Evaluation of spermatological parameters in ochratoxin A--challenged boars.

Exposure to certain mycotoxins has been proved to contribute to fertility problems in pigs. Although ochratoxin A (OA) is one of the most common naturally occurring mycotoxins, there is little data concerning the possible effects of this toxin on sperm quality of boars. After a 4-week control period, animals were given 20 microg OA per os daily for 6 weeks, followed by a 9-week withdrawal period. Serum and seminal plasma were monitored for OA with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spermatozoal motility was measured at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, and ejaculation volume, initial viability and progressive motility were recorded. Samples of testis and epidydimidis were evaluated histologically. Viability, initial forward motility, and motility after 24h storage were significantly reduced in the experimental group in the withdrawal period only. There were no major histological differences in number and morphology of Leydig cells and epydidimal structures between experimental and control boars. Results of the present study demonstrate that OA may affect sperm production and boar semen quality only after a lag period. Further research is required to elucidate the possibility of a direct or indirect interaction between the toxin and germ cells (spermatogonia).