Artificial Insemination Center Research Articles

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.

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 5cm and 15cm 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 15cm 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.

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.

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.

Fresh Semen Quality of Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Bos sondaicus Bulls in the Tropical Condition

This study aimed to assess the effect of genetic and seasonal interaction on semen quality in the Artificial Insemination Center. A total of 36,754 ejaculation records were evaluated. The dependent variable was semen quality which consisted of volume, pH, concentration, abnormalities, and motility of fresh semen. The independent variables consisted of age, season, and number of ejaculation. The mixed procedure with Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test was used to analyze the effect of interaction between the variables. Seasonal factors significantly affected concentration, fresh semen motility, and abnormality, but did not affect pH and volume. Age factor had a significant effect on all semen quality variables. The ejaculation factor significantly affected pH, volume, concentration, and fresh semen motility, but did not affect abnormality. The species factor significantly affected pH, concentration, and fresh semen motility, but did not affect volume and abnormality.

Endemic Fish Conservation: Utilization of Cryopreservation Technology with Fructose in Red Bader Fish (Puntius Bramoides) Sperm

Cryopreservation in red bader fish is needed for conservation and development of gamete cell storage. It is a chemical compound that can prevent cell or tissue damage due to freezing. In addition, dimethyl sulfoxide can penetrate cells quickly during equilibration. This research aimed to study reproductive biology and analyze the fructose ability as a extender in the Red Bader fish sperm cryopreservation process. The cryopreservation process was conducted at the Artificial Insemination Center, Singosari. The test fish were obtained from the Freshwater Cultivation Development Center, Umbulan then they were reared for 2 months to get the level of gonad maturity. This study was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of three treatments and three replications. The treatment given was the use of fructose extenders with different percentages i.e., 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%. The results showed that the sperm characteristics of the red bader fish (Puntius bramoides) had a volume of 3.18 mL, a pH value of 7.39, a milky white sperm color, a sperm concentration of 3.5x109 cells/mL, a motility value of 81.67%, and a viability of 85 %. The best type of fructose extender with 0,6% dimethylsulfoxide concentration has a motility value of 38,33% post-cryopservation and 36,67% post-cryopreservation viability. The type of extender affects the sperm quality of angry bader fish during the cryopreservation process, the type of extender obtained was fructose with the best concentration of 0,6% dimethylsulfoxide with the highest motility and viability values.

Impact of inclusion of post-spermatic ejaculate fraction in boar seminal doses on sperm metabolism, quality, and interaction with uterine fluid

Boar ejaculate is composed of sperm cells and seminal plasma (SP) and is emitted in different fractions (pre-sperm fraction; spermatic-rich fraction; intermediate fraction; post-spermatic fraction), with different composition of SP and volume, which could influence the sperm quality during seminal doses preparation, conservation, and interaction with the female reproductive tract. In artificial insemination (AI) centers, seminal doses are usually prepared with the spermatic-rich and intermediate fractions, but the inclusion of other ejaculate fractions, although controversial, is beginning to be applied. The objective was to evaluate the synergic effect of accumulative ejaculated fractions on sperm functionality during seminal doses preparation, throughout storage and after incubation with uterine fluid (UF). For this purpose, a total of 57 ejaculates were collected, and the following experimental groups were prepared (n = 19 per group): (F1) spermatic-rich fraction; (F2) F1 plus intermediate fraction; (F3) F2 plus post-spermatic fraction. Each group was stored for 5 days at ∼16 °C, and the following parameters were evaluated: sperm metabolism of pure and diluted semen (day 1), sperm quality parameters (days 1, 3, 5), thermal-resistance test (TRT) and incubation with uterine fluid (UF) (day 5). Sperm metabolic rates between accumulative ejaculate fractions from pure and diluted semen did not show differences. Also, sperm quality parameters were not affected by the ejaculate fraction during storage. However, sperm subjected to TRT showed similar results except for progressive motility, which was better in F2 and F3 than F1. When sperm were incubated with UF, the quality decreased in each group, but sperm from F2 and F3 were less affected than those from F1. In conclusion, the post-spermatic fraction can be included in seminal doses for their use in AI-centers, with functionality of sperm of different SP origins not being impaired throughout the storage, and responding better to thermal and UF stress. However, further research in AI-centers is necessary to test the sperm behaviour under presented conditions.

Rotation of liquid-preserved artificial insemination doses on roller benches affects sperm quality during storage in stallions.

Appropriate stallion semen handling is of great importance in equine artificial insemination (AI) industry. Optimal treatment of AI doses is aiming for best sperm preservation by excluding strong environmental influences and adding media that favour sperm survival. One method widely used in stallion sperm handling is the rotation of liquid-preserved semen samples on roller benches during storage. As previous studies in boars give rise to the fact that rotation should not be considered beneficial for spermatozoa anymore, the present study investigated the influence of continuous rotation of diluted stallion AI portions on sperm quality. Ejaculates (n = 15) were collected at a German AI centre and diluted with the two extenders EquiPlus and Gent (Minitüb GmbH) to a final concentration of 50 × 106  sperm/mL. Afterwards, samples were placed separately on roller benches at 5°C in the dark, obtaining a rotation frequency of 5 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 36 rpm for four consecutive days following a split-sample design. Both groups were analysed daily in comparison to a control group (0 rpm) with an extended spectrum of spermatological methods including computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were based on the calculation of generalized linear mixed models for each sperm parameter. The research revealed a decrease in sperm quality parameters of rotated samples compared to non-rotated control groups, visible in total sperm motility (p < .001), decreased thermo-resistance (p < .01) and a drop in pH (p < .001). Interestingly, no differences (p > .05) were detected between rotation frequencies of 5 and 36 rpm. We conclude that the fertilizing capacity of stallion semen was negatively affected by rotation during storage in vitro, irrespective of the rotation frequency. Further studies need to investigate whether field fertility in horses is similarly affected by semen rotation on roller benches in vivo.

Ability of Melon (Cucumis melo. L) Fruit Juices Based Tris Diluent on The Quality of Frozen Spermatozoa of Bali Cattle After Thawing

The high potassium content in melon plays a role in maintaining the normal function of the muscles, heart, nervous system, and potassium is also the main regulator of blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using melon juice (Cucumis melo L.) as a diluent on the quality of spermatozoa and semen of Bali cattle both before and after freezing. The Banyumulek Artificial Insemination Center produces sperm used in Bali cattle breeding. The technique used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 15 replications. The first treatment was 100% egg yolk tris buffer without the addition of melon juice (P0), the second treatment was 80% buffer without the addition of 20% melon juice (P1), the third treatment was 60% buffer with the addition of 40% melon juice (P2). The fourth treatment was 40% buffer with the addition of 60% melon juice (P3). The outcomes showed that the worth of flawless plasma film and mortality upsides of ox-like semen after weakening and subsequent to defrosting were not essentially unique. Be that as it may, not altogether disparate in that frame of mind of motility, level of reasonability, level of ordinariness and post-defrosting anomalies. According to the findings of this study, melon juice can be used as an alternative extender for fresh Bali cattle sperm and preserve the quality of spermatozoa.

Cytogenetic screening of a Canadian swine breeding nucleus using a newly developed karyotyping method named oligo-banding

BackgroundThe frequency of chromosomal rearrangements in Canadian breeding boars has been estimated at 0.91 to 1.64%. These abnormalities are widely recognized as a potential cause of subfertility in livestock production. Since artificial insemination is practiced in almost all intensive pig production systems, the use of elite boars carrying cytogenetic defects that have an impact on fertility can lead to major economic losses. To avoid keeping subfertile boars in artificial insemination centres and spreading chromosomal defects within populations, cytogenetic screening of boars is crucial. Different techniques are used for this purpose, but several issues are frequently encountered, i.e. environmental factors can influence the quality of results, the lack of genomic information outputted by these techniques, and the need for prior cytogenetic skills. The aim of this study was to develop a new pig karyotyping method based on fluorescent banding patterns.ResultsThe use of 207,847 specific oligonucleotides generated 96 fluorescent bands that are distributed across the 18 autosomes and the sex chromosomes. Tested alongside conventional G-banding, this oligo-banding method allowed us to identify four chromosomal translocations and a rare unbalanced chromosomal rearrangement that was not detected by conventional banding. In addition, this method allowed us to investigate chromosomal imbalance in spermatozoa.ConclusionsThe use of oligo-banding was found to be appropriate for detecting chromosomal aberrations in a Canadian pig nucleus and its convenient design and use make it an interesting tool for livestock karyotyping and cytogenetic studies.

Semen quality of progeny-tested breeding bulls maintained at the National Artificial Insemination Centre, Arusha, Tanzania

The success or failure of artificial insemination (AI) depends on the quality of semen used. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of breed, age, collection period, and ejaculate number on semen quality collected from 15 breeding bulls available at the centre with different ages (4 Friesian, 4 Ayrshire, 3 Jersey, 2 Simmental and 2 Boran breeds) maintained at National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 600 ejaculates were collected for four weeks per month consecutively from January to May 2022, weekly per bull and twice a day; morning (6.00 - 9.00 AM) and evening (3.00 - 6.00 PM) sessions). The ejaculates were first examined visually for volume, color, foreign bodies, and consistency whereas sperm concentration (SPC), progressive motility (PM) and total motility (TM) were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis System (CASA). Viability/vitality (SPVI) and morphology (SPNR) of sperms were analyzed microscopically after staining with Eosin-Nigrosin. Data were subjected to SAS program and results showed that ejaculate volume, progressive motility, total motility, sperm viability, and morphology were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by age and collection period. Simmental, Friesian, and Ayrshire bulls produced more voluminous semen than Jersey and Boran bulls. Jersey bulls had higher (P&lt;0.05) sperm concentrations and live spermatozoa as compared to other bulls. Boran and Jersey's bulls exhibited higher PM and TM than the other bulls. The period of semen collection (morning versus evening) negatively affected semen volume, total motility, and semen viability in which morning harvests performed better than evening collections. Middle aged bulls (3-5 years) produced semen of higher quality compared to other groups (&lt; 3 years and &gt; 5 years old bulls). In conclusion, age, breed, period of semen production and ejaculate number revealed significant effect on bovine semen characteristics.

PENGARUH BREED TERHADAP MOTILITAS SPERMA SAPI LOKAL INDONESIA DAN Bos taurus DI BALAI INSEMINASI BUATAN (Effect breeds on sperm motility of indonesian local bulls and bos taurus at Artificial Insemination Center)

The attempt to achieved the goal could be through using artificial insemination (AI) by frozen semen. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the breed on sperm motility using Madura, Bali bulls and Bos taurus frozen semen. The experiment used local bull frozen semen (Madura and Bali bull breeds) and Bos taurus bull (Simmental and Limousin breeds) produced by Singosari’s artificial insemination center. Sperm motility evaluation was conducted using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA, Spermvision, Minitube®, Germany). The analyzing data uses a generalized linear model, one-way ANOVA using the SPSS 26 software. Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) was used to determine any significant differences. The result shows for total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) are 63.89±1.72% and 54.38±4.39% (Madura bull), 51.48±3.30% and 42.47±5.48% (Bali bull), 58.21±1.13% and 44.38±3.15% (Simmental bull), also 58.12±1.64% and 51.49±3.03% (Limousin bull). There is no differential sperm motility (P&gt;0.005) in both parameters for all breeds. All frozen semen used in this study qualifies with Indonesian National Standards and is approved for use in the artificial insemination program.