Insemination Techniques Research Articles

Pre-freezing at 10 cm above liquid nitrogen surface for eight minutes resulted the best Sapera goat semen quality

Sapera goat is a dairy goat resulting from a cross between a Saanen buck and an Ettawah cross doe. These small ruminants are reared by rural households for poverty reduction and undernutrition prevention. Breeding of Sapera goat through artificial insemination (AI) technique was expected to accelerate the increase in population. Unfortunately, the frozen semen of Sapera buck is not available yet. This study aims to determine the effect of the distance between semen straw and liquid nitrogen surface during pre-freezing process on the quality of frozen semen of Sapera goats. Semen was obtained from 1.5 years old Sapera buck. The ejaculates were diluted in tris-egg yolk extender to obtain a concentration of 120 x 106 spermatozoa/mL, then equilibrated at 5°C for one hour. The extended semen was packaged in 0.5 mL French straws (60 x 106 spermatozoa/straw). The filled straws were pre-frozen in the cold handling cabinet (Minitube, Germany) held at 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 cm above liquid nitrogen respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 groups, each with four replicates. After pre-freezing for eight minutes the straws were immediately plunged, and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for two days, followed by quality assessment. The best post-thawed motility (41.75 ± 2.06 %), viability (49.00 ± 0.82 %) and morphological abnormalities (4.75 ± 0.96 %) were obtained from pre-freezing stage with a distance of 10 cm. It could be concluded that in tris-egg yolk extender, post-thawed spermatozoa viability and motility of Sapera buck were qualified for AI when fresh semen was pre-frozen at 10 cm distance of straws from the surface of liquid nitrogen for eight minutes.

An Open-Hardware Insemination Device for Small-Bodied Live-Bearing Fishes to Support Development and Use of Germplasm Repositories.

Simple SummarySmall-bodied live-bearing fishes attract broad attention because of their importance in biomedical research and critical conservation status in natural habitats. Artificial insemination is an essential approach used to establish hybrid lines and for the operation of sperm repositories. The existing mouth-pipetting technique for artificial insemination of live-bearing fishes has not been substantially upgraded since the first implementation in the 1950s. This work developed a low-cost standardized artificial inseminator device (SAID) as open hardware to address issues routinely encountered in insemination by mouth-pipetting, including lack of reproducibility among different users, difficulty in training, and large, unreportable variation in sample volume and pressure during insemination. Community-level enhancements of the SAID prototype could enable standardized insemination with minimal training and facilitate the participation of research communities in the use of cryopreserved genetic resources.Small-bodied live-bearing fishes attract broad attention because of their importance in biomedical research and critical conservation status in natural habitats. Artificial insemination is an essential process to establish hybrid lines and for the operation of sperm repositories. The existing mouth-pipetting technique for artificial insemination of live-bearing fishes has not been substantially upgraded since the first implementation in the 1950s. The goal of this work was to develop a standardized artificial inseminator device (SAID) to address issues routinely encountered in insemination by mouth-pipetting, including lack of reproducibility among different users, difficulty in training, and large unreportable variation in sample volume and pressure during insemination. Prototypes of the SAID were designed as relatively inexpensive (<USD 80) open hardware based on commercially available and 3-D printed components to enable broad community access. A linear actuator was used to accurately control the position of a piston for fluid transfer with a standard deviation of <0.1 mm over a 4 mm range of travel. The volume of sample transfer was precisely controlled with a linear relationship (r2 > 0.99) between the piston position and volume. Pressure generation from eight mouth-pipetting operators and SAID prototypes were assessed by pressure sensors. The pressure control by SAID was superior to that produced by mouth-pipetting, yielding lower pressures (31–483 Pa) and smaller variations (standard deviation <11 Pa). These pressures were sufficient to deliver 1–5 μL of fluid into female reproductive tracts yet low enough to avoid physical injury to fish. Community-level enhancements of the SAID prototype could enable standardized insemination with minimal training and facilitate the participation of research communities in the use of cryopreserved genetic resources.

English

The study aimed to improve the reproductive performance of female rabbits under the high environmental temperature of the summer season using artificial insemination (AI) techniques as compared with natural mating (NM) and defining the better dilution extender that may be used in AI. 45 virgin female New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were employed in this study. Female rabbits were distributed to three groups. First, rabbits were mated by natural mating (NM). Groups two and three, rabbits were mated using AI with tris-citrate-glucose extender and citrate-egg yolk extender, respectively. The experiment lasted July and August months beginning from mating directly and continuing during pregnancy and suckling their bunnies till completion the weaning of offspring. Results showed that significant improvement in conception rate (CR), litter number, bunny weight, and litter weight at birth and weaning were observed in the two groups of AI compared with the first group of NM. P4 levels in the two groups of AI were higher significantly than NM at days 15 and 28 after mating, respectively. AI technique with tris-citrate-glucose extender is better than AI technique with citrate-egg yolk extender in the reproductive performance of female rabbits, especially, under the high environmental temperature of the summer season in Egypt. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Analysis of Artificial Insemination Technique for Cattle Breed Improvement

Analysis of Artificial Insemination Technique for Cattle Breed Improvement

Retrospective comparison of the semen preparation techniques for intrauterine insemination: Swim-up versus density gradient method

ObjectiveOur study aims to retrospectively examine the relationship between two different sperm preparation methods used in IUI among eight years in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates. MethodsWe evaluated the data of semen samples between December 2012 and March 2020. Three hundred eighty-four samples prepared with Conventional Swim-up (CSW) and 361 samples prepared with Density Gradient-Swim up (DGC-SW) obtained from men applying for IUI were analyzed. Spermiogram results of the semen samples given by men applying for IUI were examined. Data about sperm preparation method, post washed sperm parameters, pregnancy, and live birth rate were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. ResultsBasal progressive sperm count was significantly higher in pregnant couples in both CSW and DGC-SW groups (p = 0,032, p = 0,035, respectively). In each group, the post washed total progressive motile sperm count obtained by CSW and DGC-SW methods were significantly higher in pregnant patients (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between CSW and DGC-SW methods in pregnancy achievement (p = 0,399, χ2 = 0,712). Live birth and miscarriage rates were not different between the groups (p = 0,243, χ2 = 2.827). ConclusionIn conclusion, there is no significant difference between CSW and DGC-SW for pregnancy and live birth rates. Our results suggest that both sperm preparation techniques used in IUI are not superior to each other. In other words, the choice of sperm preparation method does not affect the pregnancy rate in couples undergoing IUI.

PLANNING DECISIONS OF RECONSTRUCTION WORK IN PIG REPRODUCTION USING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Commodity production of pork in GO «GF «Gontarivka» IT NAAS» was based on the use of four premises using a flow system with uneven groups each year. Using current technology, the production cycle was 5.5 to 9.5 months (average sow farrowing ranges 1.26-2.18 per year): four months of idle and growing periods and one and a half months of suckling period. This approach to the reproduction of livestock has led to overconsumption of feed for breeding stock, problems with the reproductive system in some animals and an increase in the total production cost. To improve the system of pig reproduction, the farm has formulated a step-by-step introduction of pig reproduction technology based on artificial insemination. Volume-planning solutions for the reconstruction of the farm have been developed, which provide for partial re-planning of the premises for reproduction of livestock, keeping boars, conditionally pregnant pigs and sows, and artificial insemination, to transfer to flow technology with uniform groups throughout the year. Reconstruction of the premises for the reproduction of livestock was carried out by organization of an arena and a laboratory for artificial insemination, the installation of individual machines for insemination of sows. The proposed reconstruction scheme provides for the maintenance of 99 single and pregnant sows in group machines, 30 sows in individual insemination machines, 14 breeding boars and up to 15 boars. The laboratory of the artificial insemination point provides the artificial insemination technician with operations on sperm quality assessment, preparation of media, dilution, assessment and storage of sperm, maintenance and storage of documentation, etc. The work of the artificial insemination point in Gontarivka IT NAAS was carried out in several stages.

Children Resulting from Insemination Through the Surrogate Mother Process (Substitute Mother) and Their Instruction Rights Islamic Law Perspective

This study analyzes the status of children resulting from insemination through the Surrogate Mother process and their inheritance rights, the main issues are divided into several sub-problems, namely; What is the general description of insemination, the status of children resulting from insemination through this process in Islamic law, and the inheritance rights of children resulting from insemination through this process in Islamic law. The research method used is a syar'i and juridical approach. This research is library research, which is research carried out using literature such as books, fiqh, laws, notes and journals. The results of this study are that insemination is a process of fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm cell outside the woman's body, in Indonesia Surrogate Mother is contrary to Islamic law which is where Surrogate Mother is considered haram as stated in the MUI decision Number: Kep-952/MUI/XI/ 1990 on Insemination. It is very clear that the results of the ijtihad prohibit the use of the Insemination technique using the Surrogate Mother process. Thus, it is clear that the status of a child born to a surrogate mother is said to be an adulterous child, so that a child born from the use of a Surrogate Mother who is a girl or a widow will only inherit to the mother who gave birth to it, not to the spouse who owns the seed.

Evaluation of turkey production, consumption pattern and its major constraints in Maiduguri, Borno State

Turkey's production is an important and highly profitable business in the agricultural industry with a rising global demand for its products. However, in Nigeria, turkey production remained at the smallholder level, receiving little attention compared to other birds such as chicken. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the level of turkey production, management practices, breeding characteristics, consumption pattern and associated challenges in Maiduguri and its environs. A total of two hundred (200) turkey farmers were randomly selected, interviewed and served with structured questionnaires within the study areas. It was observed that high cost of feed negatively affects farmers in venturing into turkey production. However, diseases particularly turkey pox was also a major challenge militating against turkey production amongst the interested individuals. The result further indicates that a semi-intensive management system was the predominant method of management adopted by small-scale turkey keepers in the study areas. Most of the respondents within the study areas have little or no knowledge of artificial insemination techniques in turkey breeding, but they are interested in assisted reproductive technology. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Few farmers in the study area consumed turkey meat, while the majority sold the bird and others consumed the eggs. In conclusion, turkey farming is relatively a new poultry enterprise in the study area. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Problems of disease management and prevention together with lack of capital and high cost of feed were observed to be the major factors limiting turkey production in the study area.

Significance and Relevance of Spermatozoal RNAs to Male Fertility in Livestock.

Livestock production contributes to a significant part of the economy in developing countries. Although artificial insemination techniques brought substantial improvements in reproductive efficiency, male infertility remains a leading challenge in livestock. Current strategies for the diagnosis of male infertility largely depend on the evaluation of semen parameters and fail to diagnose idiopathic infertility in most cases. Recent evidences show that spermatozoa contains a suit of RNA population whose profile differs between fertile and infertile males. Studies have also demonstrated the crucial roles of spermatozoal RNA (spRNA) in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Thus, the spRNA profile may serve as unique molecular signatures of fertile sperm and may play pivotal roles in the diagnosis and treatment of male fertility. This manuscript provides an update on various spRNA populations, including protein-coding and non-coding RNAs, in livestock species and their potential role in semen quality, particularly sperm motility, freezability, and fertility. The contribution of seminal plasma to the spRNA population is also discussed. Furthermore, we discussed the significance of rare non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in spermatogenic events.

Maintaining the Quality of Kacang Buck Semen in Chilled Storage with the Addition of Green Tea Extract in Extender

Kacang goats can be bred through artificial insemination techniques using liquid semen from a superior buck. The study was aimed to determine the quality of Kacang buck semen in chilled storage when green tea extract (GTE) was added to the semen extender. Specifically, 12 ejaculates from three Kacang bucks were diluted in skim milk–egg yolk extender containing 0 mg, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mg of GTE/100 mL. The extended semen was stored at 5°C, and its quality was evaluated daily for 5 d. Comparatively, semen with 0.10 mg of GTE/100 mL had the best quality (p<0.05): it had the highest sperm viability, sperm progressive motility, and sperm intact plasma membrane values, and the lowest malondialdehyde levels and DNA fragmentation percentage. However, as the storage period increased, there was a decrease in sperm viability, sperm motility, and sperm intact plasma membrane values with an increase in malondialdehyde levels and DNA fragmentation (p<0.05). The sperm motility of semen with 0.10 mg of GTE/100 mL was maintained during 5 d of chilled storage to meet the qualification for artificial insemination. In contrast, the sperm motility of semen with 0.05 mg and 0.15 mg of GTE/100 mL was maintained for 4 d, whereas that of the control semen was maintained only for 3 d. Thus, the addition 0.10 mg of GTE/100 mL of skim milk-egg yolk extender seems to help maintain the quality of Kacang goat sperm in chilled storage.

Reproductive aspects of the male jaguar (Panthera onca): A review

Objective: To describe the anatomy, morphology and physiology of the reproductive system of male jaguars, as well as assisted reproduction techniques. Methodology: A literature review on the anatomy and morphology of the jaguar´s reproductive system, its physiological characteristics and assisted reproduction techniques were carried out to document relevant information on the topic. Results: With this review, basic aspects of the morphology of the reproductive system of the jaguars are disclosed, although scarce knowledge is available on their reproduction. The advances in the collection, evaluation and cryopreservation of semen of this feline are shown, in addition to assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, which have a great potential to safeguard the species. Study limitations: The jaguar, an emblematic species of Latinamerica, is an endangered species, like other wild felids species as ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and margay (Leopardus wiedii), which makes it necessary to have a national assisted reproduction program. However, for this to be possible, information about their reproductive physiology is necessary, which is complicated in wild animals and even more so because the reproductive mechanisms greatly differ between felids species. There is scarce information in this regard from its free-living or Mexican zoos, it is for this reason necessary to generate such information. Conclusions: It is necessary to continue working on designing protocols for artificial insemination and other assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization specifically for male Panthera onca.

Evaluation of motility and morphology of frozen bull semen under different thawing methods used for artificial insemination in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia

The frozen bull semen straws were gathered from three specifically chosen locations in the North Shewa Zone, namely Baso, Chacha, and Debre-Birhan town, and the laboratory work was carried out at the Debre Birhan agricultural research center. The researchers wanted to see how different thawing methods affected the mass motility of frozen bull sperm. The thawing protocols used for mass motility evaluation were 37 °C for 30 s, 35 °C for 40 s, 40 °C for 40 s, body temperature using a hand for 15 s and body temperature using a hand for 30 s by using a water bath. The mass motility of the frozen bull semen was evaluated subjectively using a phase contrast microscope with 10x magnification. The frozen straws were taken from six bulls and two breeds (Holstein Friesian and 75% Holstein Friesian). Motility, morphology, and storage time length of frozen bull semen were analyzed using the general linear model of SAS (9.0). The mass motility of spermatozoa varied from 31 to 41.6 percent in different thawing protocols. Among the thawing protocols, 37°C/30 s (thawing at 37°c for 30 s) was found to have a better motility percentage, which was about 41.6 percent of the frozen bull semen being motile. The frozen sperm cell motility using the 37 °C for 30 s thawing protocol from the national artificial insemination center was 47%, Baso 46.6% and Chacha 39.6%. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the percentage of mass motility of frozen bull spermatozoa between Holstein Friesian and 75% Holstein Friesian cross breeds. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mass motility and morphology of frozen bull spermatozoa at different storage time length (58–204 days). The current study indicated that the major problems with low semen mass motility were thawing protocols which were used by artificial insemination technicians. Finally, the study recommended that thawing at 37 °C for 30 s had better frozen bull semen mass motility than other methods, so, artificial insemination technicians should use this recommended thawing method to have better frozen bull semen mass motility when they are doing artificial insemination (AI).

Reproductive characterization of the female Mexican turkey (Meleagris gallopavo L.)

Objective: To describe the anatomy, morphology, physiology, and reproductive characteristics of female turkeys. Design/methodology/approach: An analysis of the practical experiences of 10 years with Mexican native turkeys was conducted and complemented with scientific literature. We focused on reproductive aspects, anatomy, physiology and assisted reproduction. Results: Information on the breeding of Mexican native turkeys is scarce, few families in rural areas are dedicated to raising this poultry. Therefore, empirical knowledge on their management is being lost. The female turkey begins oviposition at 6 months of age with a body weight between 2 and 4 kg. The structures that make up their reproductive system are the ovary, developing follicles, left oviduct, and cloaca. The reproductive activity is initiated by photo receptors located in the retina and pineal gland, triggering follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones release. Egg formation lasts from 24 to 26 hours. During the first year, females lay between 36 to 54 eggs in clutches of 12 to 18 eggs and in the second year from 30 to 45 eggs. Chloequez is prolactin induced. As for assisted reproduction, artificial insemination techniques in female turkeys are uncommon. Limitations on study/implications: Few rural families raise turkeys and since they lack economic resources, reproductive strategies are not used to improve their production. Findings/conclusions: The anatomical, morphological, physiological and reproductive characteristics of the native female turkeys from Mexico were documented. In native turkeys, artificial insemination techniques are not of common use, but their implementation may be adequate to conserve genetic material from animals with outstanding characteristics.

Farmers’ perceptions regarding artificial insemination services in Punjab, Pakistan

A considerable number of livestock farmers are still practising natural matting for their animals instead of the Artificial Insemination (AI) technique. This study aimed to determine the various insemination procedures being used by farmers and the reasons for their rejection or acceptance in rural areas of Punjab. A cross-sectional dataset of 400 randomly selected livestock herders from two purposefully selected districts, Rahim Yar Khan and Muzaffargarh, was used. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to apply crosstab and t-test to the collected data. Findings infer that the AI technique was preferred by 60.5% of farmers particularly for cows whereas 75% of farmers preferred the natural matting process for buffalo (75.0%). The quality of AI service provided by public and private technicians was rated at an average level. For the natural matting process of their animals’ farmers were heavily (73.8 %) dependent on fellow farmers for sourcing a bull. Farmers viewed both private and public sector technicians equally skilled in performing AI. However, the high cost of semen (x=4.07±1.17) and unskilled technicians (x=4.05±1.17) were the key obstacles in wake of the effectiveness of AI. Poor record of the bull (x=4.12±1.14) and non-availability of bull (x=3.93±1.23) were the prominent plights associated with natural matting. Statistically, a significant difference was found concerning the cost of insemination (t=16.058), breed type (t =20.403) and milk or meat production potential (t=24.480) while inseminating the cow or buffalo. This study concludes that it should be obligatory for the farmers to maintain a record of natural matting through the bull. For AI, semen quality should be ensured with the synergistic association among institutions. The concerned institutions must develop a strategy to eradicate unregistered and non-qualified quack technicians

P–561 Male and female blastocyst: any difference other than the sex?

Abstract Study question Is there any imbalance in the sex ratio (SR) and in the aneuploidy rate of male and female human blastocysts from a PGT-A programme? Summary answer Although SR in human blastocysts is significantly male-biased, more aneuploidies are observed among male blastocysts, resulting in comparable euploid male and female embryos available. What is known already More boys than girls are born worldwide, meaning that the SR at birth is biased towards males. Differences in the SR of children born after ART have been also reported. Factors such as the insemination technique or the day of embryo transfer have been shown to be related to the SR at birth, but whether the SR is shifted during the preimplantation and/or postimplantation development remains unknown. Study design, size, duration: Embryos from patients undergoing 921 PGT-A cycles from September 2017 to February 2020 were included in the study. Data from the chromosomal constitution of 2637 biopsied blastocysts was retrospectively analysed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Embryos were cultured in time-lapse incubators with low oxygen tension (5%) (Embryoscope®; Geri®) using single-step medium (Global®, LifeGlobal®; GTL™, Vitrolife). Blastocyst biopsy was performed between D5-D7 followed by immediate vitrification (Cryotop®, Kitazato). Trophectoderm samples were analysed by NGS. Embryos were categorized as euploid, aneuploid or mosaic. Embryos were called as mosaic when the deviation from the normal copy number was ≥30% and &amp;lt;70%. Main results and the role of chance Overall biopsies from 2637 blastocysts were analysed, 1320 on day 5 (50.1%), 1169 on day 6 (44.3%) and 148 on day 7 (5.6%). Sex distribution among the embryos analysed was skewed in favor of male sex with 1401 diagnosed as male (53.1%) and 1236 were female (46.9%), [OR (95%CI):1.13(1.05–1.22)]. As a consequence of this biased SR, more male embryos reached the blastocyst stage and were biopsied both on day 5/6 (708/1320, 53.6% on day 5 and 619/1169, 53% on day 6). Embryos biopsied on day 7 were balanced between sexes with 50% being male and 50% being female. Following biopsy and PGT-A, 1086 (41.2%) of the embryos were classified as euploid, 1349 (51.16%) as aneuploid, and 202 (7.7%) as mosaic embryos. More chromosomal anomalies were observed among male blastocysts when compared to the female ones, 738 (52.7%) vs 611 (49.4%). Similarly, mosaicism was more frequents in male as compared with female blastocysts, 123 (8.8%) vs 79 (6.4%). (P = 0.000). As more aneuploidies are observed among male blastocysts, the final number of available euploid blastocysts for embryo transfer was comparable between sexes (540 male/546 female), [OR (95%CI): 0.99 (0.87–1.11)]. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective study. Only embryos at the blastocyst stage have been analyzed. Potential confounding factors such as sperm quality or the female age have not been analyzed. No data regarding the SR at birth have been analyzed in these study. Wider implications of the findings: In our study, more male embryos develop to the blastocyst when compared to female ones. It can be hypothesized that female embryos can be more affected by an early arrest at cleavage stages. SR at birth would be expected to be similar as more aneuploidy is observed in male embryos. Trial registration number Not applicable

Dental Status Between Assisted Reproductive Technology And Natural Conceived Children: A Comparative Pilot Study

Objectives: ART children were proven to have low birth weight and some birth defects. However, limited number of studies found concerning dental status of ART children. This research aimed to determine oral health practice and dental status between Assisted-Reproductive (ART) and Natural Conceived (NC) children. Materials And Method: This cross-sectional study consisted of 34 subjects, 17 were ART children and 17 NC children as control. Intraoral examination was conducted and orthopantomogram (OPG) radiograph were obtained from the subjects. Any abnormalities of tooth development such as number and tooth colour were recorded. Oral hygiene practice such as tooth brushing frequency and supervision from the parents during tooth brushing were identified. Caries experience of both groups were recorded using dmft for deciduous teeth and DMFT for permanent teeth. Descriptive analysis, Bivariate analysis were done using Mann-Whitney’s test and Spearman rho test. Results: Most of the participants were girls (58.8%) and majority were aged of 7 – 8 years old (47.1%). 70.6% of ART group used intra-uterine insemination (IUI) technique while 29.4% used in-vitro fertilization (IVF). There was one hypodontia case found in each group. Caries experience in primary teeth showed significantly lower in the ART group with p < 0.05. Conclusions: There was a comparable case of hypodontia in ART and NC group. However, caries experience (dmft) of children in ART group was found significantly lower than NC group.

PROFESSOR I. V. SMIRNOV (1911–1993) – ORGANIZER OF THE SYSTEM OF HIGHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH WORK, FOUNDER OF THE THEORY AND METHODOLOGY OF REPRODUCTIVE BIOTECHNOLOGY

The purpose of the article is to highlight the main milestones in the life and creative path of the famous scientist in the field of animal husbandry, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor I. V. Smirnov, his contribution to the formation of the sectorial experimental work and the spread of higher professional education. Research methods – general scientific (analysis, synthesis, classification), special historical (problem-chronological, comparative-historical, biographical), source studies. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the detailed study of the Terezyno period of I. V. Smirnov's activities, during which the new technological solutions were established and implemented contributing to the development of the theory and methodology of artificial insemination of farm animals. It is proved that on the basis of the Kiev Experimental Station of Animal Husbandry "Terezyno" the scientist implemented the concept of the development of higher professional education, based on the combination of the educational process with long-term industrial practice; laid the foundations for international cooperation in the field of reproduction biotechnology in animal husbandry. The main components of the I. V. Smirnov's creativity are highlighted, namely: methods of sperm long-term storage, technologies and techniques of artificial insemination, biology and physiology of reproduction of farm animals, etc. The researcher developed the theory of anabiosis, the theory of cold sperm shock, established the methods for mammalian sperm diluting and evaluating. He updated research on the use of blood groups for testing the lineage of animals and artificially regulating the sex of the offspring. It is shown that the method of mammalian sperm long-term storage formed the theoretical basis for the reorganization of domestic breeding on the basis of the widespread introduction of artificial insemination, contributed to a fast transformation of the gene pool of farm animals due to the involvement of genetic resources of foreign breeding in the selection process. It has been proved that thanks to the I. V. Smirnov's creative initiatives, the foundations have been laid for the development of a new direction in the science of the reproduction of organic species – reproductive biotechnology of farm animals.

Single Fixed-Time Post-Cervical Insemination in Gilts with Buserelin.

Simple SummaryCurrent protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of two/three semen doses (2–4 × 109 sperm/dose) by cervical artificial insemination (CAI), 12–24 h after estrus detection. If ovulation were predictable, gilts could be bred only once using fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Using a specific catheter makes the postcervical deposition of semen possible (PCAI). This work explored the use of combining FTAI-PCAI with buserelin in gilts. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30–33 h after buserelin administration. No significant differences were found in reproductive and production performance between groups (p > 0.05). Piglets’ birth weight was greater in the T group (p < 0.001). Estrus duration was significantly shorter in the T group (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length significantly differed depending on the season (p < 0.05); both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter duration in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.Current protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses in the cervix each 12–24 h after estrus detection. Our objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of buserelin and a single fixed-time artificial insemination using the new post-cervical artificial insemination technique (FTAI-PCAI) on reproductive and productive performance in gilts, and (2) to compare this protocol with conventional estrus detection and double PCAI without hormonal induction. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30–33 h after buserelin administration. The groups did not differ in reproductive and production performance (p > 0.05). The T group showed greater piglet birth weight and shorter estrus duration (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length differed significantly depending on the season (p < 0.05); the shortest length corresponded to autumn. Both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter length in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.

Risk Factors for the Efficiency of Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cows and Economic Impact of Failure of First Service Insemination in and around Haramaya Town, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 in and around Haramaya Town to study the risk factors of artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cattle and evaluate the economic impact of failure of first service AI. A questionnaire survey and field follow-up were employed for collecting data from cattle owners and artificial insemination technicians (AITs) who were selected purposively. Out of the 221 inseminated cows and heifers, the overall conception rate was 60.2% (n = 133). The conception rate was statistically different between breed (P=0.019) and insemination time (P=0.049). From a total of 133 conceived cows and heifers, the conception rate was 68 (53.54%) in local breeds and 65 (69.15%) in cross breeds. Parity, age of cows, inseminator experience, and body condition of cows did not create a significant difference in conception rate (P > 0.05). Failure to conceive at their first AI results in an extra cost of 440 ETB per day until conception. Therefore, to increase the conception rate, dairy cows should be inseminated early when they show signs of estrous; the owners of dairy cows should be trained on how to detect estrous signs in dairy cows and AI technicians should also take training in order to improve their skills.

Artificial insemination of rabbits: current state and practical possibilities of the method

Relevance. Rabbits have great reproductive and productive potential. In the industrial (conveyor) system of rabbit production, the brood stock of the rabbit farm is divided into production groups and artificially inseminated on a strictly fixed day of the week on the 4th or (more often) 11th day of lactation. Only clinically healthy and well-fed females are allowed to insemination. It is shown that with an intensive rate of reproduction of the herd from one rabbit, it is possible to receive from 40...55 to 60...65 weaned rabbits and produce up to 120 kg of rabbit meat annually. Methods. The technological processes and practical possibilities of the method of artificial insemination of rabbits are considered and analyzed. Results . Work on artificial insemination of rabbits is carried out in the following order: collecting semen from the bucks, assessing the quality of ejaculate, diluting and short-term storing sperm in vitro, stimulating sexual activity and diagnosing the sexual receptivity of suckling female rabbits, intravaginal insemination of does with hormonal induction of ovulation. Sperm from male rabbits is obtained on a receptive female with the help of an artificial vagina: two ejaculates collected once a week with an interval of at least 15 min. The process of collecting semen on an artificial vagina takes average 26.2 seconds. After macro-and microscopic evaluation, the ejaculate is diluted 1:5...1:10 with a medium based on Tris-or Hepes-buffer. For dilution and short-term storage of sperm directly in the farm environment (up to 24...48 hours), ready-to-use commercial extenders are also used (for example, Lepus®, Cortalap®, Merk III®, Formula® etc.). The selection of rabbits for insemination is carried out according to the signs of estrus and sexual reaction of the female to the male. 48 hours before the planned insemination, all suckling rabbits of the production group are injected with the gonadotropic drug folligon (at a dose of 20 IU). Exogenous gonadotropic stimulation induces cyclic growth of follicles, synchronizes the manifestation of sexual activity in rabbits of the production group, improves reproductive efficiency of rabbit does in term of fecundity (fertility and prolificacy). The technique of artificial insemination of rabbits is quite simple. Using a semi-automatic syringe with a removable disposable sterile catheter, sperm is inserted deeply into the rabbit vagina in a volume of 0.5 ml. With an effective organization of work, an insemination technician and an assistant can inseminate up to 150 female rabbits in 1 hour (with simultaneous hormonal induction of ovulation).Good results, almost as with natural insemination, are obtained when using freshly obtained diluted or diluted chilled sperm for insemination with a shelf life of up to 6 ... 12 hours.