The present study was conducted to assess sperm characteristics in miniature-pig. The semen samples were transported to the laboratory at 17℃ within 3 hours after collection. The extended semen was stored at 17℃, and sperm quality was evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after storage. The semen volume of miniature-pig (62±22㎖) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of Duroc (155±25㎖) and Yorkshire (154±23㎖). Significant differences were also observed in sperm concentrations. During 3 days of storage, sperm viability did not differ among miniature-pig, Duroc and Yorkshire. However, the viability was significantly (p<0.05) lower in miniature-pig than in Duroc and Yorkshire semen after Day 3 of storage. In abnormality, acrosome intactness and intensity, there were no differences among miniature-pig, Duroc and Yorkshire semen. On the other hand, the viability of frozen-thawed sperm in miniature-pig was significantly (p<0.05) lower than in that of Duroc and Yorkshire. This study also examined CTC patterns in frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The rates of AR pattern were higher in miniature-pig than in Duroc and Yorkshire. However, no difference was found in F, B and AR patterns. The results of present study suggest that further research is necessary to develop of semen extender and freezing methods to improve sperm quality in miniature-pig.

INTRODUCTION   MATERIALS AND METHODS    Semen Collection and Processing    Semen Evaluation    Freezing and Thawing    Statistical Analysis   RESULTS AND DISCUSSION   ACKNOWLEDGMENTS   REFERENCES

• Lee S. H.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)
• Kim T. S.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)
• Cheong H. T.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)
• Yang B. K.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)
• Kim C. I.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)
• Park C. K.(College of Animal Resource Science, Kangwon National University)