Field study analysis of the influences of deworming regimens and housing conditions on parasites and sperm output in 21 European boar studs

- Macrocyclic lactones are used most often for deworming quarantine boars.
- Benzimidazoles are used most often for deworming boars in routine production.
- Deworming regime, age of the boar and housing conditions affect presence of parasites.
- Sperm output was significantly affected by deworming regime.
- Yearly verification of the efficacy of anthelmintics is recommended.

The current study reports the parasitological results of a quality control audit in 21 European boar studs. Field investigations were performed over a 2-year period (2012-2013) during the winter and spring. From each stud, an average of 30 (range, 25-33) individual faecal samples and ejaculates from 615 randomly selected Pietrain boars were analysed. Statistical analysis revealed a significant effect (P < 0.0001) of deworming regimen (DR) × age class of boar (A) and housing condition (H) × A on the presence of parasites. A second model indicated a significant effect (P = 0.0262) of DR × H × A on the presence of parasites. Sperm output was significantly affected (P < 0.0001) by the DR. Based on this study, recommendations for deworming AI boars are proposed.