Practice Of Artificial Insemination Research Articles

PSIII-9 Field fertility following the practice of post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) at multiple North American swine units

Abstract On a global scale, greater than 95% of sows are bred using artificial insemination (AI). As with most technologies, efficiencies improve over time and in the case of swine AI the industry is moving towards fewer sperm per dose in conjunction with a post-cervical deposition (PCAI). Nevertheless, little information is available stating the fertility of farms actively using PCAI. The objective of this research is to provide a retrospective report on the field fertility of multiple farms in North America utilizing PCAI. As a reference, information is provided for contemporary farms utilizing conventional AI (intra-cervical deposition in conjunction with a greater total sperm count per dose). Semen doses produced for PCAI (1.5 billion total cells in 40 mL volume) sourced from one boar stud located in Tennessee and are packaged as pooled semen in NUTRIXcell + extender. Semen was held overnight at 18°C and delivered to seven farms the next day. Semen doses produced for conventional AI (CONAI) also sourced from a single boar stud located in Michigan; packaged as pooled semen at 2.75 billion total cells in a 70 mL volume using the NUTRIXcell + extender and shipped to six farms the same day as semen production. Both PCAI and CONAI were used on 100% of gilts and multiparous sows in respective systems. Field fertility, reported as farrow rate (FAR) and mean total born (TB), is reported below for both PCAI (Table 1) and CONAI (Table 2) following use per individual farms during January 2022 to September 2023. Results suggest that PCAI can maintain acceptable levels of fertility and should enable cost savings in conjunction with increased dissemination of superior genetics.

Structural analysis of cattle enterprises in Kayapinar district of Diyarbakır province

This research was conducted in person in Diyarbakir province, Kayapınar district, by means of a questionnaire with a total of 120 people engaged in cattle breeding in 21 settlements. The questionnaire addresses the existence of cattle farms, the general structural status of cattle farms, information provided by owners, feed supply and feeding practices, animal health and treatment practices, reproduction and artificial insemination practices, production and marketing of animal products on farms, housing status and support utilization status. It has been shown that the farms are small farms and 92% of the farms have closed barns. The fact that the majority of farm owners are between 40 and 61 years old can be seen as a danger signal for livestock. It was found that there is no cooperative in the villages except Cumhuriyet district, which brings the problem of marketing raw milk and dairy products. In the study area, it it has been observed that activities such as animal care feeding, estrus monitoring and application, and automation in animal husbandry are insufficient. For sustainable animal production, relevant public institutions and organizations need to work more intensively and carry out training, monitoring and evaluation activities to increase productivity per animal in enterprises, to train operators on herd management, care and feeding and animal health, and to meet expectations by solving problems in enterprises. This research provides us with important data about the general structure of cattle breeding in Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır province.

Suni Tohumlanan Kraliçe Arının Koloniye Kabulü için Yöntemlerin Değerlendirilmesi

: When artificial insemination practices in honey bees are used correctly, they actively increase yield characteristics. However, producers may experience serious problems when accepting artificially inseminated queen bees to the colonies. To minimize this problem, inseminated queen bees are first accepted into small mating boxes. Small colonies are formed, supported, and developed after admission to the new colony. In addition to spending serious effort and time, this process causes maimed queen bees and even colony losses if they fail. In the study, 21 queen bees were used, 7 of which were queen bees in each group. 7 queen bees were naturally mated. After 7 queens were artificially inseminated, they were first given to small mating colonies using the classical method. Queen bees that accepted and laid eggs were introduced to colonies with 4-5 laths of worker bees. 7 colonies were given as queen bee thimbles 2 days before hatching. Queens that had hatched were inseminated and given to the same colonies. Whether the queen bees given to the colonies in 3 different groups were accepted into the colonies was evaluated after 10 days. The egg-laying rates of the queens admitted to the colony were checked after the egg appeared. In the controls, it was seen that the acceptance of the queen bees kept individually in their own colony was less laborious and more successful than the classical method.

Elaboration of massage technique for semen collection and examination of semen characteristics in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

The practice of artificial insemination for the long-tailed chinchilla has not been fully elaborated to date, and existing data available regarding their reproduction properties is contradictory. Until now, the collection of semen for chinchillas has been most-commonly obtained using electro-ejaculation methods exclusively. The primary objective of this study was the development of a manual technique for semen collection which meets all animal welfare requirements. An additional aim was to determine the basic spermatological parameters, such as motility, concentration, type and ratio of morphological abnormalities and live/dead cell ratio, under typical northern-hemisphere conditions, in Hungary. Over a 3 month period, a special massage technique was developed for the study, and using this method, the sperm parameters of 46 males were subsequently analyzed weekly for a period of one year. Approximately 66% of chinchillas responded positively to this technique, with the success rate of semen-collection attempts showing no variation between seasons. Average sperm concentration for the whole year was 935.17 million/ml using this method. Total cell motility was the highest in winter (90.3%), and the lowest in spring (84.3%). The proportion of live, intact cells were above 80% on average for the year, while the ratios of live, morphologically abnormal and dead cells were 6% and 14%, respectively. We found that midpiece abnormalities occurred in the highest proportion (0.95%-3.38%), while the head abnormalities showed the lowest ratio (0.01%-0.15%). Standard deviation among the parameters was relatively high, with the spring season proving to be the weakest in terms of sperm quality. This study has demonstrated that, semen can be successfully collected without the use of electro-ejaculation or anesthesia. Furthermore, although spermatological parameters do exhibit some fluctuation for the different times of the year, semen collected is nonetheless suitable for the purpose of artificial insemination of chinchillas at any time.

Reproductive Performance of Female Rabbits Inseminated with Extenders Supplemented with GnRH Analogue Entrapped in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles.

Rabbit is a reflexively ovulating species. Accordingly, in the practice of artificial insemination (AI) ovulation must be induced via exogenous GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) administration, which may be performed intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravaginally. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of the GnRH analogue when added to the extender is lower due to the proteolytic activity in the seminal plasma and the poor permeability of the vaginal mucosa. The aim of the study was to refine the practice of AI practice in rabbits by replacing parenteral GnRH analogue administration (subcutaneous, intravenous, or intramuscular injection) with intravaginal application, while reducing its concentration in the diluent. Extenders containing the buserelin acetate in chitosan-dextran sulphate and chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were designed and 356 females were inseminated. Reproductive performance of females inseminated with the two experimental extenders, receiving 4 μg of buserelin acetate intravaginally per doe, was compared with that in the control group, the does of which were inseminated with the extender without the GnRH analogue and induced to ovulate with 1 μg of buserelin acetate administered intramuscularly. The entrapment efficiency of the chitosan-dextran sulphate complex was higher than that of chitosan-alginate. However, females inseminated with both systems showed similar reproductive performance. We conclude that both nanoencapsulation systems are an efficient way of intravaginal ovulation induction, allowing a reduction in the level of the GnRH analogue normally used in seminal doses from 15-25 μg to 4 μg.

Characterization of freezability-associated metabolites in boar semen

Sperm cryopreservation maintains the diversities of porcine genetic resources and improves utilization efficiency of boar semen in artificial insemination practices. Freezability of boar semen presents remarkable differences among individuals. However, metabolic markers for boar semen freezability in both sperm and seminal plasma largely remain unknown. The present study thus aims to determine differences in metabolites of sperm and seminal plasma between poor (PF) and good (GF) freezability semen from a Chinese native pig and screen potential markers for semen freezability. A total of 72,048 metabolites in sperm and 66,551 metabolites in seminal plasma were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The proportion of lipid molecules among all metabolites in both sperm and seminal plasma was the maximum regardless of negative or positive mode. Furthermore, we identified 21 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in sperm and 185 DEMs in seminal plasma between PF and GF group. Additionally, clustering analysis showed that DEMs in sperm and seminal plasma exhibited significant changes between PF and GF group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that DEMs in sperm were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways of amino acids and caffeine. DEMs in seminal plasma were associated with AMPK and cAMP signaling pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate that sperm and seminal plasma of native pigs present differential metabolome between PF and GF semen.

Photostimulation Applications to Increase Spermatological Parameters

Today, it is an important issue to preserve genetic resources and transfer them to future years. The process of freezing semen, which has a wide range of uses such as reproductive biotechnology, protection of the lineage of species and clinical applications, is of great importance in this sense. Freezing the semen in a way that will provide sufficient fertility will make artificial insemination practices more practical and economical, and more accurate and reliable pedigree records will be kept. In addition, it will be possible to use animals with high genetic capacity in large populations. During the freezing-thawing of sperm, membrane lipid phase change, osmotic-mechanical stress and free oxygen radicals occur. As a result, structural deformations in membrane structures and cell organelles and breaks in DNA occur. These negative effects can be reduced by adding antioxidants, various cryoprotectants and chemical substances to semen extenders, and sperm functions are improved after solution. The developments in the light of recent research have been in the direction of increasing the fertility abilities of sperm cells in the cryopreservation process by irradiating them in different spectrum areas. On the other hand, lasers are involved in many areas of our lives due to their linearity, single wavelength, stable radiation and high power. Laser sources are gaining more and more acceptance in various industries thanks to their narrow focusing advantages. Recently, it has been shown that under intense radiation of red LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, the resistance and capacitation of porcine sperm cells increase in vitro and fertility ability increases in vivo. Consistent results have also been obtained in species such as humans, dogs, bulls, rams and rabbits using devices and systems such as low-energy laser and visible light lamps with wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 800 nm.

The Effect of Artificial Insemination on Egg Fertilization at Different Times of Nest Construction in Gloster Canaries

When canaries are sexually active, they mate during the breeding season. During this time, the female canary builds a nest. In the days following the completion of nest construction, they lay eggs and incubate. In artificial insemination, the skill of the practitioner and knowing the appropriate artificial insemination time increase the chance of success. In the study, 8 male and 8 female Gloster canaries were used. Artificial insemination practices arranged for each canary inseminated at different times were called groups. It was applied just before and after the nest construction of Group 1 was completed, Group 2 was applied when nest construction was started and the nest was completed, and Group 3 was applied when nesting material was given and the nest was completed. The female canaries were immediately inseminated by the cloacal method with semen taken from male breeders at different times of the nest building phase. Among group applications, it was observed that the 3rd group application was significantly successful when compared to the others. This study aims to determine the effects of artificial insemination applied at different times of the nest-building process on the fertilization of urea in canaries.

Adoption of scientifically recommended artificial insemination practices by paravets: a depiction of current scenario of four states in India.

The present investigation was done to assess the different practices followed by the AI technicians (paravets) while performing artificial insemination (AI). A total of 160 paravets were selected for the study having equal representation from 4 different states of India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Odisha). Questionnaire and telephonic survey were used for collecting data. Several practices followed by paravets were assessed under three sub-groups, viz., practices followed prior to, during, and post-artificial insemination. In as many as seven practices, viz., gathering pre-AI information, storage of semen straw, time of performing AI, thawing container, wiping of semen straw, cutting of semen straw, and record keeping, the adoption gap was found to be nil. Maximum adoption gap (30.60%) was seen in "adopting basic sanitary measures," whereas about 13% of adoption gap was found in the case of "monitoring of heat post calving" followed by "checking of heat prior to AI" (8.00%). Hence, along with provision of necessary measures for water bath, apron, and gumboots by State Department of Animal Husbandry (SDAH), the paravets should be made aware about the importance of basic sanitary measures. Crystoscope availability should also be ensured as it is easy to use by paravets and farmers for heat detection.

Seropositivity and risk factors associated with the presentation of bovine leukosis virus in Sotaquirá, Colombia.

Background and Aim:Enzootic bovine leukosis is a disease economically important to the dairy farming industry worldwide. The virus is of the Deltaretrovirus genus and is primarily transmitted iatrogenically. Most bovines infected with the virus remain asymptomatic with only 5-10% of cattle having lymphomas. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine leukosis virus (BLV) in Sotaquirá, Boyacá, Colombia.Materials and Methods:We conducted a descriptive, observational epidemiological cross-sectional study using the simple random sampling method with a sample size of 1000. Blood samples from random bovine were processed using the SERELISA® BLV Ab Mono Blocking indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Zoetis, USA). The assay had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98%. The collected data were processed using Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). From the study, we could determine a high seroprevalence of BLV in Sotaquirá.Results:We established a high seroprevalence on BLV in the municipality, with 31.1% apparent seroprevalence and 30.6% real seroprevalence rate. We found that male cattle more than 4 years old (39.4%) and the Ayrshire breed (45.5%) had the highest prevalence rates of the virus. In this study, we could establish statistically significant associations according to breed, age, and gender of the cattle under study. Moreover, we identified the risk factors for BLV infection. We found that in cattle aged <1 year and those older than 4 years of age and those of the Holstein breed, the presentation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, mucosal secretions, mastitis, fetal death, the presence of a corral, and the implementation of artificial insemination practices were risk factors for BLV infection.Conclusion:Determining the prevalence of BLV within the herd and identifying the associated risk factors for the disease are fundamental in developing efficient programs for the control and eradication of BLV within herds.

Challenges and Opportunities on Estrus Synchronization and Mass Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cows for Smallholders in Ethiopia

In this paper, the potentials and constraints on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination (AI) practice for dairy cattle producers were overviewed. Compared to other African countries, Ethiopia has large numbers of dairy cattle population. However, the self-sufficiency in milk production is not yet attained due to the presence of a lot of limitations that hamper the success of ES and mass AI practice in many parts of the country such as improper selection of cows/heifers, inseminating a large number of cows/heifers in one day at a specific place (which creates stress for both AI technicians and female animals), absence of a data recording system, lack of clearly defined share of responsibilities among stakeholders, poor communication and collaboration among stakeholders, lack of motivations and skills of AI technicians, lack of support and readily available inputs, feed shortages, improper heat detection by smallholders and time of insemination, and lower reproductive performances of both indigenous and crossbred cows which consequently contributed to the unsuccessfulness of the technology.

Artificial insemination practice in Nigeria - review of the dangers of disease transmission

The first documented cattle artificial insemination (AI) in Nigeria dated back to 1949. Other recorded cattle artificial insemination in the country could be traced to when the federal Government of Nigeria under the auspices of Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria, established Artificial Insemination Unit at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) IN 1976. Various limiting factors and constraints that prevented artificial insemination from being popular in the country were mentioned. Various causes of infertility in animals were listed. The success or failure of artificial insemination practice as could be affected by microorganisms in the semen, semen preservatives, semen extenders and storage temperatures were discussed in relation to work already done in Nigeria and other countries.

Prevalence of knowledge for hygienic artificial insemination practices in buffalo under field conditions

Prevalence of knowledge for hygienic artificial insemination practices in buffalo under field conditions

THE STATE OF BROWN CARPATHIAN AND BROWN CAUCASIAN CATTLE BREEDS ON FAO PROJECT TCP/RER/3604 “CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE BREEDS IN EASTERN EUROPE”

During 2018–2019 Ukraine took part in the project of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) «Conservation and development of double-purpose cattle breeds in Eastern Europe» (TCP/RER/3604). The project covered Brown Carpathian and Brown Caucasian breeds of Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine. On the results of the project, experts from the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, international experts prepared reports on gender, social and economic characteristics of the studied regions, genomic analysis of samples and provided recommendations for breeding in the regions with the breeds. It was considered expedient to present these results to the general scientific community.&#x0D; At each country FAO have chosen service-provider (organization), which should make survey on productive environment of targeted breed (in Ukraine – Brown Carpathian), conclude the general state of the breed, visit at least 100 farms where Caucasian/Carpathian Brown cattle breed was kept, collect information from 300 cows and 20 bulls, and genetic samples from at least 100 cows and 20 bulls kept for breeding. Service-provider in Ukraine was M.V.Zubets Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, NAAS.&#x0D; Scientists of M.V.Zubets Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and other sub-contracting organizations during February-June, 2019 investigated 265 heads of cattle in 31 villages 5 districts of the Transcarpathian region, phenotypically classified as Brown Carpathian breed, including 6 breeding bulls of mating age (1.5–2 years). Each animal was photographed, linearly descriptive features of the exterior were evaluated, the necessary body measurements were taken with the help of appropriate tools, live weight and constitutional features were determined, and samples were taken for genetic testing.&#x0D; A total of 554 hair samples were taken from the project (123 – from Armenia, 141 – from Georgia and 290 – from Ukraine).&#x0D; The basis for classifying the animals as Brown Carpathian was phenotypic examination and strict compliance with the main characteristics of the breed: uniform grey or brown colour with different shades of it, general conformation typical for the breed, lighter belt along the back, black muzzle with lighter hair around it, black hooves and horn tips, lighter "glasses" around the eyes, thick light hair inside outer ears.&#x0D; To form the genetic passport of the population, hair was selected from the tail switch of selected animals using equipment provided by FAO, sent to the laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria. In the laboratory in the district of Siebersdorf, DNA was isolated from the obtained samples, the genetic diversity of populations, the degree of inbreeding and their effective number, kinship between populations were assessed and the genetic structure and level of influence of other breeds were analysed.&#x0D; DNA was extracted from each hair follicle using a MasterPure kit (Biozym, Illumina, USA) according to the protocol of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). The isolated DNA was subjected to a two-step quality control procedure before preparation for wide-genome typing. DNA samples were measured using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer to obtain a concentration with a ratio of 260/280 and 260/230. According to the results obtained using a spectrophotometer, DNA samples were diluted to measure high-quality double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by PicoGreen Assay. The final working DNA was prepared based on PicoGreen measurements and stored at – 20°C for further processing.&#x0D; Sample genotyping was performed using a third-generation 384-cell matrix to assess Bovine individuals on the Affymetrix-Axiom platform (Axiom Bovine Genotyping v3 array). Within the project, 48 individuals of Austrian Simmental and 18 – Ayrshire breeds were also genotyped for comparison. The matrix included 64.000 SNPs, providing a high probability of covering genomic variations of the Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds.&#x0D; Intra-breed genetic diversity was assessed using PLINK v1.09 to calculate actual heterozygosity (H0) and inbreeding coefficient (FIS).&#x0D; Analysis of genetic parameters of population diversity evidenced a rather low inbreeding rate of Brown Carpathian breed and a fairly high effective population size compared to European breeds, which can indicate a very limited practice of artificial insemination and lack of selection among bulls.&#x0D; Analysis of genetic differentiation and relationship between populations, principal components analysis and determination of admixtures of other breeds proved the uniqueness of the Brown Carpathian breed from a genetic point of view.&#x0D; Based on the conducted genomic analysis of populations, consultations with project participants, reports of service providers of each country, an international consultant on animal genetic resources, chairman of the ICAR working group on functional traits, formed a breeding program for the studied populations. The breeding program included proposals for further selection work, calculation of basic selection-genetic parameters, selection effect, number of bulls and heifers for selection nucleus, number of doses to maintain genetic diversity of the population, cost of population restoration, breeding work of breeding centre and work plan by years to implement a breeding program.&#x0D; Gender analysis of service providers' reports showed some gender differentiation in livestock care, processing and everyday life of owners of Brown Carpathian cattle.

Successful Eradication of Taylorella asinigenitalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae Venereal Bacterial Pathogens Using Domestic Steam Disinfection: Implications for AI Practice

Steam disinfection has become established as a trusted method of microbial decontamination; however, there have been no reports on the use of this technology to disinfect equipment used in collection of semen in artificial insemination practice. Hence, it was the aim of this study to examine the survival of Taylorella asinigenitalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae venereal bacterial pathogens using domestic steam disinfection. Sixteen bacterial pathogens from three genera Taylorella, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella each at an inoculum density of approximately 1.5 × 107 colony-forming units were subjected to a steam disinfection cycle. No bacteria were recovered after disinfection, including following recovery and nonselective cultural enrichment techniques. In the absence of full sterilization, domestic steam disinfection of equipment offers a cheap, simple, and widely available technology for the elimination of these pathogens, thereby enhancing infection control in equine breeding.

Artificial Insemination Applications and the Factors Affecting Its Success in Dairy Cattle Enterprises in Yahyalı District of Kayseri Province

Bu çalışmada Kayseri İli Yahyalı ilçesinde soy kütüğüne üye süt sığırcılık işletmelerinde yapılan suni tohumlama uygulamaları, bu uygulamaların başarısı, suni tohumlama uygulamaları sırasında karşılaşılan problemler ve bunlara ait çözüm önerilerinin getirilmesi amaçlandı. Bu çalışma, Kayseri ili Yahyalı ilçesi Damızlık Sığır Yetiştiricileri Birliğine üye 16 süt sığırı işletmesinde yürütüldü. Araştırma materyalini, yetiştiricilerden yüz yüze anket yoluyla elde edilen veriler oluşturmuştur. Çalışmada 16 süt sığırı işletmesi; ilkine buzağılama yaşı (hedef değer; ≤25 ay), buzağılama aralığı (hedef değer;

English

Adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in Ethiopia is low and there is paucity of information in documentation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers&rsquo; adoption of AI technology in Laelay-Maichew district. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 155 sample respondents for the study. The primary data were collected through individual interviews using semi-structured interview and check list. Descriptive, inferential statistics and binary logistic model were employed to describe the study results and identify the determinants of farmers to adopt improved breeding method of AI. The farmers&rsquo; adoption of AI was influenced by access to credit facilities and mobile phone, social participation, formal training, frequency of extension contact, knowledge about AI practice and perception of AI profit positively and&nbsp; participating in off-farm activities negatively. In conclusion, ownership of information and communication technology (ICT), access to extension services (training and extension visit), knowledge of AI practices and perception of profit determined farmers&rsquo; AI adoption. There is a need to improve the effectiveness of extension service through strengthening the training, frequent home visit, making credit service accessible, and educating farmers regarding the knowledge and importance of AI technology for its effective dissemination. Key words: Adoption, artificial insemination (AI), crossbreeding cattle, binary logit econometric model. &nbsp

Reproductive Performances of Friesian Holstein Dairy Cows in Different Agricultural Ecosystems

The objective of this study was to study reproductive performance of Friesian Holstein (FH) dairy cows in the three different agro-ecosystems at the operational area of Bayongbong’s cooperative, Garut regency, Indonesia. The method used in this study was the survey method. The study was carried out in Lebakjaya village, which has drylands and rainfed agricultural ecosystem (AES DL-Rainfed); Cintanagara village which has drylands and irrigated rice field agricultural ecosystem (AES DL-IRF); and Pamalayan village which has drylands tropical forest (AES DL-Forest). The total samples were 208 dairy farmers and 315 head of FH dairy cows from the three places, 18 dairy farmers and 44 head in Lebakjaya village, 95 dairy farmers and 120 head in Cintanegara village, and 95 dairy farmers with 151 head in Pamalayan village. The study used a simple random sampling and the reproductive performances data were obtained from the field and artificial insemination practices. The data were descriptively analyzed using SPSS 22.0. After that, it was tested using T-Student statistical analyses. The results showed that the reproductive performances in AES DL-Rainfed were S/C 2.23 ± 0.45 times, days open (DO) 148.89 ± 65.52 days, and calving interval (CI) 431.00 ± 65.18 days. The reproductive performances in AES DL-IRF were S/C 2.31 ± 0.54 times, DO 161.95 ± 61.99 days, and CI 444.47 ± 61.21 days, and the reproductive performances in AES DL-Forest were S/C 2.11 ± 0.62 times, DO 138.38 ± 47.18 days, and CI 419.86 ± 46.95 days. The reproductive performances of AES DL-Forest were more efficient (P&lt;0.05) than the AES DL-IRF. It was concluded that the reproductive performances in the three study locations, for the characters of reproductive value S/C and DO deviated from the ideal estimation, whereas the CI was around the ideal estimation.

Genetic Improvement in Cattle Through Artificial Insemination and Artificial Insemination at Fixed Time

The livestock sector seeks to improve the productivity of meat, milk and rusticity, through crosses, which has led to deterioration of racial lines, impact on the decline in quality and quantity of production, and directly influencing profitability. Currently the biotechnological advances propose to improve the production levels of a cattle company, based on the practice of Artificial Insemination (IA) and Artificial Insemination at Fixed Time (IATF) managing and introducing genetic improvement, practices that increase the productive and reproductive value of cattle to compete in the local, national and international market. The IA and the IATF, have the time of the process of insemination, the IA, is managed to detect zeal and the IATF must be taken into account the hours of the application of the hormones for the insemination in exact times, these two methods are handled with the use of a proven and proven semen of highly productive animals for meat and / or milk. For IATF protocols have been available for estrous synchronization based on: “those using combinations of GnRH and prostaglandin F2α (PGF), called Ovsynch protocols and those using devices with known progesterone (P4) and estradiol as the control of follicular development” division raised by Saldarriaga [1] In this review, we intend to recognize the importance of the application of IA-IATF biotechnologies in livestock production systems to contribute to the genetic improvement of the bovine breeds.

Symposium review: The choice and collection of new relevant phenotypes for fertility selection

In dairy production, high fertility contributes to herd profitability by achieving greater production and maintaining short calving intervals. Improved management practices and genetic selection have contributed to reversing negative trends in dairy cow fertility, but further progress is still required. Phenotypes included in current genetic evaluations are largely interval and binary traits calculated from insemination and calving date records. Several indicator traits such as calving, health, variation in body condition score, and longevity traits also apply to genetic improvement of fertility. Several fertility traits are included in the selection indices of many countries, but for improved selection, the development of novel phenotypes that more closely describe the physiology of reproduction and limit management bias could be more effective. Progesterone-based phenotypes can be determined from milk samples to describe the heritable interval from calving to corpus luteum activity, as well as additional measures of cow cyclicity. A fundamental component of artificial insemination practices is the observation of estrus. Novel phenotypes collected on estrous activity could be used to select for cows clearly displaying heat, as those cows are more likely to be inseminated at the right time and therefore have greater fertility performance. On-farm technologies, including in-line milk testing and activity monitors, may allow for phenotyping novel traits on large numbers of animals. Additionally, selection for improved fertility using traditional traits could benefit from refined and accurate recording and implementation of parameters such as pregnancy confirmation and reproductive management strategy, to differentiate embryonic or fetal loss, and to ensure selection for reproductive capability without producer intervention. Opportunities exist to achieve genetic improvement of reproductive efficiency in cattle using novel phenotypes, which is required for long-term sustainability of the dairy cattle population and industry.