Artificial Insemination Center Research Articles

The impact of bull breeding management on reproductive function (review)

Providing the population with quality food products is currently relevant. High-tech production of meat and dairy products requires breeding animals with high genetic potential. The main role is given to bull sires, since they are responsible for the constant reproduction of the breeding stock, which depends on the non-stop renovation of the herd with high breeding value’s calves. Management of growing and breeding of young bulls can directly affect the reproductive function of sires and the physiological health. The article provides analytical data based on literary sources containing research by various authors on this topic, and reviews methods and technologies for keeping breeding bulls on various farms in the Russia and abroad. Currently, there is a many problems of getting high-quality breeding young bulls to an artificial insemination center. Currently, there are problems with obtaining high-quality breeding bulls of the enterprise. There are animals with abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, joints, hooves, with signs of osteomalacia, etc. Such animals require additional costs for veterinary and breeding services. The quality of the sperm products they produce often does not comply with state normative. The reason is related either to the choice of maintenance technology or feeding technology. It is necessary to competently organize management, breeding and veterinary work in farms that are purposefully engaged in breeding young animals.

Optimizing Human Resource Development: Analyzing Differences in Job Satisfaction based on job diversity, Employee Status and generation at the Artificial Insemination Center

The Singosari Artificial Insemination Center (AIC) is a Technical Implementation Unit under the Ministry of Agriculture that has implemented the Public Service Agency Financial Management Pattern with the task and function of providing public services to all stakeholders. This study aims to analyze the level of employee job satisfaction and to determine the differences in employee job satisfaction based on job diversity, employee status and generation. This research is a mixed methods research conducted at AIC Singosari Malang Regency, East Java. using an instrument in form of a questionnaire distributed to 142 respondents using census sampling technique. This study uses descriptive analysis in the form of factor analysis and inferential analysis in the form of Mann Whitney Test and Kruskal Wallis Test. With the findings of seven dimensions of job satisfaction, namely the job itself, leadership, coworkers, promotions, work facilities and work environment in the high category and have the same job satisfaction category, which is quite satisfied on average. One indicator with a low score is the allowance indicator and there is a significant difference in job satisfaction based on Position and generation but there is an insignificant difference in job satisfaction between civil servants and non-civil servants. It is expected that AIC Singosari will always socialize and maintain transparency regarding the compensation structure for non-civil servants, including how wages and incentives are determined and distributed. Recognize differences in job security and benefits between civil servants and non-civil servants. As well as considering the desires and expectations between generations.

Seminal oxidative stress index can be used as a marker in the prediction of bull semen cryotolerance

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of seminal plasma activity levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), non-enzymatic antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (Vit-E), and also total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) on post-thaw sperm quality. As well as it was aimed to investigate the possibility of the use of OSI as a marker for the estimation of bull semen freezability. For this study, 72 ejaculates were collected from 6 bulls and separated into two aliquots. The first one was centrifuged to separate seminal plasma. The latter one was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen until analysis. Post-thaw semen quality was examined in two groups (good-freezable semen (GFS) and poor-freezable semen (PFS)) through cluster analyses based on post-thaw total motility and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. As a result of the analyses, seminal TAS, CAT, and Vit-E values were higher (P<0.05) in the GFS group, while TOS and OSI values were higher (P<0.01) in the PFS group. We also performed an ROC curve analysis to determine whether the seminal OSI value could be used to predict semen freezeability. The area under curve (AUC) value was found as 0,70 (P=0.006). In conclusion, it has been revealed that the seminal plasma antioxidant content is responsible for the freezability of semen, and the OSI value, which can be determined by performing TAS and TOS analyses instead of looking for separate antioxidant enzymes, can be used as a marker for the estimation of post-thaw semen quality at artificial insemination centers.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Nano-Zinc Oxide in Tris Diluent on some Traits of Chilled Semen of Bulls from the Artificial Insemination Center in Iraq

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Nano-Zinc Oxide in Tris Diluent on some Traits of Chilled Semen of Bulls from the Artificial Insemination Center in Iraq

Vaginitis with purulent vaginal discharge caused by artificial insemination using frozen Histophilus somni-contaminated semen

In April 2020, two cows in Japan, developed reproductive disorders accompanied by vaginitis with purulent discharge within 3 days of artificial insemination (AI) with the same lot of frozen semen. Histophilus somni was isolated from the vaginal swabs of both cows as well as from the same lot of frozen semen used for the AI. This incident marks the first reported case of H. somni infection in cattle through AI. The major outer membrane protein gene sequences and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the isolates were identical. Moreover, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of 12 frozen semen straws against an H. somni isolate using a disk diffusion test. These straws were sourced from five AI centers and included the same lot of semen used for the AI. Although the composition of semen diluents from individual AI centers is not publicly available, both the same lot of frozen semen used in the AI and other lots produced by the same manufacturer showed lower antimicrobial activity than semen from other manufacturers. These results strongly suggest that the two vaginitis were caused by AI using H. somni-contaminated frozen semen because of insufficient antimicrobial activity to inhibit bacterial growth. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the six antimicrobials recommended for addition to frozen semen in isolates were below the recommended concentrations, suggesting that proper addition could have prevented this incident. This highlights the importance of conducting periodical checks on the antibacterial activity of frozen semen to prevent the transmission of pathogens via AI.

Evaluation of hormones as candidate early biomarkers of Holstein bull performance around the first semen collection at artificial insemination centres

AbstractArtificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF‐1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p &lt; .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p &lt; .05). Testosterone and IGF‐1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p &lt; .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF‐1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.

The effect of adding butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) flower extract to the coconut water-egg yolk diluent on the quality of Aceh cattle spermatozoa

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of adding butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) extract to the coconut water-egg yolk diluent on the quality of Aceh cattle spermatozoa stored at 4°C. The semen used is obtained from the ejaculate of Aceh cattle kept in the Saree artificial insemination center. The treatment in this research was the addition of butterfly pea flower extract to the coconut water-egg yolk diluent with concentrations of 0% (P1), 0.2% (P2), 0.4% (P3), 0.6% (P4), and 0.8% (P5). The spermatozoa quality variables measured were motility, viability, and abnormalities of spermatozoa after and before cooling. The results showed that adding butterfly pea flower extract to the diluent significantly affected spermatozoa motility and viability. Still, they did not affect the percentage of spermatozoa abnormalities before or after the cooling process. The quality of Aceh cattle spermatozoa before and after the cooling process was no different. Adding butterfly pea flower extract to a concentration of 0.6 g/100 ml in the diluent (P4) produced the best spermatozoa motility, viability, and abnormalities. The conclusion is that the addition of butterfly pea flower extract to the coconut water-egg yolk diluent can prevent a decrease in the quality of Aceh cattle spermatozoa stored at 4°C.

A Present Vision for Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals in Egypt

It is well known that one of the major limitations in development of farm animals in Egypt is the extremely low reproductive efficiency. As a result, horizontal expansion would be impossible in dairy animals in Egypt. Therefore, such as in developing countries, artificial insemination (AI) programs are one of the most important options for fast development and genetic improvement in animal breeding studies in Egypt. Meanwhile, the proposed genetic improvement of buffalo milk production is being accelerated using an AI network. According to official statistics, Egypt has only two AI centers for selected buffalo sires, serving four AI units. Based on the current status of artificial insemination studies of farm animals in Egypt, this review spots the light on recent progresses in breeding of farm animals such as buffalo, camel, sheep and goat, based on a comprehensive scientific experience for more than a decade to get a better food security in Egypt.

Breeding practices and evaluation of hormonal estrus synchronization and mass artificial insemination of dairy cattle in southwest Ethiopia

Estrus synchronization is the process of controlling or guiding a cow/heifer estrous cycle so that they can mate at roughly the same time. It may be used to increase the probability of detecting estrus, increase the rate of calving in response to feed availability and market demand for dairy products, and increase the possibility of pregnancy in dairy cattle. The aim of this study was to assess breeding practices, evaluating of hormonal estrus synchronization and mass artificial insemination of dairy cow/heifers in Andracha and Masha districts of Southwestern Ethiopia. Three hundred eighty-nine (389) synchronized cows were selected from record of artificial insemination center (logbook). For experimental (action) study a total of 210 (103 from Andracha and 107 from Masha) dairy cows/heifers were selected and injected single dose of prostaglandin. Cow/heifers which do not respond by single injection were re-injected another single dose of prostaglandin. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. The study revealed that cows or heifers treated with single dose of prostaglandin 157(74.8 %), and 53(25.2 %) responded to heat and none response respectively in the study location. The study also revealed that overall conception rate (CR) and number of services per conception (NSPC) for single dose of prostaglandin injection in the researched areas were 68 (43.3 %), and 2.3 respectively. It was concluded that the effectiveness of PGF2α used to synchronize estrus in dairy cows/heifers was good and the overall conception rate 43.1 higher than national level conception rates (7.14–40.23) to first inseminations.

Mange in farmed rabbits

In this study we determined occurrence of mange in breeding rabbits on 1368 commercial farms in Portugal and Spain during 1996-2022. We obtained our information by carrying out 11 737 visits to 1334 doe farms, 11 farms only with growers, and 23 artificial insemination (AI) centres. The median size of the visited doe farms was 450 does (minimum to maximum: 100–2500 does) and 1175 does (ranging from100 to 6000 does) in 1996 and 2022, respectively. AI was used on 9% of the farms visited in 1996 and 95% in 2022. For our diagnoses we used (1) clinical observations on all visited farms to detect sarcoptic mange; (2) examination of the outer ear of breeding rabbits on a subset of farms to assess the prevalence of otodectic clinical mange (OCM); and (3) the examination of breeding rabbits and youngstock does (2.5 to 5.5 mo old) on a subset of 72 farms during 2018 to estimate prevalence of body mange compatible with cheyletiellosis. They were mainly clinical diagnoses, supported sometimes by a laboratorial confirmation. Over the course of the 27-yr clinical study, the cumulative incidence of sarcoptic mange was low; we recorded a total of 13 affected doe farms. The percentage of farms affected by OCM dropped from 55% in 1996 to 28% in 2022. OCM mean prevalence for the period 1996-2022 and 95% binomial confidence interval (CI) were 3.2% (95% CI [3.1-3.3%]), and 3.9% (95% CI [3.7-4.1%]) in does and bucks, respectively. We observed an improvement over time; the OCM yearly mean prevalence decreased from 7% in 1996 to 2.3% in 2022 in females and from 7.2% to 2.2% in males, respectively. This progress was compatible with the use of semen coming from AI centres; biosecurity measures and medical management also contributed. Genetic type was predisposing risk factor for OCM. Enabling risk factors were year and season (more affected in summer). Hair and skin disorders along the back, compatible with cheyletiellosis, were also assessed during 2018; we detected 50% of positive farms with various prevalence results in females, males or young does. In this study, we describe protocols observed in the control of benign and severe cases of mange in rabbitries, which included the use of ivermectin and synthetic acaricides. Ivermectin was used on 36% of doe farms visited during 2018-2022; we suggest that it should be used less often to lower its negative impact on the environment.

Influence of deep-litter bedding materials on environmental and welfare-related factors in boar studs

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for artificial insemination (AI) centers to procure high-quality bedding materials. The aim of this study was to investigate influences of bedding materials on selected environmental and welfare-related aspects in breeding boars. Including seasonal changes, two trial runs were conducted in winter (T1) and summer (T2) to compare five deep-litter bedding materials (wood shavings (WS), hemp straw (HS), linen straw (LS), spelt husks (SH), and regional wood shavings (RWS)). The cleanliness of the boar pens was visually assessed at the end of T1 and T2 using a 4-point scale (1 = >75%, 2 = 75–51%, 3 = 50–25%, and 4 = <25% clean surface). Simultaneously, a body position score for each boar was assessed (1 = lying on flank, 2 = lying on belly, 3 = sitting, and 4 = standing). Temperatures of bedding at 5 cm and 15 cm depth were determined using a thermometric probe at week 6 and 16 after initial bedding replacement. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were measured at the same time. Simultaneously, fecal samples were collected and analyzed for oocysts in T1. To include flies as a health hazard and nuisance, sticky traps were evaluated in T2. Generalized linear mixed models and a two-way ANOVA were calculated for the statistical evaluation of observations. Cleanliness evaluation showed differences among bedding materials in T1 (P = 0.004) but not in T2 (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the body position score among the materials. WS and RWS were generally cooler at the start of T1 and T2. The greatest difference of 7°C in means was detected between RWS and SH at the start of T2 and 15 cm depth (P ≤ 0.001). Oocyst counts revealed no difference among bedding materials in T1. In T2, fly numbers differed for time of bedding period and for the interaction term between time of bedding period and material (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, the results demonstrate clear differences between materials in terms of temperature, cleanliness of pens (T1), and partially fly burden (T2). Considering heat is a great stressor for most animals, we favor wooden materials as deep-litter bedding for AI boars compared to others due to lower heat development during the bedding period. Moreover, we recommend avoiding replacement of deep-litter bedding during hot summer months in AI centers to reduce excessive heat development.

Semen quality and frozen semen production in Pasundan bulls: A molecular weight perspective on seminal plasma and spermatozoa protein.

To determine the correlation between the molecular weight (MW) of proteins in seminal plasma and spermatozoa and the quality of fresh and frozen semen production in Pasundan bulls. Nine selected Pasundan bulls, aged 5-10 years, from the Regional Artificial Insemination Center at Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia, were used in the study, with fresh semen sperm motility ≥70% and <70%. We analyzed the motility, viability, integrity of the intact plasma membrane (IPM), and the morphological characteristics of spermatozoa. 1D-SDS-PAGE analysis was performed to determine the protein profile by assessing MW, depicted as bands on the gel. The motility, viability, and IPM of spermatozoa had lower values (p < 0.05) in Pasundan bulls named Bagaskara and Kertarajasa compared to the other bulls. Proteins with MW 35-50 kDa were not detected in the seminal plasma of Pasundan bulls, exhibiting low quality in fresh semen. The correlation analysis showed that the non-detected proteins with MW 35-50 kDa in seminal plasma correlated with spermatozoa motility (r = 0.421), viability (r = 0.424), and IPM (r = 0.428) so that fresh semen quality was low in both Pasundan bulls. Analysis of semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, and spermatozoa motility showed that the average frozen semen production of Pasundan bulls per ejaculate was 128.73 ± 15.35 straws. Protein analysis based on MW is a predictive indicator for the quality of fresh semen and the production of frozen semen in Pasundan bulls. Evaluation parameters of fresh semen quality by MW analysis can be used to select Pasundan bulls in Indonesia.

Effect of Foot and Mouth Diseases Vaccination on Basic Semen Quality Parameter in Bali Cattle

This study aimed to determine the effect of post foot and mouth diseases (FMD) vaccination on the basic semen quality in Bali cattle bulls. The data used in this study were semen collection data of 25 Bali cattle bulls at the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC), Singosari. The paired sample t-test was performed to compare the response variable of individual motility (%), abnormality (%), spermatozoa concentration (x 106 cells), and semen volume (mL) from regular semen collection in post and pre-vaccination groups. The results showed no significant difference in semen individual motility (t(74) = -1.72, p = 0.95), abnormality (t(74) = 2.06, p = 0.98), spermatozoa concentration (t(74) = -4.35, p = 1.00), and semen volume (t(74) = -0.11, p = 0.54) in Bali cattle bulls before and after vaccination. This study concludes that the FMD's vaccination program for Bali cattle bulls did not have the potential to reduce the basic semen quality for Bali Cattle frozen semen production.

A proteomic approach to identifying spermatozoa proteins in Indonesian native Madura bulls.

Proteins assist sperm mature, transit the female reproductive tract, and recognise sperm oocytes. Indigenous Indonesian bulls, Madura bulls, have not been studied for reproductive proteomics. As local Indonesian beef livestock, Madura cattle assist in achieving food security; hence, their number must be improved. Thus, the identification of molecular proteomics-based bull fertility biomarkers is needed. This study aimed to characterise the sperm fertility function of the superior Madura bull (Bos indicus × Bos Javanicus) spermatozoa proteome. Frozen semen from eight Madura superior bulls (Bos indicus × Bos javanicus) aged 4-8 years was obtained from the artificial insemination centre (AIC) in Singosari and Lembang. Madura superior bulls are those that have passed the bull breeding soundness evaluation. Frozen sperm were thawed and centrifuged at 3000 × g for 30 min. Proteins in sperm were characterised through proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The resulting gene symbols for each protein were then subjected to bioinformatics tools, including UniProt, DAVID, and STRING databases. Regarding sperm fertility, the analysis revealed that 15 proteins were identified in the sperm of Madura bulls. Amongst the identified proteins, the superior Madura bull sperm contained several motilities, energy-related proteins, and chaperone proteins. A substantial portion of characterised proteins are linked to metabolic pathways and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, contributing to sperm energy production. In conclusion, the first in-depth proteome identification of sperm related to sperm quality and bull fertility of a unique indigenous Madura breed of Indonesia was performed using the LC-MS/MS proteomic method. These findings may serve as a reference point for further studies related to the functions of bovine sperm and biomarkers of fertility and sperm quality.

Proposed Marketing Strategy Development for Local Cattle Frozen Semen Sales (Case Study: Balai Inseminasi Buatan Lembang)

BIB Lembang was constructed in 1975 and became the first Artificial Insemination Center to be developed in Indonesia. BIB Lembang is also a Technical Implementation Unit which is under the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health and is responsible to the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health and is technically fostered by the Director of Livestock Breeding and Production with production duties. Marketing, testing, and monitoring of superior livestock semen quality, as well as preparation of artificial insemination methods. Meanwhile, based on the author’s initial research and problem-solving efforts, The research’s findings indicate that although BIB Lembang continues to have strong customer loyalty, a large number of its patrons still choose imported cattle frozen semen to local cattle frozen semen. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence customer satisfaction in relation to service quality, as well as the impact of human resources capability and technological infrastructure support on the quality of local cattle frozen semen products. Additionally, a business strategy to enhance competitiveness in the local cattle semen market will be designed. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used in this study. STP methodology and customer analysis both employ quantitative methodologies. Internal study of “Current Marketing Capability” and the search for preferences in “secondary data” were used in the data collection process. Seven people were interviewed using the qualitative method, one of whom was the head of BIB Lembang. Based on the research findings, companies can implement business strategies such as service quality to boost sales of local frozen cow semen. These strategies should be complemented by superior human resource competence, adequate technological infrastructure, good online ordering facilities – Sijalu, and customer satisfaction. To develop a SWOT Analysis and TOWS matrix for BIB Lembang in order to obtain a competitive edge and boost sales of local cattle frozen semen, the internal and external aspects will be analyzed using PESTEL analysis, competitor analysis, current marketing capability, and competitor analysis.

Maintenance of permanent sexual activity throughout the year in seasonal bucks using short photoperiodic cycles in open barns

Seasonality of reproductive activity in rams and bucks is the major constraint in temperate and subtropical zones. Rapid alternation between 1 month of short days and 1 month of long days (LD) over three years in lightproof buildings eliminates this seasonality. We examined if this would also work in open barns, using only supplementary light. Over two years, one group of bucks (n = 7) was subjected to alternate 1 month of LD and 1 month of permanent light (LD–LL) and another group (n = 7) to alternate 1 month of LD and 1 month of natural light (LD–NL). A simultaneous control group, used for both experiments (CG1, n = 6; CG2, n = 6), remained under natural photoperiod. BW, testis weight (TW), plasma testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) were evaluated in all bucks. CG1 and CG2 bucks showed identical dramatic seasonal variations in BW (stable or decreasing in summer), TW (from 85 ± 12 g in February to 127 ± 7 g in July) and T (from 2.7 ± 1.2 ng/mL in January–April to 24.3 ± 3.2 ng/mL in June–October). By contrast, BW of LD–LL and LD–NL bucks increased regularly during the experiment. From 5 and 9 months after the experiment onset, LD–LL and LD–NL bucks, respectively, maintained constant TW of 115 ± 5 g until the experiment end. After the first 3 months <5 ng/mL, T of LD–LL bucks remained constant (5–10 ng/mL) until the experiment end. By contrast, T of LD–NL bucks showed four periods of low (<5 ng/mL) and two periods of high concentrations (18.1 ± 2.6 and 11.9 ± 3.4 ng/mL). Plasma C remained low (5–8 ng/mL) and did not change with group or light treatment. These results show for the first time in any seasonal photoperiodic species that it is possible to maintain the sexual activity of males all year round in open buildings using alternating periods of LD and LL. By contrast, return to NL instead of LL every other month does not prevent seasonality in T concentration. These results raise interesting questions about the photoperiodic control of neuroendocrine regulation of seasonal sexual activity and suggest that these treatments can be used to manage males in open barns in farms and in artificial insemination centres. (Spanish and French versions of the full text are available as Supplementary Materials S1 and S2).

Storage of boar semen at 17°C without conventional antibiotics in an extender containing an organic bactericidal substance

IntroductionFacing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, the reduction of antibiotic use in semen extenders is a main goal in artificial insemination (AI) of pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a commercial extender containing an organic bactericidal supplement in the absence of conventional antibiotics to control bacterial growth and to maintain the quality of boar spermatozoa during long-term semen storage for up to 144 h at 17°C.MethodsSemen from 233 boars housed at 16 European AI centers was split and diluted in the long-term extender “Androstar Plus without antibiotics + organic bactericidal supplement” (APlus) and in the control extender Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) with gentamicin, which is routinely used in many AI centers. Sperm motility was assessed with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and membrane integrity was evaluated with flow cytometry. The number of bacteria was determined by counting colonies on agar plates.ResultsAt the end of storage, bacterial counts were ≥ 106 CFU/mL in 10.7% of the APlus and in 0.4% of the BTS samples. At the same time, bacterial counts were only weakly correlated with sperm motility (r = −0.23, p &amp;lt; 0.05), and there was no correlation with sperm membrane integrity (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Among the 12 identified bacterial species in APlus samples, loss of sperm quality was exclusively observed in the presence of &amp;gt;106 CFU/mL Serratia marcescens and Klebsiella oxytoca. Both these bacterial species, despite their known multi-drug resistance and the continuous use of gentamicin in Europe, proved sensitive to this antibiotic, thus indicating an efficient quality assurance program and responsible antibiotic use.ConclusionLong-term storage of boar semen at 17°C without conventional antibiotics in an extender containing an organic bactericidal supplement is an option if semen samples are regularly tested for the presence of S. marcescens and K. oxytoca, and the source of contamination is eliminated.

Evaluation of Feed Consumption and Nutrient Adequacy of Different Breed Bulls at Artificial Insemination Centre – Lembang

ABSTRACT This research was conducted to evaluate the feed consumption and nutrient adequacy of bull breeds at the Balai Inseminasi Buatan (BIB) Lembang. The study took place over a four-months, utilizing secondary data provided by the Artificial Insemination Centter (AIC) Lembang for the year 2021. The data used included number and breeds of bull, forage types , forage quality, concentrate quality, hay quality, dry matter consumption, protein consumption, and total digestible nutrients (TDN) consumption. The data were recorded monthly and accumulated to provide an average value for the one-year research period. The dry matter consumption of each feed type including both forage and concentrate, served as the basis for determining protein and TDN consumption.The Bull breeds were divided into two groups: large-type bull and small-middle-type bull. The data analysis results showed that the average dry matter consumption of forage and concentrate were 75.10% and 24.90%, respectively, for the large-type cattle and 76.49% and 23.51%, respectively, for the small-middle-type cattle. The total dry matter consumption was 1.16% of body weight for the large-type and 1.55% of body weight for the small-middle-type. The protein consumption for large-type and small-type cattle was 1760 g/head/day and 1520 g/head/day, respectively. These protein consumption values exceeded the NRC (National Research Council) standards by 32.12% and 40.29% for large-type and small-middle-type cattle, respectively. The TDN consumption for large-type and small-middle-type cattle was 7570 g/head/day and 6600 g/head/day, respectively. These TDN values were 17.05% and 26.02% higher than the NRC standards for large-type and small-middle-type cattle, respectively.The findings of this study conclude that the feed provided at the AIC Lembang exceeds the nutrient requirements of both types of male cattle.

Evaluation of Motility, Viability, and Integrity Plasma Membranes of Frozen Semen in Friesian Holstein with Storage Periods of 33, 30, 27, and 24 Years

The quality of frozen semen is one of the components of the artificial insemination program. The freezing method, kind of diluent, handling of frozen semen, and thawing process all affect the quality of frozen semen. This study aimed to determine the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of frozen semen of Friesian Holstein cattle at storage periods of 33, 30, 27, and 24 years. The samples used were stored for 33 years (production 1987), 30 years (production 1990), 27 (1993 production), and 24 years (1996 production) stored in Singosari Artificial Insemination Center, Malang. Data were statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p &lt; 0,05). Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of frozen semen that had been preserved for 33, 30, 27, and 24 years were still acceptable and in good condition in comparison to the SNI quality criteria for bull frozen semen in Indonesia.

The Quality of Cryopreserved Dairy Bulls Semen along Supply-Chain Used for Artificial Insemination in Tanzania

Several factors are said to influence semen quality in breeding bulls. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of season and cold value chains on semen quality parameters. A total of 1652 semen production records from 2018 to 2021 from 10 dairy bulls preserved at the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC), USA River, Arusha, Tanzania, and 540 cryopreserved semen examined were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean using statistical analysis system (SAS, 2004), to determine whether there were significant differences among variables tested. All semen traits (VOL, SPC, PM, TM, PM, TM, VER, MP, and HP) were significantly (P &lt;0.05) affected by season and cold value chain. During the cold season, the highest values of SPC, PM, TM, PM, TM, VER, MP, and HP were observed as compared to that of the warm season. Furthermore, semen quality decreased gradually from pre-state (before freezing) to post-state (after freezing for 48 hours) with minor affection for semen motility. There was a higher decrease (P &lt;0.05) in quality from cryo-stored semen straw to those of the same batch retrieved back from the field. The semen quality parameters were satisfactory in the first three stages when compared to the semen straw from the field which was observed to have poor motility which could be due to poor handling, leakage of storage and transportation containers, and sometimes the delay of refilling the LN2. Finally, during the cold season and in all stages of semen production the semen is qualitatively and quantitatively good.