The Use of Triaxial Accelerometers During the Semen Collection Process in Boars

Abstract

Artificial insemination is the main method used for sows’ fertilization in pig farms. Therefore, boar fertility is a key parameter of the economic efficiency of a livestock company. Stress (e.g., thermal) influences both libido and semen characteristics, and might be the reason for "seasonal infertility", which negatively affects the economic status of pig farms. In this work we show that overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) derived by accelerometer data from boars during the semen collection process is correlated to both ambient and body temperature. It may also provide useful information about a boar’s sexual behavior and, hopefully, fertilization efficacy, but further research is necessary on this issue.