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EFFECT OF FEED QUALITY AND MICROBIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINATION ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF BREEDING BOARS Cibotaru Elena¹, Bogdan Victoria², Bradu Nina¹, Djenjera Irina¹ ¹ INCAAMV, Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Reproductive Systems ² Institute of Physiology and Sanocreatology, Moldova State University Corresponding author: victoriabogdan@gmail.com AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the microbiological quality of boar semen, pelleted feed, and drinking water at the Animal Reproduction Center and to identify potential sources of contamination that may affect reproductive health. MATERIALS AND METHODS • Breeding boars: Pietrain and PIC hybrid lines
• Samples: semen, pelleted feed, and drinking water
• Indicators: total viable count (TVC), total fungal count (TFC), Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Proteus spp., and Staphylococcus spp.
• Results expressed as CFU/mL or CFU/g and interpreted against applicable veterinary hygiene guidance NUTRITIONAL CONTEXT 12.93 MJ/kg Metabolizable energy 180.8 g/kg Crude protein Main ingredients: wheat 30%, barley 25%, soybean meal 14.85%, maize 13%, sunflower meal 5%, wheat bran 5%, fish meal 1.5%, soybean oil 1.2%, plus premixes and functional additives. The formulated ration met the stated nutritional targets for breeding boars. MICROBIOLOGICAL RESULTS SEMEN · TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT (CFU/mL) The total viable count in Pietrain boar semen was 2.8 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, exceeding the recommended limit of ≤1 × 10⁴ CFU/mL by 2.8-fold. Both ejaculates contained Escherichia, Enterococcus, Proteus, and Staphylococcus, consistent with contamination during collection, processing, or handling. PELLETED FEED · CFU/g High fungal counts indicate a need to review storage conditions and assess mycotoxin exposure. DRINKING WATER All investigated indicators exceeded the admissible limits reported in the source material. The pattern suggests fecal contamination of the source or distribution system and possible microbial biofilms in pipelines or drinkers. CONCLUSIONS • The balanced ration did not compensate for deficiencies in microbiological hygiene.
• Semen bacterial load exceeded the stated threshold, while feed and water showed substantial contamination.
• Priorities include routine monitoring, feed storage control, sanitation of watering systems, and reduction of fungal and mycotoxin risks.
• The study identifies potential reproductive hazards but does not report direct sperm quality or fertility outcomes. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INCAAMV, Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Reproductive Systems Institute of Physiology and Sanocreatology, Moldova State University.<br>
