Artificial Insemination Process Research Articles

Gene Sequence of Rubella Virus Infection in Serum of Wives That Correlate to Intrauterine Insemination Success Rate in Baghdad's Population Couples

The current study focused on the prevalence of Rubella virus disease among wives who underwent the process of artificial insemination (IUI) and its relationship to the elevated proportion of free radicals in the blood plasma and its correlation with water pollution in the spreading of the disease for the period from 15/2/2022 to 1/2/2023 in private laboratory for IUI procedure (AL- Amal). The study included 60 women who underwent (IUI) procedure and have positive results for Rubella virus (IgG and IgM) compared to wives who tested negative for Rubella virus for ages groups from 20 to 35 years.

Effect of L-carnitine and Alpha lipoic acid on some quality parameters of buck semen preserved by cooling

Fertility is the key of reproduction and it is affected by many factors especially artificial insemination process (AI), the quality of semen used is an important key for the success of AI process. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of different antioxidants such as L-carnitine and Alpha lipoic acid to the diluted buck semen during cooling in summer season. Four mature healthy Zaraibi bucks were used in the study. Semen was collected twice weekly during summer .Semen samples were collected by an electro- ejaculator device. Samples of good quality semen were pooled and diluted by extender and divided according to experimental groups. Group 1: L-carnitine : 1 ml mol , 5 ml mol , 10 ml mol. Group 2: Alpha lipoic acid : 0.025 ml mol, 0.05 ml mol. Group 3: is the control group .After cooling by 1 hr, 2hr,12 hr , 24 hr and 48 hr. Semen parameters were examined as motility, livability, acrosome integrity and cell membrane integrity .The results indicated that L-carnitine 5 ml mol has a favorable effect on the quality of cooled diluted buck semen more than other groups of L-carnitine and 0.025 ml mol of Alpha lipoic acid is better than other concentration. In conclusion, L-Carnitine and alpha lipoic acid as antioxidants improve buck semen quality cooled under low temperature especially 5 ml mol and 0.025 ml mol concentration respectively.

ERGONOMIC STUDIES OF THE PROCESS OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF PIGS

Goal. To research the comparison of artificial insemination processes in a number of pig farms based on the developed theoretical principles of ergonomic assessment. Methods. Experimental research was carried out at “Agrofirma “Khlibne ” LLC, FG “Shubske ”, SE EE “Hontarivka” of Institute of Animal Science NAAS, and FOP “Syvoplias” of Kharkiv region based on traditional approaches. As a basis for dividing the process of artificial insemination of pigs into technological operations, the farm of FG "Shubske" was taken, as such, where the process of artificial insemination of pigs is the most saturated with technological operations. According to the determined technological operations of the process of artificial insemination of sows, more generalized characteristics of the labor process, the number, sequence and duration of individual component movements were determined, with the classification of labor movements by determination, severity, naturalness, purpose, direction and reach in accordance with the methods, based on the basic systems of trace elements time standards, normative documents and recommendations. The indexes obtained experimentally were worked out by the method of variational statistics, using MS Excel software. The results. The process of artificial insemination in different farms has certain differences. The process of artificial insemination from a number of evaluated farms is the most saturated with technological operations in the breeding farm of FG "Shubske". Regarding different farms, there are differences in the use of stimulating devices, the load on the operator and the way of housing sows during insemination. According to the evaluated farms, the test boar is used twice a day in FG “Shubske ”, once in the morning in the SE EE “Hontarivka” of Institute of Animal Science NAAS, in FOP “Syvoplias V.V.” the detection of sows in estrus occurs without the involvement of a test boar. Also, the anthropometric, physiological and individual characteristics of the artificial insemination operator were evaluated for two operators for each of the evaluated farms. Weight indexes between operators in different farms differed more significantly (р<0.05). At the same time, no discrepancies were found in terms of arm length. Regarding disagreements between operators within individual farms, the greatest consolidation in terms of height and live weight was found in FOP "Syvoplias V. V.". The largest discrepancies in the length of the hands of the operators were found in SE “Hontarivka” of Institute of Animal Science NAAS. In the vast majority of cases, unconsolidated values were obtained for pulse and blood pressure indexes. Conclusions. On the basis of ergonomic studies of the process of artificial insemination of pigs in the conditions of three different farms, the differences have been determined, which indicate the need to adjust individual technological approaches and carry out the conversion of premises for artificial insemination of pigs in order to further increase the efficiency of the work of technicians and the procedure of artificial insemination as a whole in the SE EE "Hontarivka" » of Institute of Animal Science NAAS and in FOP "Syvoplias V. V.". Key words: sow, artificial insemination, ergonomics, machine, reproduction, sperm production.

Religious and cultural interpretations of artificial insemination in South-West Nigeria

In a constantly changing and increasingly globalized world, religion and cultural practices still play a significant role in influencing people's behaviour towards assisted reproductive technologies. This study examined the religious, cultural and personal interpretations of artificial insemination. The research methodology was triangulated using qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants for quantitative data, while, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) respondents were purposively sampled. The findings showed that the majority of the respondents were aware of artificial insemination, 75.3% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of artificial insemination. About 54.2% of the respondents agreed that their religious denominations supported any form of artificial insemination, For instance, in contrast to the 61.1% of Roman Catholic respondents' who acknowledged that their religious denomination did not support artificial insemination, 75% of Shia Muslims, and 65.0% of Pentecostal respondents' acknowledged religious support for artificial insemination. For 32.8% of the respondents, the process of artificial insemination by a donor negates the will of God, while 32.8% of the respondents, posited that artificial insemination is a deviation from cultural norms. The study also revealed that 57.0% of respondents personally perceived artificial insemination to be a very good medical breakthrough. Regardless of the technological or educational prowess leading to artificial insemination, certain religious denominations and cultural practices do not support artificial insemination. Medical ethics should take cognizance of the religious and cultural ideas and principles of the society in which they are practiced.

Application of Nanoparticles and Melatonin for Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos.

Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, a technique widely applied in human infertility clinics and to preserve desirable genetic traits of livestock, has been developed over 30 years as a component of the artificial insemination process. A number of researchers have conducted studies to reduce cell toxicity during cryopreservation using adjuvants leading to higher gamete and embryo survival rates. Melatonin and Nanoparticles are novel cryoprotectants and recent studies have investigated their properties such as regulating oxidative stresses, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation in order to protect gametes and embryos during vitrification. This review presented the current status of cryoprotectants and highlights the novel biomaterials such as melatonin and nanoparticles that may improve the survivability of gametes and embryos during this process.

PERANCANGAN ELEKTRO EJAKULATOR SEBAGAI ALAT BANTU INSEMINASI BUATAN PADA KAMBING TERNAK DI KOTA BENGKULU

Semen collection is one of the activities contained in the artificial insemination program in animals. Semen collection can be done in several ways, namely using an artificial vagina, massage and using an electro ejaculator module. The use of the electro ejaculator module is a safe and appropriate method for male livestock. Electro ejaculator module sold in the market has a relatively expensive price and is still difficult to find, especially in Indonesia. Therefore, an electro ejaculator module or device for goats is needed that has an affordable price so that it can be used by small to medium-sized farms. This electro ejaculator device consists of 3 main parts, namely Switch Mode Power Supply, function generator and an electro ejaculatory probe. At the testing stage of the switch mode power supply (SMPS) section, the output voltage variation is obtained from 0 - 15 volts. While in the function generator section, the output signal is in the form of a sinusoidal which can be adjusted for the amplitude and the output frequency from 0 - 1 Mhz. Based on these results, the designed Electro Ejaculator module can be applied to assist the process of artificial insemination in animals.

Characteristics of Bali Bull (Bos Sondaicus) Sexed Sperms with Freeze Dry Egg White at Different Incubation Time

The development of reproductive technology for the separation of spermatozoa with X and Y chromosomes, which is better known as sexing, can be carried out in vitro using various methods, one of which is using freeze dry egg whites. This study aims to determine the quality of semen based on incubation time. This study used four types of treatment, namely P0 = No Incubation, P1 = Incubation 30 minutes, P2 = Incubation 45 minutes, P3 = Incubation 60 minutes with six replications. Parameters observed were the quality of spermatozoa macroscopically (volume, odor, color and consistency) and microscopically (motility, abnormality, concentration, intact plasma membrane, intact acrosome cap). Y using descriptive statistical test. The results of analysis of variance that sexing spermatozoa using freeze dry egg whites at different incubation times showed a significant effect (P<0.05) on intact plasma membrane (IPM), intact acrosomal membrane (IAM), but had no significant effect P>0.05) on concentration, motility, and abnormalities. Evaluation of fresh Bali cattle spermatozoa showed results that were in accordance with the standards for further examination of semen sexing. Incubation time of 30 minutes in the sexing process of spermatozoa caused a significant decrease in motility and concentration, meanwhile, IPM and IAM of sexed spermatozoa experienced a significant decrease in incubation time of 60 minutes, but the decrease was still within the normal range for spermatozoa. to be used in the artificial insemination process. Keywords: Sexing, incubation, concentration, motility, abnormality, intact plasma membrane, intact acrosome caps.

Molecular sexing in Bos taurus using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method

Cattle are animals that are widely found all over the world which is the domestication of bulls. In Indonesia, domesticated cattle are used as livestock, could be meat cattle or dairy cattle. The sex of the cattle is very influential in terms of selling, especially the type of bull. Calf bull is a product of the process of artificial insemination with spermatozoa resulting in sexing. Mammals have X and Y chromosomes to distinguish their sex. Each chromosome has a special gene such as the SRY gene on the Y chromosome and the PLP gene on the X chromosome. Molecular methods are effective methods of determining the chromosomes carried by spermatozoa. Both special genes are found in the home box (GADPH) of mammals. Primer is made from the mRNA SRY (sex-determining region Y) sequence from Bos taurus with a size above 200bp (SRY B) and below 200bp (SRY A) so that optimal results are obtained between the two. The type of sample that has been used in this research was sexing semen from limousin bulls that are treated from 4 pairs of primers each. The results of the qPCR from both primers are viewed from the melt-peak graph and comparison analysis. The differences between SRY A and SRY-B primer indicates that SRY-A produces a more stable melt-peak graph than SRY B. This indicates that the SRY A primer is more stable when used for molecular verification processes using qPCR.

Detection of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 from Semen by Real-time PCR to Prevent the Spread of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Infection

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) can be transmitted by livestock seeds and semen, through the process of artificial insemination. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the presence of the Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) in semen through artificial insemination and breeding centers of Indonesia. The current study aimed to detect the presence of the virus in semen as a source of IBR disease transmission in Indonesia. A total of 27 semen samples from artificial insemination and breeding centers (Sembawa, Lembang, Ungaran, and Sleman) in Indonesia have been examined and identified using the real-time PCR (qPCR) technique. The result showed that all samples were negative to BHV1. This indicated that semen from Ungaran, Sembawa, Sleman, and Lembang was safe to be used as a semen source for artificial insemination.

Systemic changes caused by artificial insemination in beef cows (Bos indicus) and their impact on animal welfare

This study aimed to verify if the process of artificial insemination (AI) characterized here as animal immobilization, the passage of the semen applicator through the cervix, and deposition of the semen in the uterus, affected cows’ welfare. For this, 18 beef calved cows were selected and divided into two groups: inseminated cows (AIG, n = 9), and not inseminated cows, the control group (CG, n = 9). Body condition score, uterus, and ovary evaluation were performed. Later, both groups were submitted into an estrus synchronization protocol and only the AIG group was inseminated. Blood components of urea, creatinine, AST, GGT, CK, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, NEFA, BHB, cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, albumin, and total protein were measured 30 h before AI, and 4, 24, 48 and 168 h after AI. Statistical differences were considered when P <0.05. No differences between AIG and CG were observed. On the other hand, when the moment of insemination was evaluated, differences were observed for urea, creatinine, AST, GGT, CK, glucose, triglycerides, NEFA, BHB, albumin, and total protein. There was an oscillation of metabolic profiles depending on the time and procedures to which animals were exposed, even though it could be inferred that the AI process was incapable of altering those metabolic components on animals that were inseminated. Still, we can affirm that artificial insemination cannot be categorized as a negative reproduction tool on animal welfare. However, the containment and management procedures for AI may alter the metabolic profile of cows, especially the increase of CK.

Review of domestic and international legislative trends related to surrogate mother contracts, and differences in perspective between medicine and law

The medical development of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) significantly assists infertile couples who are unable to conceive or carry a child as a result of congenital or acquired diseases. However, the process of artificial insemination by surrogacy arrangements or surrogate pregnancy has caused continued controversy surrounding legal and ethical issues. While surrogacy arrangements/surrogate pregnancy are considered invalid in the court, such measures are in practice performed with the assistance of doctors. From the legal perspective, although the measures are not recognized as the form of pregnancy and birth, the practice of surrogacy has already existed from the medical & practical viewpoints, indicating a significant gap between two sides. There are growing concerns about problems with surrogate pregnancy. The absence of stated regulations on such practice could lead to the failure in fulfilling duty by mutual parties, therefore having difficulty in securing the legal status of a baby. The health of a surrogate mother can be possibly damaged. Additionally, the intervention of illegal brokers could lead to the dangers of excessive commercialization. In fact, there are few statistics on how many children are formally born through such practice, therefore causing social problems for a long time, such as the related fraud, refusal to surrender a child, etc. In spite of such problems, it is hard to come up with active countermeasures or prepare statistics. Accordingly, this paper explores the differing views between the court and the medical community on surrogate pregnancy. By conducting a comparative study on the latest social status and the systems at home and abroad, this paper is aimed to arrive at a conclusion on desirable improvements in the system based on in-depth interviews with surrogacy-related experts in Korea. To accomplish this, the paper provides a change in the current system and a review of intervention. In addition, to secure safety of surrogate mothers and contracting parties and prevent any harm, the paper presents a viewpoint on whether a social consensus can be reached as to what issues should be considered top priority regarding the progress of discussions in the future.

71 Imitating the dynamic bovine cervix with 3D printing technology to teach artificial insemination in cattle

Abstract The process of artificial insemination in cattle is commonly taught using excised reproductive tracts. Excised reproductive tracts can be difficult to collect, and often require freezing and thawing prior to use; however, they are an effective tool to teach artificial insemination (AI) techniques. As an alternative tool, 3D printed cervixes were created using NinjaFlex filament in a Flashforge Creator Pro Dual Extrusion Printer. Designs of cervixes were created with a 3D CAD software while MATLAB was used to generate the random placement of the cervical ring openings to model biological diversity. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of using a 3D printed cervix compared with an excised reproductive tract to teach AI in cattle. Data were collected via surveys for 120 students from 2016 through 2019. Students were divided in two groups prior to entering live animals: 1) Excised reproductive tract and 2) 3D Cervix. The excised reproductive tracts were previously collected, preserved, and confirmed passable by instructors. The 3D cervix group included 3D cervixes mounted in a bovine pelvis inside a box. Overall, 88% of students had success passing the cervix in the cow by the third day. Eighty-seven percent of students thought the excised tracts felt somewhat similar to a live cow, compared with 54% who thought the 3D cervixes alone felt similar to a live cow. When the 3D cervixes were mounted in the box, 17/20 students thought they felt similar to a live cow. For learning AI techniques, 12/21 students thought the excised tracts were more helpful than the 3D cervixes alone (5/21); however, when the 3D cervixes were mounted in the pelvic boxes, 11/21 students preferred this setup compared with the excised tracts (6/21 students). Student feedback suggests the 3D cervixes mounted in pelvic boxes are a useful tool for teaching artificial insemination techniques.

Different regrouping schedules in semi group-housed rabbit does: Effects on agonistic behaviour, stress and lesions

Although group housing of naturally social animals like rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is desirable for ethical reasons, social conflicts can significantly increase the risk for injuries as well as stress incidences and negatively affect their welfare. A common housing system in Switzerland is the "semi group-housing". Here, rabbit does are kept individually shortly before the birth of their kits until 12 days post-partum (pp) after which they are regrouped. Despite positive aspects of this housing system, like the reduction of pseudo pregnancy and crushing of kits, fights between the does often occur after the regrouping process. This study examined whether prolonged postpartum separation may reduce agonistic interactions, stress, and lesions. In total, data were collected over 5 trials on 57 Hycole breeding does. Per trial, three groups of 8 does each were artificially inseminated on day 10 pp and regrouped on either day 12, 18 or 22 pp. Non-pregnant does were replaced in every trial. Agonistic behaviour, anogenital distance, lesions and increased body temperature, as a stress indicator, were documented. The effect of the regrouping treatment on the rate of injury and agonistic interactions was different depending on the trial (lesions: interaction trial x treatment χ2 = 44.21, df = 8, P < 0.0001; agonistic interactions: interaction treatment x trial χ2 = 23.59, df = 8, P = 0.003). During winter trials (November- February), the numbers of lesions and agonistic interactions were generally lower than in the trials during summer. None of the animals with temperature transponders showed a body temperature increase after regrouping (P = 0.98), however, there was an increase after the artificial insemination (P = 0.019). The anogenital distance, measured during the artificial insemination process, was not correlated to the aggressive behaviour of does (r = 0.028; P = 0.78). These findings suggest that prolonging single housing only reduced lesions and fighting in some trials but failed to do so in others. Group composition, individuality and season are discussed as relevant factors for the extent of agonistic interactions. Against our expectations, in none of the groups a stress response after regrouping was found according to body temperature measures.

Production of triploid eastern little tuna,Euthynnus affinis(Cantor, 1849)

Herein, we developed a triploidization method using spawned eggs collected immediately after spawning of eastern little tuna (ELT), Euthynnus affinis. ELT broodstock induced the spawning by hormonal treatment in the tank, with the resulting spawned eggs being used for the triploidy induction. Under optimal conditions, the mean ± SEM triploidization and hatching rates were 97.2 ± 2.8% and 84.5 ± 10.3%, respectively. Although triploid ELT showed growth performance equivalent to that of diploids, the triploids died at a higher rate than the diploids during 2–4 weeks post-hatching when triploids and diploids were reared in the same tank. Therefore, we propose that it would be necessary in a practical operation to use triploid-only ELT seedlings to avoid selective cannibalism by the diploids. The ELT triploids exhibited an all-female phenotype. Because previous studies have reported that female triploids show a greater probability of sterility than male triploids, this characteristic could be a major advantage. Since this triploidization method, using spawned eggs, can be performed without handling the broodstock, it is possible to avoid the physical damage caused by the process of artificial insemination, making it possible to repeatedly produce triploid populations without valuable broodstock loss. Thus, we have developed an efficient method to produce ELT triploids, although further study is essential to evaluate sterility of the triploid ELT.

KAJIAN IMPLEMENTASI PIRANTI THERMOELECTRIC (PELTIER) SEBAGAI SISTEM PENGATUR SUHU THERMOS PENYIMPAN SPERMATOZOA

One alternative application of technology in the field of animal reproduction is by artificial insemination technology (IB). Artificial Insemination Process (IB) is a technique for inserting spermatozoa or semen which has been melted and processed first into the female genital tract. To obtain good quality cement, cow sperm preservation by dilution and followed by cooling to 5 ° C (chilling process). The chilling process with cement storage using 5 ° C will keep the cement life of 7 to 10 days. For this fulfillment, the Thermos box prototype is designed as a spermatozoa storage device to ensure good cement quality. The research method is design of prototype tool using Thermoelectric TEC (peltier) type device TEC1-12706T200. And use the LM35 temperature sensor device to detect the temperature in the box. Thermos. This study examines the efficiency of time required by the system when it reaches 5.0 ° C. and influential parameters in accelerating the temperature performance of 5.0 ° C. The readable temperature of the LM35 sensor will be displayed on a 16x2 LCD monitor. Data processing system using Arduino Microcontroller. Measurement result and performance assessment of Thermoelectric TEC (peltier) device type TEC1-12706T200 when it reaches maximum working temperature 5,5 º C within 8 hours. has an error of 2.5%. which depends on the size of the power supply (Current) electricity.

Novel Polymerase Spiral Reaction (PSR) for rapid visual detection of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 genomic DNA from aborted bovine fetus and semen

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is a major viral pathogen affecting bovines leading to various clinical manifestations and causes significant economic impediment in modern livestock production system. Rapid, accurate and sensitive detection of BHV-1 infection at frozen semen stations or at dairy herds remains a priority for control of BHV-1 spread to susceptible population. Polymerase Spiral Reaction (PSR), a novel addition in the gamut of isothermal techniques, has been successfully implemented in initial optimization for detection of BHV-1 genomic DNA and further validated in clinical samples. The developed PSR assay has been validated for detection of BHV-1 from bovine semen (n=99), a major source of transmission of BHV-1 from breeding bulls to susceptible dams in artificial insemination programs. The technique has also been used for screening of BHV-1 DNA from suspected aborted fetal tissues (n=25). The developed PSR technique is 100 fold more sensitive than conventional PCR and comparable to real-time PCR. The PSR technique has been successful in detecting 13 samples positive for BHV-1 DNA in bovine semen, 4 samples more than conventional PCR. The aborted fetal tissues were negative for presence of BHV-1 DNA. The presence of BHV-1 in bovine semen samples raises a pertinent concern for extensively screening of semen from breeding bulls before been used for artificial insemination process. PSR has all the attributes for becoming a method of choice for rapid, accurate and sensitive detection of BHV-1 DNA at frozen semen stations or at dairy herds in resource constrained settings.

The effect of using eshnan (Seidlitzia rosmarinus) and some biological treatments to reduce Mycotoxins effect an broiler breeders (Ross308) progene performance of the descendants

This study had been conducted in the animal resources department, college of agriculture, university of Anbar. eshnan (seidlitzia rosemarinus) used in order to reduce undesirable effects of Flatoxine in comparison with some biological cures such as saccharomyces and Iraqi probiotic. This experiment had been done within 24 weeks (168 days) for the period from 17/1/2013 till 3/7/2013. Two hundred broiler breeder chickens (Ross 308) used, starting with the age of 27 weeks and finishing by 50 weeks at the end of the 168 days. The chickens grew up in coops and the process of artificial insemination had been done twice in the week. Experimental treatments were T1 / ration without any addition as (control), T2/ ration contaminated with 1.5 mg aflatoxin B1/kg feed +2% Shinan, T4/ ration contaminated with 1.5 mg aflatoxin B1/kg feed +4% eshnan, T5/ ration contaminated with 1.5 mg aflatoxin B1/kg feed +2 kg probiotic / ton feed, T6/ ration contaminated with 1.5 mg aflatoxin B1/kg feed + 50% probiotic fermentation daily and T7/ ration contaminated with 1.5 mg aflatoxin B1/kg feed + 1 kg saccharomyces / ton feed. Two shots of baby chicks had been breaded. The first broiler breeder age were 33 weeks (7 weeks of the experiment's age). The second was at 47 weeks (20 weeks of the experiment's age).They weight the chicks in earth treatment. Each treatment had been divided into three replicates, each replicate contain six chicks. The body weight, weight gain, feed and feed consumption had been studied. Then, at the end of growing Perrier, relative growth rate and production efficiency factor had been calculated. The results showed that adding (4%) of eshnan to the diets contaminated breeders with Aflatoxin led to significant increase (P<0.05) in the mean weight gain, body weight and relative growth rate in comparison to the Aflatoxin treatment. There was not any significant differences between the treatments in feed consumption, feed conversion coefficient, mortality rate and production efficiency factor in the first experiment. There was not any significant differences in all traits studied during 42 days of the second experiment.

Mature Turkey Breeder Hens Exposed to Pandemic Influenza H1N1: Resultant Effects on Morbidity, Mortality, and Fecundity.

During the artificial insemination process, turkey breeder hens may become infected with influenza virus acquired from humans. The virus has been shown, through experimental infection, to localize in the reproductive tract, with limited dissemination in other tissues. A limited number of hens were used during these studies, and the overall flock morbidity, mortality, and fecundity were not able to be determined. The current case follows the progression of clinical signs in a flock of commercial breeder hens from onset of egg production losses in one house through the subsequent drops in four remaining houses. Each house contained approximately 3000 hens and followed a sequential loss of shell quality, reduced numbers of eggs, and fertility, while mild clinical signs were observed and mortality was slightly increased in a house with concurrent fowl cholera (Pasturella multocida) infection.

An extender solution for the short-term storage ofLitopenaeus vannameisperm to be used in artificial insemination

Some shrimp hatcheries use artificial insemination (AI) to improve the male to female ratio in their breeding populations. We describe a sperm extender solution, which allows the short-term storage of diluted sperm in Litopenaeus vannamei, and its use in an artificial insemination process. We also evaluate its fertilization capacity. An AI experiment was designed using two, one, or half spermatophore segments. We tested four treatments involving three different male:female ratios: Natural mating (1:1), Regular and Regular diluted (1:2) and Half diluted (1:4). Data analysis revealed that the number of nauplii produced per mating was affected by treatment, with Regular (158 420) performing better than Half diluted (112 864) (P < 0.05), but with no differences between the latter and Regular diluted (130 340) (P > 0.05). A binomial variable named female success (FS) was defined as successful when the number of nauplii obtained per mate was ≥25 000. Analysis showed differences for FS across treatments (P < 0.001), but not between Regular (79.2%), the hatchery conventional AI technique and Half diluted (60.4%), maybe due to sample size. Since the number of nauplii per mate is crucial to consider AI successful, it is necessary to improve this AI technique before it can be used in the shrimp industry.

Training Large Macaws for Artificial Insemination Procedures

For some endangered parrot species, captive breeding may be the only insurance for their survival. However, many individuals in captivity do not reproduce. Artificial insemination (AI) may help overcome reproductive failures or geographic distance. For semen collection in birds, massage is the most commonly used method. However, this process, which usually requires capture and restraint, involves risk of stress and injuries. The aim of this experiment was to train large macaws to accept the physical manipulations of their body parts needed for the artificial insemination process. Within 15 weeks, a male and a female Buffon's macaw (Ara ambiguus) learned to accept handling without apparent stress. A pair of green-winged macaws (Ara chloropterus) progressed more slowly and displayed some signs of stress. This stress highlights the need to monitor the birds' possible signs of discomfort during the training in order to adapt the working protocol. These results demonstrate that it is possible to train the AI behaviors, thus avoiding the capture, restraint, and anesthesia. An added benefit to this is the potential for the training to provide a form of behavioral enrichment.