WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT BOARS…

During insemination of the sow, semen is deposited through the cervix into the uterus. Spermatozoa move through the uterus rapidly and enter the oviducts within 15 to 30 minutes after insemination. The lower region of the oviduct serves as a storage area for spermatozoa as they await the arrival of ovulated oocytes. In this area of the oviduct, ejaculated spermatozoa undergo capacitation, removal of proteins that were acquired in the cauda epididymis. Capacitation is necessary before spermatozoa can fertilise ova.