Effect Of Artificial Insemination Research Articles

Effect of artificial insemination in comparison to natural mating on the reproductive performance and profitability of smallholder pig production system in Indian Himalaya

In fragile ecosystems, smallholder pig production systems provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor communities. Pigs are the main livestock raised by indigenous communities in the Himalayan region of India, but their productivity is low for several reasons. The present study aimed to study the pig herd size and to evaluate the impact of artificial insemination (AI) on profitability and sustainability in the small-holder pig production system. A total of 612 AIs were carried out in 483 sows in the farmer's field along with 114 sows that underwent natural breeding. A comparison was made between the reproductive performance of sows following AI and natural breeding. The profitability and economics of AI and natural breeding were also compared. The mean pig population varied from 4.75 to 6.42 in the study region. The farrowing rate, total born piglets (TBPs), and live born piglets (LBPs) were significantly higher (P< 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows compared to naturally bred sows (9.37 vs. 6.28; 8.93 vs. 5.45). Farrowing rate (P= 0.005), TBP, and LBP were significantly (P< 0.001) higher in sows inseminated by female inseminator as compared to male inseminator (81.26 vs. 71.42%; 9.65 vs. 8.80; 9.21 vs. 8.38). The insemination by uneducated farmers resulted in significantly (P= 0.002) lower farrowing rate, TBP (P< 0.001), LBP (P< 0.001), and AI per farrowing (P= 0.042). The farmers who did AI for the third time and more than three times recorded significantly (P< 0.001) higher farrowing rates, TBP, and LBP. The farrowing rate was significantly (P< 0.001) less in sows that were located more than 30 km away from the semen center (66.66 vs. 82.90%). The net return per sow was significantly higher (P< 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows (US$464.8 vs. US$248.11). AI resulted in an 87.33% increase in net returns per farrowing as compared to natural breeding. In conclusion, AI in smallholder pig production systems has the potential to sustainably improve the profitability as well as the food and nutritional security of resource-poor farmers.

Therapy of ovarian dysfunction in cows in the conditions of farms of the udmurt republik

Increasing the reproductive qualities of animals is the main task of dairy farms. Replacement of the main breeding stock with young animals, often leads to the fact that young animals, being exposed to ovarian diseases, undergo a longer recovery time and reduce the effectiveness of artificial insemination. This work highlights the issue of infertility of cows in specific farms, under certain feeding and housing conditions. The aim of the work was to develop a system therapy of infertility of cows with ovarian diseases.The experiment was conducted in two farms of Uvinsky district of the Udmurt Republic, with the formation of six groups of animals in each farm for each individual disease. In particular, the main diseases were ovarian hypofunction and ovarian follicular cysts. Six schemes of ovarian therapy were developed.During a gynecological examination, hypofunction of the ovaries was found in 14% of cows in the SPK "collective farm Udarnik" and in 18% of cows in OOO "Riko-Agro". Follicular ovarian cysts were found in 10% of cows in the SPK "collective farm Udarnik" and in 12% of cows in LLC "RikoAgro". During the experiment, the activity of the manifestation of sexual characteristics in cows was monitored. At the same time, it was found that with hypofunction of the ovaries, all experimental cows came into heat only according to scheme No. 2. This scheme includes drugs such as Surfagon and ASD-2fr emulsion. and Tetravit. In the treatment of follicular ovarian cysts, attention was paid to the regression of cysts. The greatest amount of cyst regression (100%) was achieved using scheme No. 5, which includes Metrostim, Fertagon and Estrofan. As a result of the work, we found that in the case of ovarian hypofunction, the most effective treatment regimen included Surfagon, ASD-2fr. and Tetravit. The rate of cow fecundation was over 67% of cows in both farms on the first insemination. With follicular ovarian cysts the greatest efficiency of therapy was achieved using the scheme including Metrostim, Fertagon and Estrofan.Fertilization of cows at the first insemination after therapy was also more than 80%. For the purpose therapy of these diseases, we recommend to use schemes including the above mentioned drugs.

Prevention of gynecological diseases of cows using a new protocol and calculation of the effectiveness of its application

The purpose of the research was to analyze the results of a change in service period, yaliiness and reduction of losses using the new protocol for the prevention of gynecological diseases, as well as the mathematical calculation of the forecast of changes in the coefficient of life-lifetime reproduction of cows.Materials and methods. The work was performed on 215 cows of the Holstetskaya breed of Leningrad type. To prevent the occurrence of gynecological diseases and the afternoon complications, we have been tested by the previously developed preparation of the new generation "Aldecosptimol". It is a preparation of a wide range of action, not a hormonal agent and non-antibiotic groups. As part of the conducted studies, it was found that the minimum bactericidal concentration of the drug is 0.001% of the working solution, which makes it possible to use it on the mucous membranes of the organism of animals and develop on its basis a new protocol for the prevention and correction of various deviations that increase the effectiveness of the insemination and the level of reproduction. Considering the activity of the drug Aldecosptimol and its bactericidal action, we investigated the possibility of its use to prevent postpartum gynecological complications. The following drugs were included in the composition: aldisseptimol, non-α-f2, nitamin. As a control, the drug was used non-aoxyl, well-proven himself for everyday work in veterinary practice. Studies were conducted within 4 months at the first switches of the Holstein breed.Results. The Aldecosptimol preparation in the new protocol has positively influenced the process of subbatencation, the active restoration of the epithelial fabric of the uterine structure and the proliferative process in the uterus, reduced the arrival time in the first hunt and increased the effectiveness of artificial insemination. Thus, the use of a new protocol for the prevention of gynecological diseases made it possible to reduce the service period from 179.9 days (control) to 102.3 days (experience). Calculation of the effectiveness of the application of the new protocol revealed an increase in reproduction by 7.2% (chicks) or 14.4% to exit calves.

Effect of Artificial Insemination on production performance of dairy cattle in Case of Sayo District West Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Sayo district with the objective of assessing challenges and opportunities of artificial insemination on dairy cattle, to document potential opportunities of artificial insemination, to identify the challenges of artificial insemination and to assess the perception of farmers on the AI technology in the study area. Three kebeles, three were taken purposively and 20 households from each kebele were randomly selected. The data were collected using semi structured questionnaires, interview and direct observation. The reproductive and productive data were analysed statistical software (SAS version 9.3.1 where as other data were analysed by simple descriptive statistics. The result of this finding shows that the overall mean of daily milk and lactation length of dairy cows in the Sayo distinct were5.83+0.82L and 240+18.43 days respectively whereas the overall mean of age at first calving, calving interval and number of services in the study area were 968.42+269.83, 449+22.09 days and 1.93+0.71times respectively.

Subclinical ketosis as a factor reduction of reproductive indicators of high productive cows

Purpose: The aim of the research is to study the effect of subclinical ketosis (SCK) on the effectiveness of artificial insemination of highly productive dairy cows in the postpartum period.Materials and methods. The studied animals were selected according to the principle of conditional analogs and were divided into 2 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 - animals with a blood concentration of 3- hydroxybutyrate˂ 1.0 mmol / l, group 2 - animals with subclinical ketosis with a concentration of 3-hydroxybutyrate in the blood in the range of 1.0-1.4 mmol / l. Blood was collected from animals on the 5th, 15th and 33-35th days after calving. In the obtained blood serum samples, the content of total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, creatinine, total bilirubin, the activity of transaminase enzymes and alkaline phosphatase was determined. The concentration of steroid hormones has been determined. Before artificial insemination, the animals were synchronized according to the pressinovsinh scheme.Results. Most of the biochemical blood parameters did not go beyond the reference values. By the time of hormonal stimulation of sexual heat in cows with SCK, a decrease in 3-hydroxybutyrate (˂ 1,0 mmol / l) and an increase in glucose (> 3.0 mmol / l) were recorded. On the 15th day after calving, in the group with SCK, there was an increase in total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and magnesium (p˂ 0,01). On the 15th day after calving, testosterone levels were 13% higher in the SCK group. By the time of synchronization, the level of progesterone in the group of animals with SCK was lower in comparison with the control group. In the group of animals with SCK, the lowest reproductive indices were recorded: the insemination index in the group with SSC was higher by 46%, the service period was 49 days longer, the interbody period was significantly longer by 68 days (p˂ 0,05).Conclusion. Subclinical ketosis, recorded on the 15th day after calving, helps to reduce the reproductive performance of high -yielding dairy cows. Normalization of the concentration of 3-hydroxybutyrate from subclinical to physiologically normal values, and subsequent hormonal synchronization do not reduce this negative effect of SCK.

Effect of artificial insemination and natural mating on reproductive parameters in pigs of warm-humid climate region

Artificial insemination is a popular assisted reproductive technology that ensures transfer of genetic information from animal to animal. This study was meant to evaluate the influence of artificial insemination and natural mating on selected reproductive parameters. Five hybrid females of Duroc-landrace line were selected while 3 boars were used for the mating. Fresh semen was collected from 2 hybrid boars of Yorkshire-Landrace and Yorkshire-Pietrain line and the third boar - a Durocbreed (control) was used to stimulate the sows into oestrus and mate them naturally. Landrace-Yorkshire had shorter time for semen release than Pietrain-Yorkshire breed at first and second time of collecting the semen. Similarly, live born piglets of artificial insemination served 24% higher than natural mating. Therefore, a well-timed artificial insemination method using fresh semen would improve the number of piglets at parturition.

The effectiveness of artificial insemination in horse breeding

As a result of achievements in genetics and in technology of artificial insemination` cattle breeders received a powerful instrument of improving animals productive qualities, the possibilities of selecting stallions with a high genetic potential of productivity were expanded` and the rate of genetic improvement of entire populations was accelerated. Sperm from stallions is taken on an artificial vagina. Evaluation of the quality of sperm is carried out for 3 consecutive days. Insemination of mares is carried out at artificial insemination stations. 10 days after ovulation the mares are checked again with a probing stallion. If the mare for 35–40 days has not shown signs of sexual hunting again then it is followed by rectal test for foal.

Studies on Semen Morphology and Effects of Artificial Insemination on Hatchability in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Studies on Semen Morphology and Effects of Artificial Insemination on Hatchability in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Artificial Insemination and Fertility Performance in Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of artificial insemination using diluted semen in ostrich on the fertilizing parameters like fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality. Artificial insemination was carried out intravaginally in 10 ostriches by using extended semen with 1: 3 dilutions by using IMV commercial diluent. Voluntary crouch method was used for artificial insemination. A total of 302 eggs (177 eggs from natural mated group and 125 eggs from artificially inseminated group) were utilized for this study. A highly significant (P

Influence of artificial insemination time period relative to ovulation on fertility of mares

The results of the study of the effect of artificial insemination of horses by the cooled and thawed semen which was prepared by Kharkiv technology depending on the time of the dominant follicle ovulation using the atraumatic tool developed for insemination of mares have been presented in the article. In modern practice of artificial insemination of horses, there are two opposing views on the timing of insemination of mares (before or after ovulation) so we decided to investigate the impact of this factor on sperm, obtained, chilled and kriokonse–rvovana for Kharkiv technology. The time of semen administration into the reproductive tract of mares depending on the ovulation of the dominant follicle is the least investigated factor that effects the efficiency of mare insemination. The artificial insemination of the horses by the semen that was prepared by Kharkiv technology with the use of the atraumatic instrument developed by us for artificial insemination of mares depending on the time of ovulation of the dominant follicle was conducted for the first time. It has been stated that the optimal time for the insemination of mares by the cooled or thawed semen of stallions depending on the ovulation with the use of the atraumatic instrument developed by us is the time period for 4 hours before and after ovulation. When insemination of mares Ukrainian horse breed tools we have and the sperm that chilled by Kharkivtion technology for 4 hours before and after ovulation received about the same output foals. When artificial insemination Ukrainian horse breed mares we developed noninvasive device after 4 or more hours of ovulation foals output decreased by 50.77% (P < 0.01) compared with insemination to ovulation and the 50.12% (P < 0.01) compared with insemination after ovulation. When artificial insemination of mares Ukrainian horse breed tools we have and sperm cryopreserved for that Kharkov Technologies for 4 hours after ovulation received incredibly more foals out at 3.47% compared with insemination before ovulation. When artificial insemination of mares Ukrainian horse breed developed our noninvasive device after 4 or more hours of ovulation foals output decreased by 35.23% (P < 0.01) compared with insemination to ovulation and the 38.70% (P < 0,01) compared to the insemination after ovulation. When carrying out the artificial insemination of the mares of Ukrainian horse breed for more than 4 hours after the ovulation the fertility decreased by 50,12 – 50.77% (P < 0.01) and by 35,23 – 38,70% (P < 0.01) by cooled and thawed semen, respectively.

MAIN FACTORS AFFECTING MARE INSEMINATION WITH CRYOPRESERVED DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN SPERM

Artificial insemination (AI) has the following advantages over natural mating: fast selection effect, easy transportation, wide dissemination of valuable genetic material, economic use of semen and rational use of sires, preventing sexually transmitted infections, reserving sperm in cryobanks. Among the factors influencing the result of AI in horse breeding are time, frequency rate and insemination repetition, quality and quantity of semen, the depth of insertion of semen into the uterus of a mare, the observance of temperature mode and sanitary regulations during AI procedure, the reproductive performance of mares. There are two main approaches to freezing of stallion sperm and thus two AI technologies for semen packaging and equipment for its introduction into the uterus of mares. The first approach worked out and used in Russia is based on a sparing mode of semen cryopreservation in large volumes, 20-25 ml per dose. The second method, developed abroad, provides pre-treatment of sperm by centrifugation and maximum removal of semen plasma. In another procedure currently used in Russia the small volumes (5-6 ml) of semen are cryopreserved after centrifugation, removal of 50-60 % of semen plasma and thickening semen by dialysis. In recent years frozen semen of stallions from Europe and America is being actively imported to Russia. Despite the technological differences, domestic and foreign approaches to the cryopreservation of stallion’s semen provide its similar qualitative characteristics after thawing. The aim of our research was to identify the most significant factors affecting pregnancy rates in artificially inseminated mares when domestic and foreign protocols were used to freeze sperm. Herein, an impact of five such factors (i.e. sperm packing/cryopreservation technology, time of insemination, reproductive state and gynecological soundness of the mares, the activity of sperm) on the effectiveness of AI with frozen semen was estimated in mares of various breeds (Arabian, Akhal-Teke, Trakehner, Hanoverian, Russian Riding horse, American Standardbred, Russian Trotter and Orlov Trotter). Experiments were carried out in 2012 to 2014 at Tersk stud, at a private farm (Mr. A.A. Kazakov the owner) and at experimental stable of the All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding. We compared the data on 106 estrus cycles of 53 mares, artificially inseminated with domestic (granules and tubes of 5 ml and 15-25 ml) and foreign frozen semen (0.5 ml in straws). All used sperm doses in various packages were divided into two groups with the activity above and below 1.5 points (15 %). The time recommended for AI with frozen semen was divided into three intervals (12 h before ovulation, during ovulation, 6 h after ovulation). The animals were conventionally grouped as barren and maiden mares, lactating mares, mares after late (6 or more months of pregnancy) abortion, and also with regard to absence or presence of gynecological pathologies such as vaginal discharge, fluid and air in the uterus, mating-induced endometritis. The effectiveness of artificial insemination was evaluated with regard to pregnancy rate, occurred abortions number and successful foaling. So, two of five factors analyzed were found out to determine reliably a successful AI with frozen semen at high significance level (p < 0.001). They were the sperm activity of  15 % and healthy mares with no pathology observed. Cryopreservation technology, the type of sperm doses’ packaging and also the mare’s reproductive status (i.e. barren, maiden, lactating or after late abortion) are of secondary importance. It is shown that mares’ artificial insemination with one dose of semen during the 6-hour period after ovulation provides the same pregnancy rate (67.7 %) as insemination during the 12-hour period before ovulation (65.0 %) or insemination at the time when the ovum is released from a follicle.

Pregnancy Rates in Lactating Holstein–Friesian Cows after Artificial Insemination with Sexed Sperm

The effects of artificial insemination (AI) using sexed sperm on pregnancy rates have seldom been studied in lactating dairy cows on commercial dairy farms. We evaluated pregnancy results after AI of 306 lactating dairy cows, of which 157 were inseminated with 2x10(6) frozen/thawed sexed sperm and 149 with 15x10(6) frozen/thawed unsexed sperm. The average pregnancy and calving rates were 21.0% and 20% for the sexed-sperm AIs and 46% and 45% for the unseparated control-sperm AIs respectively (p<0.001). The proportion of female calves derived from sexed-sperm AI was 82% compared with 49% for control AI (p<0.01). The proportion of live and healthy calves in single births was 100% for sexed-sperm AI and 97% for control AI (p>0.05). Our results indicate that AI with low-dose sexed sperm under field conditions in commercial dairy herds without oestrus synchronization results in significantly reduced pregnancy rates compared with normal-dose AI. Improved insemination strategies combined with increased sperm doses are needed before the use of sexed sperm can be of any significant benefit for the dairy and beef industry.

Effect of Insemination Volume on Uterine Contractions and Inflammatory Response and on Elimination of Semen in the Mare Uterus – Scintigraphic and Ultrasonographic Studies

The effect of artificial insemination (AI) volume on uterine contractility and inflammation and on elimination of semen in the reproductive tract of mares was examined for 4 h after AI using two methods, scintigraphy and ultrasonography. The same doses were used in both methods: 2 and 100 ml of skim milk-extended frozen semen. In the scintigraphic study, the number of reproductively normal mares was four per group and in the ultrasonographic study five per group. For scintigraphy, the semen was radiolabelled with technetium-99m. The static scintigrams were acquired immediately before and 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after AI. The activities in the vagina and uterus were calculated and the values for sperm that had been discharged from the mare were obtained by subtracting the counts for the uterus and vagina from the total radioactivity. The dynamic scintigrams were taken continuously for the first 30 min after AI and in 5-min periods immediately after having acquired the static scintigrams. The uterine contractions were counted. In the ultrasonographic study, the mares were scanned before AI and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60, 120, 150, 180, and 240 min after AI, for at least 1 min each time. The examinations were videotaped and contractions counted per minute. More contractions were observed with the ultrasonographic method than with the scintigraphic method. No difference was present in the number of contractions between the groups, except in the ultrasonographic study at 4 h, when the mares inseminated with 100 ml showed more contractions than did the mares inseminated with 2 ml. The intraluminal fluid was sampled with a tampon and by uterine lavage 4 h after AI in the ultrasonographic study. The numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and spermatozoa were counted, but the differences between the groups were not significant. Under our experimental conditions and with the number of mares examined, the volume of the AI dose had an insignificant effect on contractility - with the exception at 4 h - and inflammatory reaction and on semen elimination in the uterus.

Effect of artificial insemination on submission rates of lactating dairy cows synchronised and resynchronised with intravaginal progesterone releasing devices and oestradiol benzoate

This study investigated the hypothesis that a reduction in submission rates at a resynchronised oestrus is not due to the resynchrony treatment involving intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (IVDs) and oestradiol benzoate (ODB) but is associated with artificial insemination (AI) at the first synchronised oestrus. In Experiment 1, cows were synchronised for first oestrus with IVDs, with ODB administered at the time of device insertion (Day 0, 2 mg IM) and 24 h after removal (Day 9, 1 mg IM) and PGF 2α injected at the time of device removal. Cows were then either inseminated (I) for 4 days or not inseminated (NI) following detection of oestrus (first round of AI). Every animal was resynchronised for a second round of AI by reinsertion of IVDs on Day 23 with administration of ODB (1 mg IM) at the time of insertion as well as 24 h after removal (Day 32). Cows detected in oestrus and inseminated for 4 days at the second round of AI were resynchronised for a third round by repeating the resynchrony treatment starting on Day 46 and inseminating cows on detection of oestrus for 4 days. In Experiment 2 the same oestrous synchronisation and resynchronisation treatments were used, but the timing of treatments differed. The cows had their cycles either presynchronised (treatment start Day −23) without AI and then resynchronised, starting on Day 0, for the first round of AI for AI at detected oestrus for 4 days, or they were synchronised (treatment start Day 0) for the first round of AI. In Experiment 1, 91.4% (64/70) and 92.6% (63/68) ( P = 0.79) of cows in the I and NI treatments, respectively, were detected in oestrus after the initial synchronisation. At the second round of AI, submission rates for insemination were lower in the I group compared to the NI cows (74.5%, 35/47 versus 92.6%, 63/68, respectively; P = 0.007). Pregnancy rates (proportion treated that were classified as becoming pregnant) in I and NI cows 4 weeks (61.4%, 43/70 versus 63.2%, 43/68) and 7 weeks (77.1%, 54/70 versus 69.1%, 47/68) after the AI start date (AISD) did not differ significantly between treatments. In Experiment 2, presynchronisation and then resynchronisation of oestrous cycles before the first round of AI did not affect oestrous detection rates at the first round of AI (100%, 44/44 versus 98.0%, 50/51; P = 0.54), or pregnancy rates 1 week (63.6%, 28/44 versus 60.8%, 31/51; P = 0.70), 4 weeks (72.7%, 32/44 versus 76.5%, 39/51; P = 0.76) and 7 weeks (81.8%, 36/44 versus 88.2%, 45/51; P = 0.40) after AISD compared to cows that had their cycles synchronised for the first round of AI. These findings support our hypothesis that a reduction in submission rates at a resynchronised oestrus is associated with AI at the first synchronised oestrus and not due to a resynchrony treatment involving IVDs and ODB. This study supports the concept that early embryonic loss following AI at a synchronised oestrus could cause a reduction in submission rates following resynchronisation of oestrus, although investigation of the effect of passing an AI catheter or semen components were not studied per se.

Pregnancy Rates and Milk Production in Natural Service and Artificially Inseminated Dairy Herds in Florida and Georgia

Effects of artificial insemination (AI) and natural service (NS) breeding systems on pregnancy rates (PR) by stage of lactation, season, and changes in milk production over time were examined using lactation and herd DHIA records of Holstein cows in dairy herds located in Florida and Georgia. The reported genetic profile of service sires of the herd was used to determine the percentage of cows bred to natural service bulls (%NS). Two seasons were considered: winter (November–April) and summer (May–October) from 1995 to 2002 (16 periods). Herd-periods were assigned 1 of 3 breeding systems: AI (0 to 10% NS), mixed (11 to 89% NS) and NS (90 to 100% NS). Seventy percent of the herds used NS bulls as a component of their breeding system during the study period. The PR during winter (17.9%) was greater than that during summer (9.0%). During winter, PR for AI herds (17.9%) did not differ from that for mixed (17.8%) and NS herds (18.0%). During summer, PR for AI herds (8.1%) was slightly less than that for mixed (9.3%) and NS herds (9.8%). During winter, PR for cows at 71 to 91 d, 92 to 112 d, and 113 to 133 d in milk were 1.4% lower for mixed herds compared with AI and NS. Pregnancy rate for NS herds was 2.6% lower during late lactation compared with AI and mixed herds. During summer, PR for cows at 71 to 91 and 92 to 112 d in milk were 2.6 and 1.8% greater, respectively, for NS herds compared with AI. However, from 260 to 364 d in milk, PR for NS herds was less than that for AI and mixed herds. No significant interaction was detected between breeding system and lactation number. Rolling herd average milk production during the study period was less in the NS herds (7180kg) compared with AI (8513kg) and mixed herds (8176kg), but the annual change in milk production was not different among breeding systems. The results indicated that use of NS bulls did not result in meaningful disadvantages in terms of PR and changes in milk production over time.

Effect of artificial insemination with donor semen on the psyche of the husband.

It has been argued that artificial insemination with donor semen (AID) can be detrimental to the psyche of the sterile husband. This issue has been scrutinized on a larger scale empirical basis using four groups of husbands whose wives were either pregnant due to AID or were under AID without being pregnant yet or were pregnant without AID or were assumedly fertile without being pregnant. Psychometric data was obtained of the corresponding husbands. The results indicate that AID is no threat to the husbands of all groups. Infertile men do not seem to be a psychological risk group. Fertile men tend to reject AID.

Possible teratogenic effects of artificial insemination by donor.

Three trisomic offspring conceived by artificial insemination by donor (AID) were observed in a population in which a total of about 400 babies were so conceived. To test whether this excess represented a random fluctuation or a real effect of the AID procedure we surveyed, by questionnaire, a group of women who had born children conceived by AID. A significantly higher number of trisomic offspring were found than expected in a population with the observed age distribution. Further data are needed to test the validity of this observation.

Artificial insemination has few untoward effects

A brief summary is provided of studies presented at the Eleventh World Congress of Fertility and Sterility on the effects of artificial insemination on parents and children. Three studies found that couples who underwent artificial insemination were as satisfied with their marriages and their sex lives as couples who achieved parenthood normally. One investigator reported that children conceived through artificial insemination, whether with frozen or nonfrozen sperm, performed better than the norm in intelligence and psychomotor tests.

EFFECT OF RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-TAU ON THE HORMONAL AND CYTOKINE PROFILE OF COWS IN THE EARLY PERIOD OF GESTATION

The physiological processes of the early stages of pregnancy in cattle are determined by the level of production of progesterone, interferon-tau, and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNFα, IFN-γ, providing in adequate concentrations immune and trophic relationships between the mother's body and the developing embryo. The results of the research on the influence of the bovine recombinant interferon-tau-based drug «Tautin», in “Scientific and Production Center ProBioTech” LLC., on blood progesterone, on cortisol, on interleukin IL-2, on tumor necrosis factor - TNFα, on interferons -γ and -tau, and on the insemination effectiveness, in the black-and-white Holstein cows, are presented. Injections of “Tautin” at the stage of placentation provide an increase in the progesterone-synthesizing function of the corpus luteum, modulation of the local production of the main mediators of the immune system - pro-inflammatory cytokines and guarantee the successful implantation of the embryo and its further physiological development. It is shown that three times injections of «Tautin» to cows during nidation and implantation of blastocyst provide the increase of luteal hormone synthesizing function of corpus luteum in comparison with intact animals by 21.5 %, concentration of cortisol in blood by 11.5%, interferon-tau by 36.9%, and decrease of production of proinflammatory cytokines: IL-2 by 24.5%, TNFα by 21.7%, and interferon γ by 28.5%. The effectiveness of artificial insemination of experimental cows was 74.1% at 37.8% in control group. Development of intrauterine embryo grow retardation syndrome has been reduced from 29.4% to 12.5%.

The effect of artificial insemination on the breed structure of British Friesian cattle

1. The effect of A.I. on the structure of the pedigree British Friesian breed has been assessed from analyses of pedigrees of systematic samples of 221 registered females and 200 registered males born in 1960. Samples of 200 registered females and 200 registered males born in alternate years from 1946 to 1958 inclusive were used to estimate the trend in the proportion sired by A.I. bulls.2. By 1960, A.I. had not affected the hierarchical structure of the breed and had not, therefore, narrowed its base. Current inbreeding was lower in artificially than in naturally sired stock but there was little difference between the two groups in the level of non-current inbreeding.3. Over 50% of artificially sired stock were sired by bulls likely to have progeny test information. Of the naturally sired stock, only 17% of females and 29% of males were sired by such bulls.4. 12·2% of genes of registered females born in 1960 derived from the 1950 importation from the Netherlands. At comparable points in time the contributions of earlier importations from the Netherlands were: 1914–39·9%; 1936–24·3%. The increased size of the pedigree breed and the development of progeny testing methods giving an earlier and more accurate assessment of the breeding worth of individual sires, probably contributed to the relatively small influence of the 1950 importation.