Biological aspects of the mature boar spermatozoon

Abstract

A practical consequence of the particular reproductive cycle of sows is that the functional features that distinguish boar spermatozoa cannot be extrapolated to other species, thus preventing an overall picture that explains mammalian sperm function from being assumed. Furthermore, the extraordinary complexity of the molecular mechanisms implied in the control and modulation of mature boar sperm functions makes it impossible to provide a complete description of these mechanisms in the limited space of this chapter. Taking this into account, this chapter centers on the description of three highly important specific aspects of boar sperm function. The first aspect is the mechanisms by which boar sperm cells manage their energy levels. The second aspect is the functional role of mitochondria as controllers of boar sperm function. The third aspect will address the existence of functional, separate subpopulations in boar ejaculates, and the hypothetical biological role of these subpopulations.