higher(P=0.184) in the treatment than the control. The mortality rate was lower(P=0.102), and the piglet weight gain was higher(P=0.35) in the treated group. Overall, the treatment group showed greater levels of protein and IgG concentration in the colostrum, when compared to control group. Therefore, the freeze dried placenta supplementation on pregnant sows can enhance its colostrum composition, hence decrease the mortality and increase the growth rate of piglets.

This study determined diagnostic threshold of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) for cytological endometritis (CEM) and its impacts on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Uterine cytology using 407 Holstein cows was performed at 4 weeks postpartum and proportion of endometrial cells and PMN was evaluated. A receiver operating characteristics curve was built to assess the cutoff level above which the PMN proportion affected the hazard of pregnancy by 200 days postpartum. The cutoff level for CEM was set at ≥14% PMN (sensitivity = 31.3%, specificity = 81.7%, P < 0.05). Cows with CEM had a lower probability of resumption of cyclicity (OR = 0.58 P < 0.05) and lower hazard of pregnancy by 200 days postpartum (hazard ratio = 0.58, P = 0.0001) than cows without CEM. Cows with CEM tended to have a lower probability of pregnancy to the first insemination (OR = 0.65, P < 0.1) and a greater number of insemination per conception (2.3 vs 2.2, P < 0.1) than cows without CEM. In conclusion, the threshold level of PMN was 14% to define CEM at 4 weeks postpartum and CEM decreased subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cow

본 연구는 인공수정 횟수가 모돈의 번식성적에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 수행되었다. 총 48두 의 F1 모돈(Yorkshire×Landrace)을 공시하였으며, 완전임의화배치법(CRD)에 의하여 4개의 처리구에 배치되었다. 처리구는 인공수정 횟수(1회, 2회, 3회, 4회)이며, 발정확인 후 12시간 뒤부터 인공수정을 진행하였다. 모돈의 발정확인은 9시와 21시에 웅돈을 접촉시켜서 확인하였으며, 재귀발정일은 5-6일 인 모돈들을 대상으로 구배치 하였다. 모돈의 승가허용 확인 후 12시간 간격에 따라 9시와 21시에 처 리구에 따른 인공수정을 실시하였다. 인공수정 횟수가 모돈의 임신율, 수태율에는 유의적인 영향을 미 치지 않으며, 분만율에서는 3회 인공수정한 처리구가 다른 처리구들에 비해 낮은 수치를 보였다. 총산 자수, 생시자돈수, 복당체중과 같은 분만성적에서도 인공수정 횟수에 따른 통계적 차이는 나타나지 않 았다. 인공수정 횟수의 1회 감소는 7,000원의 정액비용을 절감할 수 있다. 따라서 발정확인 후 인공수 정을 1회하여도 다른 처리구들과 비교해 동일한 번식성적을 가지며, 1회 인공수정을 통한 정액비용의 감소는 농가의 생산비를 절감할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

It is imperious to know the reproductive parameters of the subsisting swine breed for profitable farming in Bangladesh. This study was designed to compare the reproductive parameters of sows at hilly areas between the local and crossbred at farm and backyard level. A total of 116 breedable sows were included. The data on age at puberty, litter size, birth weight, weaning weight, gestation length, interval between farrowing and number of piglets born per sow in local and crossbred sows were determined and direct questionnaire method was used for data collection. The present study revealed that age at puberty between farm and backyard system of crossbred sows was 8.88±0.153 and 9.85±0.221 months, respectively. The farrowing interval was shorter in crossbred sows which were kept in farming system rather than backyard system. The interval between farrowing and onset of estrus was shorter in crossbred sows. The gestation length was almost similar between backyard and farm condition. The number of litter size per sow per farrowing was 8.45±0.41 in crossbred and 7.17±0.250 in local pigs at backyard system. The birth weight and weaning weight were more in farm conditions than backyard system. The age at puberty in local breed was lower than the crossbred and litter size was 8.45±0.407 in crossbred which was higher than local breed 7.17±0.250 in backyard system. These results suggest that reproductive parameters of local sow need to be improved for better production and crossbred sows should be reared for obtaining desired productivity.

The Korean native cattle, Hanwoo, is the most popular breed of beef cattle in Korea. However, the reproductive performance data are limited although reproduction is one of the most economically and biologically important in beef production. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate reproductive performance parameters including calving interval, parity for life time production. Data collected from 206,827 calvings were analyzed. There were no significant differences in calving interval and gestation days as parity increased from 2nd and 13rd parity cow, from spring to winter. However, we found a dramatic increase in calving interval after year 2000. About 1 month were increased per year ( y = 30.578x + 344.45 R² = 0.9157). Interestingly, we observed that parities for life time can be affected by birth weight. Calves with 23 kg at birth showed highest parities, 3.4±2.0 times. In summary, this study provides valuable data on reproductive performance of Hanwoo and the data presented here can be used as a standard target for optimising and enhancing reproductive performance.

본 실험은 포유기 사료 급여 기간의 변화가 포유 모돈의 생리적 변화와 번식 능력에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 수행되었다. 평균체중 256.15 ± 4.39kg의 F1 모돈(Yorkshire × Landrace) 30두를 공 시하였으며, 완전임의배치법에 따라 3처리구에 배치하였다. 각 처리구는 1) L0-5: 임신기 110일령부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여, 2) L0: 분만일부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여, 3) L0+5: 분 만 5일 후부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여 하였다. 포유기에는 모돈들에게 사료를 무제한 급여 하였으며, 실험결과 사료의 변화 시기는 모돈의 체중 및 등지방 두께에 유의적인 영향을 미치지 못하였 다. 사료섭취량에 있어서 분만일부터 이유시까지 포유돈 사료를 섭취한 모돈이 수치적으로 가장 높았지 만 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 산자수, 자돈의 체중 및 유성분에 있어서도 처리구간 차이는 발견되지 않았다. 결론적으로 분만 5일전부터 5일후 사이에 포유돈 사료로 교체하는 것은 모돈 의 번식능력 및 포유능력에는 긍정적인 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 판단된다.

The present study investigated the effects of fermented potato protein (FPP, Lianol® ferity) during gestation and lactation on productivity of sows. A total of 50 crossbred sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) in their 3 to 5 parities were allotted to one of two treatments (n=25) including control and FPP groups. FPP tablets applied in sows in two stages. Stage one involved applying FPP daily from 3 days before farrowing to 2 days after for 5 consecutive days. The second stage also involved a 5 day period around weaning time from 3 days before to 2 days after. After farrowing, the amount of feed offered 3 times per day gradually increased from about 3.6 kg at farrowing to 8.4 kg at late lactation. During the first lactation FPP tended to increase backfat thickness (BFT) at weaning at the first (p=0.069) whereas FPP increased BFT (p<0.05) at weaning in the second lactation. There was no significant effect of FPP on body weight changes and daily feed intake of sows. Decreased weaning to estrus interval was associated with applying lianol tablet at the second lactation (p<0.05). Weight of born alive piglets, weaned piglets and total weight gain were greater in FPP group at the second lactation (p<0.05). Applying FPP tended (p=0.062) to increase insulin like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-I) at the weaning time in the first lactation. The effect of FPP on IGF-I was significant at the second lactation, revealing a higher concentration in blood at post farrowing and weaning time (p<0.05). This study shows the benefit of using FPP tablets in sows to increase blood IGF-I and both initial and final litter size to improve piglet weaning weights.

본 연구는 흑염소 사양체계 확립에 대한 기초자료를 얻 고자 방목과 사사형태의 사육이 흑염소의 번식능력과 자축 의 발육성적에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 공시축은 흑염 소 36두를 방목구와 사사구로 나누어 처리구당 18두씩 공 시하여 2011년 4월부터 11월까지 8개월간 수행하였다. 단 태의 비율은 방목구가 31.5%, 사사구가 37.0%로 통계적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 산자수는 방목구와 사사구가 각 각 1.76과 1.69두로 사육형태에 따른 차이가 나타나지 않았 으며, 이유 시의 두수는 방목구가 사사구 보다 높은 경향 으로 나타났다(p=0.11). 사육형태에 따른 생시체중은 방목 구가 2.3 kg, 사사구가 2.29 kg 로 나타나 차이가 나타나지 않았으나, 생후 90일 령 이유 시 방목구가 9.97 kg 로 사사 구의 9.45 kg 보다 높은 경향으로 나타났으며(p=0.09), 포 유기간 일당증체량에서도 방목구가 사사구 보다 높은 경향 으로 나타났다(p=0.13). 이상의 결과를 종합해 보면, 흑염 소를 방목과 사사형태로 사육하였을 때, 분만형태, 산자수 및 생시체중에는 차이가 없었으나, 이유두수 및 자축의 일 당증체량에서는 방목사육 형태가 우수한 경향으로 나타나, 방목이 흑염소의 생리적 욕구를 충족시켜 건강한 흑염소 생산에 기여 할 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 흑염소 사양체계 확립에 대한 기초자료를 얻고자 방목과 사사형태의 사육이 흑염소의 번식능력과 자축의 발육성적에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 공시축은 흑염소 36두를 방목구와 사사구로 나누어 처리구당 18두씩 공시하여 2011년 4월부터 11월까지 8개월간 수행하였다. 단태의 비율은 방목구가 31.5%, 사사구가 37.0%로 통계적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 산자수는 방목구와 사사구가 각각 1.76과 1.69두로 사육형태에 따른 차이가 나타나지 않았으며, 이유 시의 두수는 방목구가 사사구 보다 높은 경향으로 나타났다(p=0.11). 사육형태에 따른 생시체중은 방목구가 2.3 kg, 사사구가 2.29 kg 로 나타나 차이가 나타나지 않았으나, 생후 90일 령 이유 시 방목구가 9.97 kg 로 사사구의 9.45 kg 보다 높은 경향으로 나타났으며(p=0.09), 포유기간 일당증체량에서도 방목구가 사사구 보다 높은 경향으로 나타났다(p=0.13). 이상의 결과를 종합해 보면, 흑염소를 방목과 사사형태로 사육하였을 때, 분만형태, 산자수 및 생시체중에는 차이가 없었으나, 이유두수 및 자축의 일당증체량에서는 방목사육 형태가 우수한 경향으로 나타나, 방목이 흑염소의 생리적 욕구를 충족시켜 건강한 흑염소 생산에 기여 할 것으로 판단된다.

Presently, the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers attended National Dairy Herd Improvement Program (NDHI) in Korea has increased, and more research have been requested to evaluate the possibility of decreasing the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers. Accordingly, this study was investigated the effects of the month of age at the first service and pregnancy on the reproductive efficiency of Holstein heifers. For these, the reproductive performance of heifers was analyzed by evaluating the effects of first insemination service at 12-14 months of age (12 month old), 15-16 months of age (15 month old), 17-19 months of age (17 month old), and > 20 months of age (20 month old) in Holstein heifers. The service numbers per conception in the first insemination months were 1.85±1.22, 1.59±0.77, 1.58±0.72, and 1.76±0.97 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception rates in the first service were 51.2, 57.8, 54.8, and 52.9% at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception ages were 453.2±78.9, 512.1±75.9, 590.1±98.0, and 713.0±74.5 days in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. There was significantly difference in the conception age among groups (p<0.05). The cumulative conception rates in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age were 51.21, 57.8, 54.8 and 53.0% by the first service, 29.8, 30.1, 32.3, 23.5% by the second service, and 19.0, 12.1, 12.9 and 23.5% by the third service, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the first pregnancy months were 1.31, 1.55, 2.0, 2.05 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of the first service age, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the 12 and 15 months of age were significantly lower than those in the 17 and 20 months of age (p<0.05). The rates of repeat-breeder were 6.0, 11.3, 22.0, and 41.0% in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. These results demonstrate that first pregnancy of Holstein heifers should be conducted at 15 months of age, because the age at first pregnancy in heifers can be substantially influenced through implementation of reproductive management and performance.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of E. coli on boar sperm quality and reproductive performance in sows after artificial insemination. Three different levels of E. coli were artificially inoculated to semen with following concentrations; Control, 500, 5,000 and 50,000 colony forming unit (cfu)/ml. Semen samples were preserved at 17℃ for 5 days. Sperm motility was significantly decreased (p<0.05) on day 3 in the group inoculated with 5,000cfu/ml compared to control groups. In all treatment groups, sperm motility was gradually decreased as storage time increased, but the decline pattern was more drastic in the groups inoculated with 5,000 and 50,000 cfu/ml groups from day 3 (p<0.05) compared to control group. After 3 day of storage at 17℃, sperm viability in sample inoculated with the highest concentration (50,000 cfu/ml) of bacteria was less (p<0.05) than that of control group. The pH of semen sample pH was maintained 7.2～7.5 in all groups during the experimental period. No differences (p>0.05) were found for both storage time and bacterial concentration. The pregnancy rate and live born piglets tend to decrease by increasing the concentration of E. coli in semen. In particular, the rate of pregnancy was lower in the group inoculated with 50,000 cfu/ml (58.3%) compare to the other groups (81.8, 75.0, 76.5%). These results suggest that the contamination of E. coli in boar semen negatively affects fertilizing ability of boar sperm and the reproductive performance obtained from sows after artificial insemination.