Artificial Insemination Program Research Articles

Revisión a profundidad de la tasa de concepción en programas de inseminación artificial a término fijo en el ganado: El caso colombiano

The aim of this study was to collect and evaluate the scientific evidence on the results of the conception rate in female bovine animals in Colombia in fixed-term artificial insemination (FTAI) programmes during the last 10 years. The review was carried out according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Only original articles published in indexed journals and undergraduate and graduate thesis works reporting studies on Colombian cattle were considered. Twenty studies were selected (6 primary articles and 14 undergraduate and graduate works), covering 1464 cows and heifers. Dual-purpose cows reached the highest percentages (53.8%), while Bos indicus heifers recorded the lowest (37%). Of the total studies on heifers (30%), 51% focused on dual-purpose cows, 43% on breeding cows and 6% on dairy cows. The most used ovulation synchronization protocol included the use of progesterone, oestrogen, prostaglandins and equine chorionic gonadotropin. It is concluded that the choice of an insemination protocol and its effectiveness will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, so it is not prudent to define whether there is a synchronization protocol superior to the others. However, the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin showed to increase the conception rate in Colombian cattle.

Opportunities and challenges of a community-based bull breeding programme: a case of the regional pastoral livelihood resilience project in Uganda

The Regional Pastoral Livelihood Resilience Project Community-Based Breeding Programme (CBBP) was designed with the objective of increasing production and productivity of local Zebu cattle by introducing Sahiwal bulls among sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. This study mapped out actors, their roles and level of influence in the CBBP as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered during its implementation using the Process Net-Map tool. The results revealed that there were differences in number and type of influential actors between sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. The bull host and subcounty veterinary officer were the most influential actors among the sedentary livestock farmers whereas it was the herdsman, bull host, and Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) among the agro-pastoral farmers. The CBBP was associated with benefits such as increased market value for cattle, reduced chances for cattle rustling, increased cattle productivity in terms of milk and beef production volumes and ease of access to veterinary services. In contrast, the challenges encountered were related to both governance (limited availability of veterinarians, cattle rustling, exclusion of farmers in the planning phase of the CBBP, political interference and failure of collective action) and bull management (high costs of keeping and maintaining the bulls in terms of feeding, housing, watering and veterinary care, heavy bulls injuring or breaking the small cows, sexually transmitted reproductive diseases among others). Lastly, this paper recommends adoption of a combination of well-organized and facilitated Artificial Insemination (AI) programmes alongside the improved bull service scheme as each has capacity to address the challenges of another.

PSIII-2 Exploring differential gene expression and pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers

Abstract Heifer fertility is a key factor in the success of beef production systems, as the reproductive performance of a heifer correlates with her stayability in the breeding herd. However, despite being reproductively mature and physically healthy, 5 to 15% of these heifers fail to conceive within a designated breeding season. The underlying physiological mechanisms preventing these heifers from achieving pregnancy remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers. Angus-Simmental crossbred heifers were subjected to an estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) program (7-d CO-Synch + CIDR) and blood samples were collected at the time of AI for isolation of peripheral white blood cells (PWBC). After pregnancy check, heifers were classified as pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP). Based on that, 6 animals per group were randomly selected for total RNA isolation from the PWBC samples, and genome-wide expression was measured through RNA sequencing. The RNA-Seq data were analyzed using an in-house bioinformatics pipeline, with filtered reads aligned to the Bos taurus reference genome using STAR. DEGs were identified using DESeq2, followed by functional analysis using ShinyGO. Our approach unveiled 230 DEGs, comprising 102 up and 128 downregulated genes in the NP group (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| > 0.5). Upregulated genes included those from the cytochrome P450 superfamily (CYP27B1 and CYP2U1). The genes SCML2, USIG2, and FBP1 were upregulated and have been associated with immune response and increased PWBC counts. This may be related to the over-representation of biological processes involved in cell division based on the upregulated genes. KEGG pathway over-representation analysis of DEGs retrieved allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, type I Diabetes Mellitus, insulin signaling pathway, and transcriptional misregulation of cancer. These pathways included genes such as BOLA-DQB, PRKAR1B, CALML4 and JUP, which were reported as downregulated during times of inflammatory response. Another downregulated gene was GZMB, which is needed for proper cell targeting during immune response. This finding may provide a link between immune function and early pregnancy failure. However, the relationship between the immune system and pregnancy warrants further investigation. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive performance in beef heifers and support previous studies associating immune function with pregnancy outcomes. These differentially expressed genes may be further explored as potential avenues for enhancing fertility in beef production systems.

Enhancing evaluation of bull fertility through multivariate analysis of sperm

Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) has become the predominant tool for assessing bull semen in artificial insemination programs. Despite such popularity CASA's ability to predict fertility has been limited, especially when emphasis is based upon single motion characteristics. Our hypothesis is that numerical sets of CASA measures provide a more effective method to differentiate the potential fertilization capacity of bulls and that bulls can be clustered based upon sets of CASA measures. Therefore, we used CASA to evaluate frozen-thawed semen samples from 307 Holstein and 152 Jersey bulls sourced from USDA-ARS's National Animal Germplasm Program gene bank. Sperm was evaluated immediately after thawing and 30 min later. We evaluated sperm kinetic and morphometric means and variances to capture the structure of CASA data in relation to various sources of variation. These data were subjected to univariate and multivariate statistical methods to investigate animal and management factors affecting sperm characteristics measured by CASA. Clustering with K-means identified 4 clusters of bulls based upon each cluster's set of CASA parameters after thawing. There was little overlap among clusters for sets of CASA measures. At the extremes, bull cluster 1 (BC1, n = 180) and BC3 (n = 101) had different sire conception rates (SCR) -0.07 vs -1.29, respectively and sets of CASA measures. Interestingly, BC2 had CASA measures that could be perceived as negative, e.g., cell size at 8.18mm2 vs 6.37mm2 for BC4 and total motility of 29.7% vs 48.7% for BC3, but SCR for BC2 was higher (-0.79) than BC3 (-1.29). Despite such discrepancies for some BC2 CASA values it appears the potentially negative effects were offset by the levels of other CASA values. Our findings suggest improved approaches for using CASA could lie in evaluating multiple CASA measures as sets within specific numerical ranges rather than as independent measures.

Pregnancy and calving rate of artificial insemination with sexed semen in swamp buffaloes under field conditions

Abstract Artificial Insemination (AI) with sexed semen in buffaloes has been applied for increased calf sex ratio as well as genetic improvement. A field study was conducted to evaluate conception and calving rates following artificial insemination (AI) with sexed semen in swamp buffaloes from different agroecosystems. The study was carried out in different agroecosystems: riverside (Brebes Regency) and oil palm plantations (Pandeglang Regency). A total of 72 buffalo cows aged 5–9 years old had normal body conditions. All buffalo cows were given estrus synchronization treatment using prostaglandin hormone (PGF) twice at 11-day intervals. The sexed semen was inseminated at a fixed time, 72 hours after the second PGF injection. A conception check was done 60 days after AI using ultrasonography and rectal palpation. The parameters observed were conception and calving rate. The data were analysed descriptively. The results showed the mean conception rate and calving rate were 50.7% and 46.2%, respectively. The differences in conception (43.3 vs. 57.1%) and calving rate (40.0 vs. 52.3%) between the agroecosystems of riverside and palm oil plantations, respectively. The use of sexed semen resulted in moderate conception and calving rates. This research indicated that sexed semen can be applied in an AI program for buffaloes at farm levels.

Enhancing Beef Supply through Beef Self-Sufficiency Policy in Indonesia: An Econometric Approach

Abstract Enhancing beef production is important to meet the increasing beef demand. However, beef demand has outpaced domestic beef production, resulting in a gap between beef demand and domestic beef production. The beef self-sufficiency policy is one of the flagship policies aimed at enhancing beef supply in Indonesia. This study aims to assess the impact of the beef self-sufficiency policy on beef supply in Indonesia. The study used time series data from 1990 to 2019, sourced from BPS, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, BI, and FAO. The analysis method employed an econometric approach through a simultaneous equation system model and estimated using the Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) method. The research findings showed that the beef self-sufficiency policy has a positive and significant effect on domestic beef production (p-value < 0.15) and beef demand (p-value < 0.05). Conversely, the beef self-sufficiency policy has a negative and significant effect on the import of fattening cattle (p-value < 0.05). The results showed that the beef self-sufficiency policy through the artificial insemination program had an impact on increased calf population by 3.819%, cattle population by 1.202%, and domestic beef production by 2.528%. These programs also showed an impact on the decreased import of fattening cattle by 13.727% and the import of beef by 24.972%. It can be concluded that the beef self-sufficiency policy has significant impacts on the beef supply in Indonesia.

A Present Vision for Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals in Egypt

It is well known that one of the major limitations in development of farm animals in Egypt is the extremely low reproductive efficiency. As a result, horizontal expansion would be impossible in dairy animals in Egypt. Therefore, such as in developing countries, artificial insemination (AI) programs are one of the most important options for fast development and genetic improvement in animal breeding studies in Egypt. Meanwhile, the proposed genetic improvement of buffalo milk production is being accelerated using an AI network. According to official statistics, Egypt has only two AI centers for selected buffalo sires, serving four AI units. Based on the current status of artificial insemination studies of farm animals in Egypt, this review spots the light on recent progresses in breeding of farm animals such as buffalo, camel, sheep and goat, based on a comprehensive scientific experience for more than a decade to get a better food security in Egypt.

Use of long-acting injectable progesterone in fixed-time artificial insemination protocols

Knowledge of the physiology of the estrous cycle in bovine females has been extremely important in monitoring and improving strategies in the use of drugs to control their estrous cycle and follicular development, providing better recruitment, selection, growth, and maturation until ovulation, with strategies to further optimize estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols. The objective of this work is to carry out a bibliographical analysis comparing the use of slow-release progesterone devices in relation to the use of long-acting injectable progesterone, taking into account their advantages, disadvantages and characteristics within a fixed-time artificial insemination program.

238 Effect of electronically controlled floor cooling pad on semen performance of Duroc boars during the summer heat stress

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of using electronically controlled floor cooling pad (ECP) on boar semen production during the summer season in a boar stud in Scottsville, Kentucky. Sixty boars (526.26 ± 188.69 d old) were placed in two rows of pens (2.06 x 0.66 m) in a 350 head tunnel ventilated boar barn and were randomly assigned to either CONTROL (n = 30; no ECP) or PAD (n = 30) treatments. The ECP had 4.25 L cold water flushed through a group of 5 pads connected to each other, when temperature sensors reached 27°C or every 4 mins for sensors placed on 5th pad and 24°C or every 4 mins for sensors placed on 1st pad. Boars experienced natural summer heat stress (daily temperature, humidity and dewpoint: Mean = 24.03°C, 87.9%, 21.7°C, hourly mean high = 28.9°C, 83.4%, 25.8°C) for a period of 30 d from July 15, 2023 to August 14, 2023 wherein the cooling pad remained on and were flushing based on the set points mentioned above. Semen was collected from each boar at least once each week and semen samples were diluted in a commercial semen extender and analyzed for motility using a CASA system, volume using a gram scale, and concentration using a spermiodensimeter. A semen sample was also stained using Hancock stain and evaluated at 100x oil immersion to assess sperm morphology (100 sperm cells analyzed as normal or having retained cytoplasmic droplets, distal midpiece reflex or other head/tail abnormalities). Total sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal sperm, percentage of motile sperm were calculated and used to determine whether the ejaculate met threshold for use in an artificial insemination program or whether the ejaculate was trashed. Data were evaluated using PROC MIXED for repeated measures in SAS (v.9.4) with the main effects of treatment and week, using the age of the boar, and the number of days between collections as covariates, and boar nested within treatment as a random effect. There were no differences between CONTROL and PAD boars for semen production measures (P > 0.05). PAD boars had greater morphologically normal sperm compared with CONTROL boars using Hancock stain (P = 0.0362); however, this effect was lost when the percentage of total normal sperm for the entire ejaculate was calculated (P = 0.56). Overall, maintaining boars on floor cooling pads during the summer months had minimal impacts on semen production and reduced the presence of morphologically abnormal sperm.

Effects of short and long – term nutrition and progesterone supplementation on the success of fixed – time artificial insemination in the ewe

The success of fixed - time artificial insemination (AI) in the ewe is variable due to poor synchrony of estrus. We examined the effects of long-term nutrition (LTN; low, medium, high - 6 months), short-term nutrition (STN; 1.0 M, 1.5 M – 14 days) and progesterone supplementation (P; single pessary, replacement on Day 9) on synchrony and reproductive outcomes. High LTN advanced (P < 0.05) estrus, increased (P = 0.06) pregnancy (range 71.1 – 81.1%) and improved (P < 0.01) litter size (range 1.30 – 1.50). STN increased (P < 0.05) pregnancy (79.0 versus 72.3%) but not litter size or timing of estrus. A LTN x STN interaction (P < 0.01) for time of estrus indicates that the effects of LTN were moderated by STN depending on the level of LTN. Pessary replacement delayed (P < 0.05) the onset of estrus, improved synchrony but did not affect pregnancy or litter size. High LTN increased (P < 0.05) the number of large (≥ 3.8 mm) and medium - size follicles (2.0 – 3.7 mm) but the diameter of large follicles tended to be reduced (P = 0.08) on Day 12. STN did not affect follicle number or size whilst P reduced (P < 0.05) the diameter of large follicles on Day 12 (4.83 versus 5.10 mm) and increased the number of medium – size follicles (3.56 versus 2.74 mm). In conclusion, both LTN and STN are major sources of variability in AI programs whilst pessary replacement has potential to reduce variability.

Constraints and recommendation for countrywide extension of artificial insemination in buffalo, goat and sheep

Background: The workshop aimed to identify the constraints and way forward to extend the artificial insemination in buffalo, sheep and goat countrywide. Methods: A day long workshop was organized jointly by the Coastal Vet Society Bangladesh (CVS-BD) and Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha (GJUS) at Bangladesh Development Society conference hall in Barishal district of Bangladesh. A total of 100 stakeholders in different aspect were joined in this workshop. Results: On the workshop, the constraints were lack of buffalo, sheep and goat breeding policy, recording systems, knowledge about the high-yielding breed, scarcity of quality feed, fodder and pasture land, lack of technical skills in reproduction and production personal, no or limited facilities to breed improvement technologies, lack of breeding infrastructure, non-availability of proven sire, no coordination among farmers, researchers, public and private organization, universities as well as other beneficiaries. The recommendations to overcome those constraints were to build up and strengthening the breeding policies and infrastructure, continuous up-gradation of native breed by high yielding breeds or varieties, adopted with assisted reproductive technologies, frequently advertise the beneficial aspects of buffalo milk and meat, development of manpower by technical training, national and international collaboration should be strengthened, private investment should be encouraged and alternative feed supply is needed to warrant. Conclusion: It is concluded that an initiative through public and private partnership or collaboration is needed to extent the artificial insemination program in buffalo, sheep and goat countrywide.

Conception rates of cows inseminated with frozen semen of Rural Development Academy, Bogura, Bangladesh

Background: The first service conception rate (FSCR) is an important parameter for any artificial insemination (AI) programme. The present study was conducted to determine the FSCR and its influencing factors in cows inseminated with frozen semen produced by Rural Development Academy, Bogura. Methods: Data were collected from 372 cows at 39 villages under Sherpur Upazilla of Bogura district on breed, age, body condition score (BCS), parity, milk yield, suckling, AI season and the interval between oestrus to AI using a questionnaire. Results: The overall FSCR of cows was 66.4% and the service per conception was 1.53. The FSCR was higher (74.1%) in local cows compared to the Holstein-Friesian (HF) cross counterpart (64.2%). The FSCR was higher (70.4%) in 24-47 months old cows compared to 84-98 months old counterpart (61.5%). The highest FSCR (81.6%) was observed in cows with 3.0 to 3.5 BCS and the lowest (25.7%) was observed in cows with 2.5 BCS. The highest FSCR (68.3%) was observed in the 0 (zero) parity (heifers) group of cows and the lowest (62.5%) was observed in the 4-7 parity counterpart. The highest FSCR (72.4%) was observed in cows yielded daily &gt;15-22 L milk and the lowest (62.1%) was observed in cows yielded ≤5 L milk. The highest FSCR (72.7%) was observed in suckling restricted cows and the lowest (60.9%) was observed in cows that had several times suckling daily. The highest FSCR (72.1%) was observed in cows received inseminations in Rainy (July-October) season and the lowest (58.4%) was observed in cows received inseminations in Winter (November-February). The highest FSCR (67.1%) was observed in cows received inseminations between 12-18 hrs of detection of oestrus and the lowest (59.1%) was observed in cows received insemination between 8-11 hrs of detection of oestrus. However, the difference in FSCR in cows with different BCS groups was significant (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The current FSCR in cows can be considered to be satisfactory. The BCS of cows significantly influences the FSCR in cows.

Uterine tone influences fertility of Merino ewes following laparoscopic artificial insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) plays a critical role in facilitating rapid genetic and production gains within the sheep industry. However, variable rates of AI success remain a concern for the industry and a barrier to adoption. Furthermore, the degree to which female factors influence the success of intrauterine laparoscopic AI rather than natural mating remains unknown. As such, this study investigates the effect of several factors collected during the time of AI, on the success of intrauterine laparoscopic AI. Data was generously donated by artificial breeding companies and stud breeders during routine commercial AI operations. AI data was collected over 3 breeding seasons during commercial AI programs (N = 24 programs) using Merino ewes (N = 24,700). Sire ID (N = 253), time of AI following progesterone removal (approx. 43–59 h post removal), uterine tone and intra-abdominal fat (both scored 1–5) as well as age of the ewe were all recorded at the time of AI. Transcutaneous ultrasound subsequently determined pregnancy rate approximately 55 days post-AI. A multivariate regression analysis was performed and revealed pregnancy success to increase when semen was inseminated into a ewe with a uterine tone score of 4 or 5 (P < 0.001). The remaining factors fell short of significance within the multivariate model. An interclass coefficient variation matrix was also used to determine the proportion of variation contributed to AI success by random factors allocated in the model; site, sire, AI date and breeding season (45.99 %, 29.94 %, 15.15 % and 8.92 %, respectively). These results highlight the influence of uterine tone on ewe fertility following laparoscopic AI, but also that program location and the sire used can further modify this influence on pregnancy rate. These factors must now be considered in combination with semen factors per individual sire used during AI to ascertain the contribution of several factors to the success of laparoscopic AI in Australia.

Reproduction Management of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) In People's Livestock In Tanjung Lolo District, Sijunjung Regency

Sijunjung Regency is one of the centers for the development of buffalo livestock in West Sumatra. Even though the buffalo population in this area is quite large, from year to year the population increase is not as expected. One reason is the management of livestock reproduction which is not well controlled by breeders. This community service activity (CSA) for the buffalo livestock group aims to: change the behavior of farmers regarding the reproduction of buffalo livestock by providing knowledge about reproduction management, especially regarding puberty, detection of lust, and artificial insemination programs in buffalo livestock. The program targets are buffalo breeders in Nagari Tanjung Lolo, Tanjung Gadang District, Sijunjung Regency. The approach method used is counseling with a lecture approach and direct demonstrations. In addition, to determine the state of reproduction (ovaries) of buffalo cattle palpation is carried out. Guidance and coaching for breeders is carried out periodically through coordination with one of the breeders in the group. The mentoring activities carried out involved students of the animal husbandry study program. The results of the community service program activities are: 1) breeders know the age of puberty and signs of lust in buffalo cattle. 2) breeders know the reproductive condition (ovaries) of their livestock, 3) breeders know the ideal body condition of a livestock, 4) vitamin E administration to improve the growth and body condition of livestock.

Correlation of sperm motility, acrosome integrity, protamine deficiency, and DNA fragmentation in proven and unproven Friesian Holstein bulls

Objective: The evaluation of frozen semen quality is an essential aspect in determining male fertility for artificial insemination programs. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of Friesian Holstein (FH) bull-frozen semen in different classes (proven and unproven) based on protein profiling and molecular evaluation. Materials and Methods: This study used frozen semen straws from FH bulls selected according to criteria for proven (6 individuals) and unproven (6 individuals) bulls produced by the Singosari AI Center (AIC). Sperm motility parameters were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA Supervision®, Germany), while sperm viability and abnormality were evaluated through eosin-nigrosin staining under a microscope at 400´ magnifications. The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was determined using the hypoosmotic swelling test, and acrosome integrity was analyzed using the fluorescein isothiocyanate PNA-propidium iodide staining method. Protamine deficiency was quantified using Chromomycin A3 fluorescence staining, while DNA fragmentation was assessed using the acridine orange technique. Results: The findings demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the assessed parameters of frozen semen quality between FH-proven and unproven bulls. Furthermore, in FH-proven bulls, a negative correlation was observed between protamine deficiency and acrosome integrity (r = −0.528) and between protamine deficiency and sperm DNA fragmentation (r = −0.467). The parameters of protamine deficiency in unproven bulls exhibited a positive correlation with sperm progressive motility. Conclusion: The frozen semen quality of FH bulls in different classes (proven and unproven) was found to be equally good. Molecular-based analysis allows for a more accurate determination of semen quality. These findings are significant for bull breeding stations when comprehensively evaluating semen quality.

A Policy Brief on the Application of Artificial Insemination (AI) in Lanao del Sur

This paper is a policy brief regarding the application of the Artificial Insemination (AI) as a mode of reproductive technology in Lanao del Sur. Lanao del Sur is one of the provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the dwelling of Meranao tribes who practice Islam as their religion. The province has favorable climatic conditions for agricultural productions both in crops and animals’ production. Lanao del Sur is a landlocked province and is agriculturally rich having a well-suiting climate and extensively arable land, and it has a growing inventory of livestock such as carabao, cattle, goat, duck and chicken. This policy brief was based on the research findings conducted regarding the perceptions and acceptance of the AI among livestock growers. The goal of this policy brief is to provide baseline data about the farmers perceptions on AI and formulate a research-based policy recommendation to help the LGU, implementing agencies and the farmers for effective and efficient implementation of AI program in the province. The6 following are the salient points: 1) Meranao livestock growers’ perceptions about using Artificial Insemination (AI). 2) Capacitating the farmers towards adoption of artificial insemination, and breeding programs. 3) Ensuring efficiency of livestock production among farmers. 4) Increase the livestock production in Lanao del Sur.

Vaginal Cytology as a tool for estrus detection improves the success of artificial insemination in water buffalo

Estrus detection in water buffalo is affected by the high incidence of poor manifestation inherent in this animal species. This affected the success rate of Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) due to the failure of perfect timing in AI and embryo-recipient synchrony in ET. While various ways of estrus detection were reported, the accuracy was interfered with by other symptoms that signify the health condition rather than the reproductive status of the animal. This results in a low conception rate and long calving intervals in AI and ET programs. Vaginal Cytology is a simple clinical tool of estrus detection that can also detect the pathological status of the reproductive tract and the perfect time for AI. While this is greatly used in canines, application in large animals was limited. The need to collect the swab from animals in the field and bring the smeared sample for analysis to the laboratory hindered its use and application. Our study, however, showed that by adopting this tool in estrus detection, increase in conception rate and calf production were achieved. A >60.0% cornification with the presence of >10 mm Graafian follicle is enough indicators of the perfect time for AI resulting in 80-100% conception. The development of a water buffalo vaginal chart helped determine the time of estrus. Strategies to adopt this tool for improved livestock reproduction are warranted.

Anatomy of the Female Koala Reproductive Tract.

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), while being an iconic Australian marsupial, has recently been listed as endangered. To establish an improved understanding of normal reproductive anatomy, this paper brings together unpublished research which has approached the topic from two perspectives: (1) the establishment of an artificial insemination program, and (2) the definition of Chlamydia spp.-derived histopathological changes of the female koala urogenital system. Based on the presentation and histological processing of over 70 opportunistic specimens, recovered from wildlife hospitals in Southeast Queensland (Australia), we describe the gross and microanatomy of the koala ovary, oviduct, uteri, vaginal complex, and urogenital sinus during the interestrous, proliferative, and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle.

Evaluation of Motility, Viability, and Integrity Plasma Membranes of Frozen Semen in Friesian Holstein with Storage Periods of 33, 30, 27, and 24 Years

The quality of frozen semen is one of the components of the artificial insemination program. The freezing method, kind of diluent, handling of frozen semen, and thawing process all affect the quality of frozen semen. This study aimed to determine the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of frozen semen of Friesian Holstein cattle at storage periods of 33, 30, 27, and 24 years. The samples used were stored for 33 years (production 1987), 30 years (production 1990), 27 (1993 production), and 24 years (1996 production) stored in Singosari Artificial Insemination Center, Malang. Data were statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p &lt; 0,05). Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of frozen semen that had been preserved for 33, 30, 27, and 24 years were still acceptable and in good condition in comparison to the SNI quality criteria for bull frozen semen in Indonesia.

Effects of semen quality on pregnancy rate in artificially inseminated dairy cows

The study aimed to evaluate the quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen of five adult Holstein-Friesian crossbred bulls and the pregnancy rate of cows inseminated with frozen semen of those bulls. The fresh semen of breeding bulls collected for artificial insemination (AI) programme in the field was of good quality with volume (6.7 ± 0.2 ml - 8.9 ± 0.5 ml), concentration (904.2 ± 56.4 million/ml), mass activity (3.3 ± 0.2-3.6 ± 0.2), total motility (77.0 ± 1.1% – 92.1 ± 0.6%), progressive motility (67.0 ± 1.2% – 87.4 ± 0.6%) and semen viability (73.0 ± 0.6% to 85.4 ± 0.7%). The computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) results showed that diluted pre-freezing semen had good sperm total motility (50.1 ± 3.8 % to 59.0 ± 4.7%), progressive motility (30.0 ± 1.2%-39.0 ± 1.6%), the velocity traits of straight linear velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and average path velocity (VAP) of sperm ranged from 48.0 ± 1.3 - 71.3 ± 0.7 μm/s,118.1 ± 2.8-181.3 ± 10.9 μm/s and 68.4 ± 2.5 to 91.0 ± 2.9 μm/s, respectively. Bull 1 showed significantly higher VSL (71.3 ± 0.7 μm/s), VCL (181.3 ± 10.9 μm/s) and VAP (91.0 ± 2.9 μm/s) compared to others. Viability of frozen-thawed semen was lower in Bull 5 (73.0 ± 1.71%) compared to others. Although in frozen-thawed semen these parameters declined, the semen was sufficiently good to be used in AI in the field. The overall pregnancy rate using frozen semen was 55.6% and the highest pregnancy rate (62%) was in cows that were inseminated with frozen semen of Bull 1, but the differences between bulls was not significant. The pregnancy rate had positive correlation with sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), sperm viability. In artificially inseminated cows, the intensity of oestrus of cows, timing of AI, site of semen deposition and season had a significant effect on pregnancy rate. In conclusion, the fresh and frozen-thawed semen of breeding bulls supplied in North-East Bangladesh for AI programme were good quality. Heat detection and insemination timing need to be improved to increase the pregnancy rate.&#x0D; Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 1–15