Spermatech AS has identified and characterized substances, also called activators, that increase the swimming ability of sperm isolated from pigs. Previously, in collaboration with Norsvin, Spermatech AS has shown that the sperm activators, positively affect the number of offspring after artificial insemination. When using the activators, the sows after sexual maturation, get more offsprings in their first litter and more offsprings in total as production sows. The activators, however, have low solubility in aqueous solutions. Spermatech AS has in the present project through intensive work with the contract research organization (CRO) Aragen improved solubility of the activators. Results from this work has enabled Spermatech AS to accurately decide for optimal velocity based on activator concentration in solutions of pork sperm. As velocity alone does not indicate increased number of offspring, Spermatech AS in collaboration with Norsvin AS has conducted a field trial which was finished in December 2024. 828 sows were divided into two groups and inseminated with sperm either pretreated- or not pretreated with optimal concentrations of activator. The results generated from this field trail are substantial and presently calculated statistically. When completed this work is completed, it will enable Spermatech AS in collaboration with Norsvin AS to introduce the activators in systematic pork production. In this work a novel delivery method for artificial insemination is under development. Spermatech's development program has had a significant impact both at the academic and industrial level. Spermatech AS in collaboration with Norsvin AS, which is world leading in pork production, expects that the innovation will have great impact on pork production, particularly in countries such as China, which is the world's largest producer and consumer of pork meat.
Developing a successful boar sperm activator that leads to improved pork meat production may function at several levels. These may include 1) optimized semen quality, 2) improved fertility, 3) increased number of off springs, and 4) may be used in development optimal breading traits. All scenarios may implicate more effective pork production with reduce costs without negatively affecting animal care. The world market for boar sperm is large especially in China, which represents the largest producer and consumer globally. In addition, China represents the largest marked for artificial insemination. More than 200 million boar sperm doses are used annually worldwide at a cost of ~2-4 USD per dose. The average value of a born piglet is ~15-20 USD. A sow gives birth to ~10 x 14 (140) piglets during her time of production. Spermatech's activator when not optimized, have been shown to increase 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 20-30 million sperm doses annually the non-optimized boar sperm activator is expected to add 30-35 million USD annually for Spermatech alone. When optimized this revenue is expected to increase in the present market size for insemination.
More than 100 potential sperm cell activators were initially identified by Spermatech AS in a High-Throughput Screening (HTS) of a chemical library. The initial screen was performed on living sperm cells revealing that SpermAct significantly improved the motility (swimming) of all boar sperm tested. Due to these facts, we have performed two field studies, a pilot study including 27 sows and a larger field trial including 441 sows. The pilot study revealed that SpermAct added to boar semen before insemination resulted in a trend of 2 piglet embryo increase and no toxicity. In the large field trial, the trend of increased number of piglets born using SpermAct was supported and a 5% increase in pregnancy rate along with an average increase of ~1 more piglet per sow was observed. SpermAct also improved the weaning to service interval (WSI) meaning that the interval between consecutive pregnancies wwere shortened. However, during the field trials we experienced low solubility of SpermAct in aqueous/ionic solutions including semen. We see that improving SpermAct solubility is required for optimal use and effect in pork production. Based on this Spermatech will develop SpermAct further in order to improve pork production, by: 1) improving solubility of SpermAct in aqueous/ionic solutions (semen) and 2) development of a novel insemination tube, which together with newly formulated SpermAct will be 3) tested in a small-scale field study for piglet production. The innovation employs development of a smart solution (extenders) for the delivery of SpermAct to semen ampullas. The innovation is in accordance with the BIONÆR strategy of performing “Research based innovation in food and bio-based business”, along with “improve value chain for future food production. In line with this, the project will add commercial value and competence to biotechnology driven companies and academics in Norway in accordance with the grant call.
