Artificial Insemination Techniques Research Articles

Unlocking the potential of propolis: Concentration-dependent effects on Ossimi Ram (Ovis aries) semen quality

Reproductive biotechnology requires successful and efficient cryopreservation of semen since it is a crucial technique for artificial insemination, which preserves and multiplies the superior genetic origins of animals. Propolis, a natural antioxidant produced by honeybees, was examined in this study. Tris-citric-glucose-soybean lecithin extender supplemented with propolis ethanolic extract (P, μg/mL) at 0 (Control), 25 (T1), 50 (T2), 100 (T3), and 200 (T4) was used. The extended semen, prepared in a 1:20 ratio (semen: extender) at 37 °C, was equilibrated for 2 hours at 5 °C and packaged in straws (0.25 ml) before storage in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C. Visual characteristics (e.g., motility, livability, abnormality), DNA integrity, lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant capacity of semen after thawing with P extract were thoroughly investigated. The results revealed that the low concentration (T1, 25 and T2, 50 µg/ml P) decreased lipid peroxidation, apoptotic sperm, improved sperm characteristics, and maintained the highest sperm cell viability. This resulted in improved reproductive performance and DNA integrity during cryopreservation of Ossimi ram semen. However, the high concentration (T3, 100 and T4, 200 µg/ml P) had the opposite effect and showed a low impact on maintaining cryopreserved Ossimi ram semen. In conclusion, Propolis shows potential for enhancing cryopreservation efficiency, but an optimal dosage is crucial to avoid adverse effects.

Cattle Artificial Insemination Service in Developing Countries: Efficiency, Major Challenges and Economic Loss: A Review

This review paper summarizes information on the efficiency, major challenges and economic loss of cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) service in developing countries. Efficiency of AI service can be measured by number of services per conception (NSC), conception rate at first insemination, and calving rate (CR). The optimum recommended NSC for profitable dairy cow ranges from 1.0-2.0. The averages of NSC of the conventional AI (1.73) and fixed time AI (1.78) in the reviewed publications were in the ranges of the recommendations of NSC. The NSC varies with animal breeds, animal factor (body condition score, age and parity), semen factor (handling procedure and quality), inseminator factor (knowledge, skill and experience), production systems, management level provided and AI breeding methods. The NSC and calving rate vary with conventional AI and fixed time AI breeding methods. Likewise, calving rate (CR) is influenced by poor semen quality, poor semen handling procedure, inadequate insemination skill, poor oestrus detection and wrong time of insemination. The average success rate (CR) of conventional AI (35.15%) in the reviewed publications is far below the success rates reported in some developing countries. Nevertheless, widespread use and longtime use of AI service on selected genotype(s) can cause cattle biodiversity loss. Dairy producers incur additional costs when cows fail to conceive at their first AI services. Moreover, challenges of AI service comprised of feed scarcity, animal diseases, climate change, poor AI infrastructure, poor livestock husbandry practices, weak livestock extension systems and incapability of Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs). This calls designing suitable interventions to improve the efficiency of AI services. Adequate feed and high level of management should be provided to the breedable cows and heifers. AI service centers should be established as per the recommended number of breedable cows and heifers. AI inputs including AITs should be always available at each AI service center, and proper AI service recording should be practiced. Sexed semen should be used to enhance the number of replacement heifers, and capacity building should be provided to AITs and community cattle breeders. Radio, television and printed medias should be used to enhance the awareness of the community cattle breeders. Frequent extension support is essential for the success rate of the AI service.

An Overview of Artificial Insemination: A Journey from Past to Present

Artificial insemination (AI) has a rich history spanning centuries, beginning with early experiments in plant and animal reproduction. This article traces the development of AI from its earliest recorded instances in 1322 A.D. to modern-day advancements. Notable pioneers such as Spallanzani, Hunter, and Ivanoff contributed significantly to the evolution of AI techniques. The introduction of AI across various animal species, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry, revolutionized breeding practices worldwide. Key milestones include the development of semen extenders, the invention of artificial vaginas for semen collection, and the advent of cryopreservation techniques. Moreover, advancements in sperm quality assessment and estrous synchronization further enhanced AI efficiency. The introduction of sexed semen technology has provided a means to control offspring gender, offering new avenues for genetic selection. Overall, AI has played a crucial role in improving livestock genetics, disease control, and reproductive efficiency, making significant contributions to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Successful birth of India's first goat kid through laparoscopic artificial insemination technique using frozen-thawed semen

Successful birth of India's first goat kid through laparoscopic artificial insemination technique using frozen-thawed semen

Artificial Insemination: A Review

After the issue of practical Human insemination and its application to humans was resolved, remarks and worries surfaced that didn't seem appropriate given the significance or frequency of the process. Endoscopic artificial insemination is a sophisticated reproductive method that was first used on small ruminants, in which semen is injected into the uterus using a specialized device. By using endoscopic artificial insemination techniques in place of natural mating methods and Trans cervical artificial insemination techniques for locally produced progeny, this research seeks to boost the mass population of Indonesian indigenous. The conditions of artificial insemination have completely changed as a result of the development of semen storage, particularly with regard to application flexibility and safety. Even if fresh semen is still used, it is now evident that semen preservation will play a significant role in artificial insemination going forward. Increasing the gamete density at the fertilization location is there asoning behind artificial insemination. Alot of procedures might cause a miss formed pregnancy, which could damage the physical entity of the pregnancy from the moment it formed—in the womb or in a test tube—until it was delivered, so one of a pregnancy's rights is tube preserved and protected until the baby is born, and that conception can happen even in the absence of natural spouse contact using techniques like artificial insemination which will accelerate the rate of genetic improvement. & to conceive a woman using a method other than sexual contact by Artificial Insemination.

Comparative evaluation of natural tupping with fixed-time laparoscopic and cervical insemination techniques using chilled semen in estrous synchronized sheep

The present study was conducted in crossbred ewes to compare the efficiency of different artificial insemination techniques with natural tupping following fixed time artificial insemination using fresh semen. Crossbred ewes (n=29) were randomly divided into three groups with 10 animals in natural tupping (NT) and laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) groups and nine animals in cervical artificial insemination (CAI) group. Ewes in all the treatment groups were subjected to the same estrus induction protocol: insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges for 10 days followed by an intramuscular injection of 500 IU eCG at the time of sponge withdrawal. Immediately after removal of sponges, animals of NT group were kept with proven breeding rams up to 72 h. Fixed time cervical or laparoscopic insemination was done at 48 h after sponge removal. The insemination was repeated 12 h later in CAI group. The pregnancy and lambing rates were significantly higher in NT group (90%, 90%), than CAI group (55.5%, 55.5%) and LAI group (20%, 10%). The prolificacy rate was significantly higher in CAI group (180%) than NT group (111.1%) and LAI group (100%). The serum progesterone concentration was higher in pregnant ewes on day 10, day 17 and day 35 than non-pregnant ewes. The fixed time cervical insemination following intravaginal progesterone sponges for 10 day+eCG protocol resulted in better pregnancy rate and prolificacy rate in crossbred ewes during breeding season.

IGF-1 Stabilizes Goat Sperm Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential and Reduces DNA Fragmentation

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant present in sperm cells protects them from oxidative damage. However, sperm are more susceptible to peroxidative damages due to the loss of these enzymes during cryopreservation and their survival and fertility may be compromised. Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has an antioxidant effect and could maintain sperm motility. OBJECTIVE: To improve seminal parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxidative status and DNA integrity of buck semen after freeze-thawing by fortification of goat semen diluent with various concentrations of IGF-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty ejaculates were collected and were extended with tris- citric acid- fructose diluent with 10% egg yolk and 6% glycerol with sperm concentrations of 1×108 mL– 1. Post-cryopreserved sperm were assessed for motility and a range of other functional parameters. RESULTS: In post-thaw semen sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosome integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), TUNEL positive sperm differed significantly (P<0.05) with the various concentrations of IGF-1 used. Sperm functional parameters post-thawing were significantly (P<0.05) better in 250 ng/mL IGF-1. IGF-1 protects against lipid peroxidation by lowering MDA and PCC production, thus reducing the harmful effect of reactive oxygen species. The kidding percentage using the artificial insemination technique was significantly higher (i.e., 40%) in the group supplemented with 250 ng/mL of IGF-1 than in the non-supplemented group (i.e., 30%). CONCLUSION: IGF-1 may be used to improve post-thaw semen quality and fertility as measured by actual kidding rate.

PKM Superior Village Chicken Breeding Business Using the Crossbreeding Method in Lepo-Lepo Village, Baruga District, Kendari City

UHO Internal Community Partnership Program (PKMI-UHO) activities carried out by the Faculty of Animal Husbandry Lecturer Team are located in Lepo-Lepo Village, Baruga District, Kendari City. Introducing superior free-range chicken breeding techniques through the cross-breeding method to local chicken breeders in Lepo-Lepo Village, Baruga District. This is intended so that breeders can run their livestock businesses in a more focused and coordinated manner. Introducing how to make free-range chicken feed from existing feed ingredients and introducing artificial insemination techniques for free-range chickens which include techniques for storing chicken semen and deposition of semen into the reproductive tract of female chickens. Introducing how to operate a hatching machine properly and correctly. Introducing farmers to vaccinations to prevent disease and treatment of free-range chickens so that livestock productivity is more optimal.

Transcervical artificial insemination in the brown brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira): a promising method for assisted reproduction in deer

The present study aimed to test the efficiency of transcervical artificial insemination techniques with cervical immobilization (TCAI-CI) or cervical traction (TCAI-CT), associated or not with the use of oxytocin (OT) as a protocol for cervical dilation, in the brown brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira). The study was carried out in a crossover design using four adult females in two replicates with an interval of 60 days. Estrus was synchronized with oral melengestrol acetate (MGA) associated with estradiol benzoate and sodium cloprostenol. TCAI techniques were performed from 18 to 24 h after estrus onset. All females received either an i.v. application of 50 IU of OT (G-OT, n = 4) or 1 mL of saline solution (G-Control, n = 4) 20 min before the TCAI procedure. The TCAIs were performed using frozen-thawed semen motility 40%, vigor 3, acrosome integrity 87%, membrane integrity of 95% and 13% of total post-thaw defects from the same batch. Behavioral estrus was observed in 100% of the females, in both replicates. It was achieved a 50% (4/8) success of cervical transposition with semen deposition in the uterine. Regarding inseminations, most of them (87.5%) were performed using the TCAI-CT technique, and the overall conception rate was 50%. Cervical transposition times (< 1 min) and TCAI procedures (~ 17 min) were considered satisfactory. Thus, the performance of the TCAI-CI and TCAI-CT techniques was successful, regardless of using OT as a cervical dilation protocol. This procedure is proposed as a method of choice for artificial insemination with greater applicability in different conservation centers, compared to more advanced reproductive biotechniques, and with a favorable impact on the conservation of deer species.

Management of pregnancy failure in cows with vaginal stimulation and hormone therapy

The focus of this study is to improve the pregnancy rate of cattle using different interventions with the analysis of associated risk factors. A total of 180 cows with pregnancy failure after one insemination were selected, which showed normal oestrous behaviour and vaginal mucus discharge. The animals were divided into six groups: A [control: with only Artificial Insemination (AI)]; B [penis-like device (PLD) used after AI]; C [intramuscular injection (im) of 2 ml prostaglandin-F2α at day 7 of the oestrous cycle and AI at observed oestrus], D [AI at natural oestrus followed by 2.5 ml GnRH im, repeated 4-6h after AI], group E [As group C and PLD used after AI], group F [as D and PLD used after AI]. The overall pregnancy was 55.6%. Group F had the highest pregnancy rate (70.0%). Higher pregnancy rates were in older animals of more than 4.6 years of age with parity of more than two. A significant correlation was found between age and parity; age and Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT); Body Condition Score (BCS) and breed; Reproductive Health (RH) and AIT. It is suggested that the use of hormonal treatments (with or without PLD) improved the pregnancy rate in cattle.&#x0D; Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 16–25

Production performance, breeding practices and challenges of Holstein-Local crossbred cattle in some selected areas of Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to investigate productive and reproductive performances, current cattle breeding practices and its associated problems in different Holstein-Local (HF×L) crossbred genotypes under existing management condition of Bangladesh. Data on HF×L crossbred dairy cows were collected from the selected farmers of Natore, Sirajganj, Kishoreganj, Tangail and Gazipur districts while breeding bulls’ information were collected from different cattle breeding service providers. Genotype had significant effects on weight at first heat (WFH), mature body weight (MBW), age at first heat (AFH), age at first calving (AFC), post-partum heat period (PPHP), daily milk yield (DMY) and peak milk yield (PMY) (P&lt;0.05) except the traits birth weight (BW) and service per conception (SPC). The HF75%×L25% crossbreds had significantly better AFH and AFC (P&lt;0.001) than the three genetic groups having 50%, 62.5% and &gt;75% HF inheritance. The highest DMY was found in &gt;HF75%×L&lt;25% (12.80±0.72 liters) and was lowest in HF50%×L50% (5.34±0.65 liters) crossbreds. At present 11 different graded breeding bulls have been used in artificial insemination (AI) program of Bangladesh. Use of heterogeneous breeding bulls (72.9%), AI technicians depended bull’s genotype selection (63%), absence of breeding data recording (89%) system and local market-based cow purchasing (83%) with unknown pedigree information were the major challenges identified for crossbred cattle development. Among the investigated samples, 27% cows suffered from various reproductive disorders like dystocia, low conception rate, abortion and retention of placenta. In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on actual production and reproduction potentials of different graded HF×L cows at farmers’ level and the associated limiting factors for crossbred cattle development in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 69-77.

Evaluation of breeding objectives, breeding practices and reproductive performance of indigenous dairy cows in selected districts of Kaffa Zone, South West Ethiopia.

Breeding objectives are designed to achieve targeted dairy cow production goals, which can be affected by production type, farmer preferences, environmental factors and genetic factors individually or in combination. Breeding practices, such as both controlled and uncontrolled, and artificial insemination (AI) are the tools used to obtain the desired breeding objectives. The lower reproductive performance of indigenous dairy cows affects the total milk production and calf crops that are produced during their lifetime. Designing appropriate breeding objectives and breeding practices can improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows and their overall production performance. The current study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the breeding, practices and performance of indigenous dairy cattle in the south western part of Ethiopia. The districts of Gesha and Chena were purposefully chosen. The study design for the 384 household surveys was a cross-sectional survey with a simple random sample approach. Data analysis was carried out by MS-Excel (2010) and the general linear model procedure of SAS of 2008. The current study revealed that methods of breeding were predominantly natural-controlled mating, followed by natural-uncontrolled mating and AI in descending order. Breeding objectives were input function, output function, sociocultural and economic functions and assets and security functions in decreasing order of rank. Reproduction performance indexes of indigenous dairy cows age at first service (3.72±0.05 years), age at first calving (AFC) (4.71±0.07 years), calving interval (CI) (1.58±0.03 years), days open (DO) (4.26±0.11 months), services per conception in natural mating (1.4±0.08) and AI (2.73±0.14), age of bull at maturity (4.17±0.74 years), interoestrus interval (23.18±0.61 days), calves crop (7.53±0.22) and the life span of indigenous dairy cow (11.94±0.26 years) were significant (p<0.01) between two districts, whereas the values of age of bull at maturity and number of services per conception in natural mating were significant (p<0.05) between districts. Using AI and major reproduction performances, such as AFC, CI and DO of indigenous dairy cows in the study area, were very low. Therefore, concerned bodies should intervene to improve reproduction performance through the utilization of AI techniques, with the integration of forage development activities and improvements in livestock health care.

Inducing Pseudopregnancy in Female Mice Without the Need for Vasectomized Males Prior to Non-Surgical Embryo Transfer or Artificial Insemination.

For successfully maintaining pregnancy with embryo transfer or artificial insemination,female recipient mice must be induced into a pseudopregnant state. Female mice are traditionally paired overnight with vasectomized males, and the following morning, the presence of a copulation plug is assessed. To increase the efficiency of producing pseudopregnant females, a cervical manipulation technique has been standardized to be used in combination with non-surgical embryo transfer or artificial insemination techniques in mice. The blunt end of a small plastic rod is inserted vaginally to contact the cervix and is vibrated for 30 s by contact with a trimmer. The procedure is quick and does not require anesthesia or analgesia. This technique increases the reliability and predictability of producing pseudopregnant females and entirely eliminates the requirement for vasectomized males. For CD1 mice, the efficiency of pseudopregnancy induction using cervical manipulation was 83% for females in estrus (N = 76) but only 38% of females in estrus were plugged by vasectomized males (N = 24). Artificial insemination in CD1 mice was performed by estrus synchronization with hormones, cervical manipulation, and the uterine transfer of sperm. Artificial insemination recipients receiving cervical manipulation (N = 76) had a pregnancy rate of 72% and an average litter size of 8.3 pups. This method can also be used to produce pseudopregnant females for non-surgical embryo transfer. Therefore, inducing pseudopregnancy by cervical manipulation is a convenient and efficient alternative to mating with a vasectomized male when performing non-surgical assisted reproduction techniques. Using cervical manipulation provides 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) benefits for assisted reproduction techniques by reducing the number of animals required and eliminating the necessity for surgically altered males.

Fertility of conventional and of sex-sorted stallion sperm using SexedULTRA™ Genesis III technology

Sex-sorted (SS) bull sperm has been adopted worldwide due to the economic benefits and acceptable fertility (Crites BR et. al Theriogenology 118:126-129, 2018). Previous (15-20 years ago) studies using SS stallion sperm resulted in lower fertility when mares were bred with SS compared to non-sorted (NS) stallion sperm whether fresh (Buchanan BR Theriogenology 53:1309-1321, 2000); cool-stored (Lindsey et al. An. Reprod. Sc.85:125-130 2005), or frozen/thawed SS semen (Clulow et al. An. Reprod. Sc. 108:287-297, 2008). Recently, STgenetics, Navasota, TX, USA, a company dedicated to commercial SS semen, has developed a sperm sorter technology (SexedULTRA™ Genesis III) that reduces sorting time, increases the speed and efficiency of SS and reduces the amount of sperm damage (Gonzalez-Marin C. et al Theriogenology 114:40-45, 2018). In the present study, sperm quality (total motility, viability, and DNA damage) and fertility of mares bred with 40 million non-sorted (NS) or sex-sorted (SS) sperm were compared. Semen from 3 sexually active fertile stallions was diluted 1:3-1:4 in BotuSemen Gold supplemented with 0.06 mg/ml of Hoechst 33342 stain and cooled to 8°C for 18 h. Semen was then warmed to room temperature and centrifuged through a colloid suspension (EquiPure). The sperm pellet was resuspended to 250-300 million/ml using a proprietary chemically defined medium (ST Equiship,STgenetics, Navasota, TX) and transported at ∼20°C for approximately 45 min to the sorting facility. When 40 million SS were harvested (approx 2-3h) SS or NS semen [LCC1] [LCC2] were loaded in 4-5 0.5 mL straws and inseminated (1x/cycle) using a deep-horn artificial insemination technique. A total of 17, 8-21 year old mares were bred on 65 cycles. When mares had uterine edema of 3/5 and a dominant follicle of > 35 mm, 1 mg of deslorelin acetate (Sucromate®) was administered IM. Mares were inseminated ∼24h after deslorelin administration and examined for ovulation 12-18h post AI. Seven to 8d post-ovulation non-surgical embryo recovery was performed. Total sperm motility (86%) and viability (84%) were higher and DNA damage was lower (4%) in SS compared to NS sperm (78, 82,12%) (p<0.05). Embryo recovery rates were similar for NS (46.6%) compared to SS sperm (40%) (p>0.05). The expected sex of all embryos was correctly identified by PCR using the presence or absence of the SRY gene (Choi YH et al, Reproduction 140: 893 – 902, 2010). Overall, sperm quality of SS sperm was similar or higher to that of NS stallion sperm while embryo recovery rates were similar. Further studies are underway to validate this technology on a commercial scale.

Challenges and opportunities of tablet-based electronic performance data collection and feedback system for artificial insemination delivery in dairy cattle: experience from the land O’Lakes Venture37 PAID project in Ethiopia

Land O’Lakes venture37 (v37) has been using Open Data Kit (ODK) to collect Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians’ field performance within the Public Private Partnership for Artificial Insemination Delivery (PAID) Ethiopia Project from Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples (SNNP), and Tigray regions. This study assesses the challenges and opportunities of the Tablet-based project field performance data collection and feedback system. Information gathered from AI technicians using a structured questionnaire was analyzed using the crosstabulation procedures of SPSS and index methods. Almost all (96.7%) the interviewees had never used Tablet for data collection before PAID project. After training, about 82% of the respondents were able to use the ODK tool to collect and send data to PAID. However, there were reports on the challenges of using ODK that include poor or interruption of internet connectivity (index = 0.272), lengthy (time taking) nature of the forms (index = 0.241), and difficulty of updating the system (index = 0.093). Almost all the respondents were willing to use ODK in the future, provided internet is available and reliable (index = 0.248), and proper training is given (index = 0.238) for using ODK provides confidence that the report is delivered (index = 0.259), and it is timesaving (index = 0.24).

Use of sexed semen for reproduction in dairy cattle breeding

Today, farms use traditional semen and sememen divided by sex for insemination. The use of sexed sperm and the increase in the number of heifers in the offspring due to this will allow breeding enterprises: to ensure optimal parameters for entering the first calves into their own herd; refuse to acquire expensive breeding young from other farms; significantly reduce the cost of raising gobies sold for meat; reduce the number of difficult calving and reduce culling of animals for gynecological diseases; improve the economic condition of the enterprise.The article provides the results of the use of sexed sperm in one of the farms of the Kirov region. As a result of the studies, it was found that the use of sexed semen makes it possible to significantly increase the number of calves in the obtained offspring by 2 times compared to the use of traditional seed 94.3% versus 48.2% of the use of traditional semen.The effectiveness of the use of sexed semen is significantly higher when used on heifers: an increase of 7.5% in the effectiveness of the first insemination; a 41.9% decrease in steely animal attrition and a 0.2% decrease in abortion rates.An essential condition for the successful use of sexed semen is the health of the herd, the qualification of an artificial insemination technician and a veterinarian.

Timed artificial insemination in Serrana nanny-goats: the effects of vaginal specula and artificial insemination technicians

The success of artificial insemination (AI) depends on the equipment used, especially regarding the facilitation of artificial insemination technicians’ work and the positioning of insemination guns in the genital tract of animals. This study aimed to evaluate how vaginal specula and artificial insemination technicians affected the fertility rates of timed artificially inseminated Serrana Transmontano goats (which are indigenous to Portugal). For this, 58 adult nanny-goats aged between three and nine years were used. They were reproductively controlled by a short progestogen treatment (FGA) (seven days) with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Timed cervical AI (43 hours after the end of the hormonal treatment) was performed with chilled semen. Nanny-goats were inseminated by two artificial insemination technicians (A vs. B) alternating two vaginal specula (Minitub vs. “Reyes”). Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound 41 days later. About 98% of nanny-goats responded to our treatment with FGA and eCG. In total, 82.8% of nanny-goats were pregnant 41 days after AI. Neither vaginal specula (Minitub: 81.2% vs. “Reyes”: 84.6%) nor artificial insemination technicians (A: 82.8% vs. B: 82.8%) affected fertility rates. Thus, we conclude that neither the vaginal specula used in this research nor the artificial insemination technicians affected Serrana goat pregnancy rates.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate chitosan nanoparticles in an extender improve the antioxidant capacity and post-thawed quality of Kacang goat semen

Background and Aim: The Kacang goat (Capra hircus) is an indigenous livestock species in Indonesia that is at risk of extinction due to cross-breeding. Artificial insemination (AI) techniques are expected to increase the population of these goats. This study aimed to determine the addition of epigallocatechin-3-gallate chitosan nanoparticles (EGCG CNPs) to skim milk–egg yolk (SM–EY) extender to obtain the best possible quality of post-thawed Kacang buck semen for AI. Materials and Methods: Fresh Kacang buck semen was diluted in SM–EY without or with the addition of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 µg of EGCG CNPs/mL extender. Extended semen was packaged in French mini straws, frooze, and stored in liquid nitrogen at −196℃ for 24 hours. Six replicates from each treatment group were thawed for catalase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm intact plasma membrane (IPM), viability and motility analyses. Results: Post-thawed semen that was previously frozen without EGCG CNPs in the extender (control group) exhibited the lowest levels of catalase, DPPH, sperm living cells, sperm motility, MPI, and the highest levels of MDA. The addition of EGCG CNPs in the T3 and T4 groups was increased (p &lt; 0.05) post-thawed catalase, DPPH, living cells, and sperm motility and decreased (p &lt; 0.05) MDA levels than those of the T0 group. Meanwhile, sperm MPI was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the T4 group than the sperm MPI of the T0 group. Conclusion: This study was the first in using of EGCG CNPs in the SM–EY extender, in which adding 1.5 or 2.0 μg/mL of EGCG CNPs in this extender increased the antioxidant capacity and post-thawed quality of Kacang buck semen.

Comparative study of heat induction in the red goat of Maradi by the use of extracts of local plant species

If in several countries of the world, artificial insemination is a common practice in the management of animal herds, it is not the same for many of the nations of the Sahelian African zone such as Niger where several factors complicate its development. One of the annoying situations would be the very high cost of the technique for the breeder. Thus, to reduce this cost related to the cost of heat-inducing hormones, this study aims to search for an alternative solution to the use of the artificial insemination technique which is very inaccessible to African breeders. This study involves first listing all plant species that induce heat in sheep-goats, and then testing their effectiveness in vivo in the Red goat of Maradi. The administration of a semi-closed questionnaire to a sample of 63 nomadic breeders from North Maradi made it possible to identify 81 plant species. These plant species are used either alone, in association or in a mixture with other non-plant products. Thus, the survey made it possible to list 71 heat-inducing recipes, 77% of which consist exclusively of plant extracts. The preselected goats were randomly divided into four comparable and different groups of 6 to 7 individuals receiving recipe R1 (group 1, n=7), recipe R2 (group 2, n=7), recipe R3 (group 3, n=7) and recipe R4 (control group, n=6). Two of these recipes, tested on two groups of goats, had allowed ≈ 42.85 and ≈ 57.14% to give birth against only ≈ 33.33% in the control group and 0% in the goats treated with pigeon droppings. Thus, this study has made it possible to highlight a good knowledge of heat-inducing plants in goats by the nomadic population of North Maradi. It also revealed a trend in the effectiveness of the in vivo use of two of these plants in fertility in the Red goat of Maradi. This practice could constitute an alternative way to small ruminants’ artificial insemination for breeders in sub-Saharan Africa.

Status and Constraints Evaluation of Artificial Insemination in Bishoftu and Its Environs

Efficiency of artificial insemination service might be lower due to various challenges including poor estrus detection, inefficiency of artificial insemination techniques, and distance from AI station, poor management system, inadequate nutrition and poor quality of semen. Failure of estrus detection and improper timing of insemination has been the most known problems of in diary animals. The intention of this study was to appraise the status, challenges and the outcome. AI service beneficiaries in and around bishoftu town. In this study, a total of 287 respondents (smallholder farmers, dairy farm, Animals health professionals and Artificial Insemination Techniques) were included through structured questionnaires survey and interviewed. In to this, Retrospective data study was included in the study to evaluate the status of AI service in the study site. As the result revealed that from 269 total farmer respondents 49.1% (132/269) had got AI service on time without any interruption while 50.9% (137/269) AI users couldn’t got service on time due to lack of input, unavailability of AITs and discontinuation of service on weekends and holidays with statistically significant among kebeles (p<0.05). Bellowing, clear mucous discharge from vagina, mounting, decrease production and feed intake, restlessness and nervousness, were found to be the most common estrus manifestation observed by diary owners as holidays, lack of appropriate collaboration and communication among stake holders, and repeat breeding. In case of repeat breeding, he maximum and minimum impression of AI users toward using AI repeatedly were 43.8% (Danbi) and 33.0% (Kality) respectively with statistically insignificant among respondents (p>0.05). Generally the questionnaire survey indicated that the application of assisted reproductive biotechnologies in the study area was at infant stage surrounded with challenge full so it requires urgent involvement of stakeholders before it aggravates.