The incorporation of computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems has enabled the development of objective methods for assessing sperm motility, eliminating the need for subjective operator judgment. To evaluate sperm motility using CASA, classify it into sperm subpopulations (Sp), and assess variation due to individual differences and refrigeration, a study was conducted on a pig farm in Venezuela. Diluted samples from 30 optimal ejaculates collected from six boars were analyzed for motility descriptors. The data were processed using the FASTCLUS procedure, adjusted with the GLM procedure in SAS® to identify the Sp. Three distinct Sp were identified: Sp3 (36.44 %) exhibited the highest velocity and progressive movement; Sp2 (24.17 %) showed the lowest velocity and oscillatory movement; and Sp1 (39.39 %) had the slowest movement but was more progressive than Sp2. To evaluate the distribution of Sp across individuals and storage times, a Chi-square (𝜒²) analysis was performed. Significant differences in subpopulation percentages were found among boars (𝜒² ≤ 0.0001), although all showed excellent motility. The 72-hour refrigeration process significantly affected the Sp with the highest velocity and progressiveness (𝜒² ≤ 0.0001). These results suggest that CASA-based analysis of Sp is a highly sensitive method capable of detecting differences that are not apparent to even experienced operators.

González‑Villalobos D., Quintero‑Moreno A. (2025). Segregación de la motilidad espermática en subpoblaciones como herramienta para mejorar el diagnóstico de la calidad seminal en verracos. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 121(4): 368-381. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2025.014

Se agradece a la empresa Productora Occidental Porcina C.A. (PROPORCA) por facilitar el uso de sus instalaciones y sus verracos para realizar este experimento