Organic sperm cell activator that will improve world-wide pork production

Spermatech AS has developed and tested a biological activator for improved pork semen. Spermatech has improved the efficacy of lifelong offspring production based on artificial insemination (AI) of sows for the purpose of a more sustainable pork meat production. The technology relays on adding the activator to the pork semen prior to AI. We have shown that the use of the activator is associated with increased number of offspring?s for sows in service. We see that the use of Spermatechs activator may prove important for worldwide pork meat production using AI. Spermatechs activator is effective but will need optimization for solubility in aqueous solutions, such as pork semen. Spermetch will in a future project, collaborate with Norsvin AS to improve solubility and test novel formulated activators in small filed trails. In addition, Spermatech AS will in collaboration with NTNU Gjøvik, Institutt for vareproduksjon og byggteknikk to develop a method for efficient mixing and delivery of semen and activator during AI. Spermatech has secured rights to the technology, through interaction with Dehns patent office in England.

Outcome of a successful boar sperm activator will benefit the pork production chain worldwide at several levels. Improved semen quality, fertility and increased number of off springs will impact pork meat production and breading for traits. A more effective pork production will reduce costs. The world market for boar sperm is large especially in China, which is a large marked for artificial insemination. Around 200 million boar sperm doses are used annually worldwide at a cost of ~30 NOK per dose. The average value of a born piglet is ~15 USD. A sow gives birth to ~10 x 14 (140) piglets during her life-long service. SpermAct increases the number of off springs equal to ~ 14 piglets per sow during her life-long service. A net revenue per sow is ~210 USD. Estimating 10 % revenue for Spermatech, a 20% market penetration, and 20 million sperm doses annually the boar sperm activator will add 30 million USD annually for Spermatech alone with the present market size for insemination.

We will develop a boar sperm activator to increase the efficiency of artificial insemination used in pig breeding. This will be done through the development of a new and efficient delivery system/protocol combined with formulation of the activator. For the formulation, we will use both organic chemistry and/or nano technology to improve the efficiency of activator administration. Spermatech has through an earlier Bionær project developed a small organic compound that increase the shelf life of collected boar semen and the motility of boar sperm. However, there are challenges connected to the delivery of the current activator due to solubility and handling issues. In this project, we will develop a formulation and administration concept in order to take the current activator from its laboratory-operated form, into a state where it can be safely and with ease-of-use administered by "laymen" in a pork breeding setting. The main objective will be to develop a new formulation and efficient delivery system based on modification of our current sperm cell activator. Organic chemistry and nano technologies will be performed to create an improved activator. The main R&D activities include sperm activator formulation, toxicology test of formulated compound to create a safety profile of the activator for field trials, delivery protocol/technology for handling and administration in the field and filed studies. The main R&D challenges are the formulation of the activator. We will consider both traditional delivery systems such as pill/capsule and advanced nano formulation. Formulation studies will be performed to maintain SpermAct soluble, and with limited fillers that will not effect SpermAct's activity. SpermAct will be the first boar sperm cell activator on the market. and is a new offering in the artificial insemination market. As of today, there are no boar sperm cell activators in this market