Serum Testosterone and Spermatological Parameters in Boars with Reproductive Failure in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Reproductive failure in breeding boars results in significant economic losses through reduced litter sizes and prolonged farrowing intervals in pig enterprises. This study evaluated serum testosterone concentrations and spermatological parameters in boars presenting with reproductive failure at pig farms in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. Forty boars comprising twenty with diagnosed reproductive failure based on low libido, poor conception rates, or abnormal semen quality and twenty reproductively normal controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected for testosterone quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and semen was evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, live-dead ratio, and morphological abnormalities by standard andrological techniques. Reproductively compromised boars had significantly lower serum testosterone concentrations compared to controls, with mean values of 1.9 ng/mL versus 5.4 ng/mL respectively. Concurrent semen analysis revealed reduced progressive motility and increased morphological abnormalities, particularly proximal cytoplasmic droplets and bent midpieces in the affected group. Sperm concentration was not significantly different between groups. Age was identified as a significant confounding variable, with older boars disproportionately represented in the compromised group. These findings underscore the importance of routine andrological assessment and testosterone monitoring in breeding boar management programmes in South East Nigeria. Keywords: testosterone, spermatology, boar, reproductive failure, Ebonyi State.