Sperm Doses Research Articles

Veterinary and sanitary control of cattle semen production in Russian Federation

The article reflects the main results of the study of veterinary and sanitary welfare of breeding products based on the use of molecular genetic, bacteriological methods. It has been established that genetic material is the subject of active international trade. The leader in the number of sperm doses imported into the territory of the Russian Federation in 2019 - 2020 is the United States.The article provides an overview of modern measures aimed at minimizing the spread of bacteria, as well as fragmentarily presents the results of research work and the imperfection of the regulatory framework for the control of breeding products. At the same time, the direction in terms of regulatory and legal regulation is emphasized and justified, which corresponds to the priority goals of state policy both within the framework of the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, and in the field of ensuring biological safety to minimize biological risks associated with the introduction of rare or previously not found on the territory Of the Russian Federation of infectious diseases, spontaneous infection with infectious agents, entailing the emergence of obstetric-gynecological, andrological diseases and their spread during artificial insemination.The article is devoted to the actual problem today, the purpose of which is to amend the provisions of regulatory legal acts to ensure the biological safety of breeding products.

SPERM PRODUCTIVITY AND FERTILIZATION CAPACITY OF SPERMATOZOA OF HOLSTEIN STUD BULLS IN CONDITIONS OF LLC “UKRAINIAN GENETIC COMPANY”

Effective selection and breeding in dairy farming is impossible without artificial insemination, results of artificial insemination largely depend on the quality of semen of bulls-improvers. Objective. To ascertain parameters of sperm productivity and fertilization capacity of spermatozoa of Holstein stud bulls of foreign selection in conditions of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company”. Methods. We have analyzed ejaculates of 20 mature Holstein stud bulls elite-record class brought to animal breeding enterprise from Germany and the Netherlands. The duration of use of bulls at the breeding enterprise is on average 4–5 years.Quantitative indicators of sperm were taken per year to avoid the influence of seasonal factors. Semen was collected twice a week by artificial vagina on the false stud. Ejaculates obtained were analyzed according to the DSTU 35.35-97 incertified production laboratory of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company”, equipped with up-to-date equipment for sperm quality assessment, packing, freezing and storage. Quantity and quality characteristics of sperm were analyzed on computer sperm analyzer IVOS (HamiltonThorneResearch, USA). Sperm fit for cryopreservation is diluted at a temperature of +35°С in the environment AndroMed (Germany) at rate no less than 20 million spermatozoids for one sperm dose and packed into 0.25 ml straws. Frozen sperm doses after check are kept in the special bio-storage in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°С.
 Results. Fertilization capacity ofthe spermatozoaof experimental stud bulls was measured by the percentage of quantity of cows and female calves that were impregnated after the first insemination in Zhytomyr (PAF “Ierchyky”, SPDG “Nova Peremoga”, ALLC “Ptakhoplemzavod “Korobivskyi”) and Kyiv (LLC “Agrofirm “Kyivska”) regions. On the whole results of insemination of 12525 cows and 1230 female calves of puberty age were analyzed.
 Sperm productivity index and average fertilization capacity of spermatozoa of stud bulls was assessed by the method of M. M. Maiboroda, S. H. Hermanchuk, Yu. P. Polupan, and D. M. Basovsʼkyy.
 It was revealedsignificant variability of sperm productivity indicators of experimental stud bulls, which vary within: number of obtained high-quality ejaculates within one year –32–173 pcs., total volume of native sperm – 201–1016 ml, average value of spermatozoa concentration in 1 ml – 1.51–3.52 milliard, average sperm motility in ejaculate – 7.2–83 points. Bull studs of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company” are characterized by a rather high index of sperm productivity which equals from 5.19 to 15.29 billion of motile spermatozoids in ejaculate.
 Average fertilization capacity of spermatozoa of experimental Holstein bulls in conditions of 4 farms of Zhytomyr and Kyiv region ranges from 37.1 to 61.4%, average figure for examined livestock is 50.9%. During the research we found that stud bulls whose sperm fertilization capacity was above 50% in most cases (6 out of 8) had index of sperm productivity above average – 9.86–15.25billion of motile spermatozoids in ejaculate.
 We have detected positive and statistically significant correlation between fertilization capacity of spermatozoa and the average value of concentration, motility of spermatozoids in ejaculate (+0.474 and+0.417 respectively) and sperm productivity index (+0.639). Conclusion. Our research proves dependence of fertilization capacity of sperm on its quality parameters. The results we obtained suggest that it is expedient to use index of sperm productivity to assess quality of sperm and prove its importance for breedingbulls selection.

The Re-Addition of Seminal Plasma after Thawing Does Not Improve Buck Sperm Quality Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe Cabra Blanca de Rasquera is a native goat breed from Catalonia (Spain) facing the danger of extinction. To preserve its genetic diversity, ex situ conservation programs for semen cryopreservation and the development of a genetic sperm bank are of major importance. However, the post-thaw sperm quality in this species is still a major concern. Therefore, the aim of this research work was to establish an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm bank doses of this breed in order to achieve a better post-thaw sperm quality and improve reproductive outcomes through artificial insemination. Since seminal plasma has been found to provide a source of nutrients, improve sperm motility, and prevent premature activation during migration of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract, our study proposed to assess the effect of the addition of 20% seminal plasma (SP) during a 3 h incubation period under in vitro conditions mimicking the in vivo survivability of thawed sperm, in relation to donor age, the season of collection, and melatonin implants of the males in the non-breeding season. However, the strategy of adding seminal plasma to the sperm after thawing failed to improve buck post-thawed sperm quality, thus further investigation is needed.In order to achieve a higher post-thaw buck sperm quality, an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm doses under in vitro capacitation conditions mimicking the in vivo female environment was studied. Therefore, functional and kinetic characteristics of buck thawed sperm from males of different ages, the season of collection, and melatonin implanted males in the non-breeding season were assessed after 3 h of incubation in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) media with 20% of buck seminal plasma (SP). Previously, fresh ejaculates were collected via artificial vagina from eight males of the Cabra Blanca de Rasquera breed during two consecutive years in breeding and non-breeding periods. Prior to semen collection in non-breeding seasons, males were split into two groups: one group was implanted with melatonin, while the other was not. In each group, semen samples were pooled, centrifuged, and diluted in an extender containing 15% powdered egg yolk and 5% glycerol before freezing. After thawing, sperm were washed and incubated in three different media: (a) control media (modified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (b) IVF commercial media, and (c) IVF media + 20% SP. Sperm motility was evaluated by CASA, while plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondria activity, and DNA fragmentation were analysed by flow cytometer at 0 h and after 3 h incubation. A significant reduction in motility, mitochondrial activity, plasma, and acrosome membrane integrity were observed after incubation in the presence of SP, although similar to that observed in IVF media alone. DNA integrity was not affected under in vitro capacitation conditions, regardless of SP addition. In conclusion, the addition of SP failed to improve post-thaw buck sperm quality under in vitro conditions irrespective of male age, the season of collection, and melatonin implant.

Impacts of Artificial Insemination on Holstein Cattle Population in Turkey

The use of artificial insemination (AI) is common practice in most countries all around the world, in dairy cattle. AI, which started to be implemented in Turkey in 1930, became more widespread in 1987 in order to rapidly improve the native breed. According to data from 2020, 37% of the cattle population is a crossbred and about 15% of this is Holstein cattle. In the last 5 years, approximately 26.5 million doses of sperm have been imported, in other words, an average of 0.70 doses per milked cow. In this study, the pedigree file records of 5 673 405 Holsteins born from 1975 to 2012, and all sires were known individually were selected for this study. It was determined that 5 673 405 individuals had a total of 11 883 sires. The 10 most used sires are parents of 10.61% of progeny in the population. For today, almost 37% of the cattle population is converted to exotic breeds and their crossbreeds. Approximately 15% of this is Holstein. In the last 5 years, approximately 26.5 million doses of semen have been imported, in other words, an average of 0.70 doses of semen per milked cow. Although frequent use of some sires leads to increased inbreeding in some herds, the consanguinity coefficient in the population was found to be 0.0145. Apart from various problems in insemination practices in Turkey, it can be suggested that an effective way is followed in semen selection and importation.

Ratio of sperm, oocytes and water for artificial fertilization of Brycon insignis (Characiformes: Characidae)

To promote the maximum fertilization rates (FRs) and normal embryonic development, the appropriate ratio of motile sperm to oocytes and adequate water volume should be applied in fish. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of “sperm: egg: water” for maximum use in artificial fertilization in Brycon insignis. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial scheme (4 × 4) was applied that consisted of four inseminating doses (50,000, 350,000, 650,000 and 950,000 mobile sperm per oocyte), and they were activated with four different volumes of water (1, 5, 10 and 15 ml g−1 of oocytes), performed in triplicate. There was a significant effect on the FR (p < 0.05; R = 69.5%) and hatching rate (p < 0.05; R = 64.2%) with a linear increasing effect up to 152,172 and 130,870 mobile sperm oocytes−1 ml−1 of water respectively. Furthermore, to fertilization and hatch rates, the significative effects (p < 0.05) were verified on surface response model with lower rates when the large water volume and low sperm quantity were applied. On the other hand, low volumes of water, with low or high sperm doses, produced better results. In other words, large amounts of water can only be applied when associated with high amounts of sperm. For the percentage of normal larvae, there was significant difference (p < 0.05) on surface response model, with higher values to intermediary sperm doses and water volume. Thus, B. insignis reproduction can be optimized if the ratio of semen (0.68 ml): oocytes (100 g): water (100 ml) is applied to the procedure.

Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin attenuates dilution effect and improves quality of bovine low sperm insemination doses during cryopreservation.

In the present study, the effect of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on the quality of low sperm doses at post-thaw was evaluated. Twenty four ejaculates (6 from each bull) were collected and split into eight aliquots. First four aliquots were diluted up to 20-, 15-, 10- and 5-million sperm/0.25ml, and remaining four were treated with CLC at the rate of 1mg/120 million spermatozoa, followed by dilution up to 20-, 15-, 10- and 5-million sperm/0.25ml. The diluted semen was equilibrated, cryopreserved and evaluated post-thaw. The averages of total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity, straight linear velocity, membrane intact spermatozoa and noncapacitated spermatozoa were higher (p<.05) in CLC-treated sperm doses compared to control ones. However, the moribund spermatozoa, capacitated spermatozoa and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were reduced (p<.05) in CLC-treated spermatozoa compared to control. The curvilinear velocity and linearity did not differ (p>.05) between control and CLC-treated sperm doses. In conclusion, treatment of spermatozoa with CLC at the rate of 1mg/120 million spermatozoon attenuates the dilution effect and improves the quality of bovine low sperm insemination doses during cryopreservation; hence it could be a favourable cryoprotectant for preserving bovine semen at higher dilutions.

Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta.

Simple SummaryGenetic resource banks were created to preserve the genetic material of endangered, rare, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Sperm cryopreservation is a practical and widespread strategy to preserve these genetic materials. This study aimed to characterize the frozen-thawed sperm of the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta, considering the effects of boar age and season of semen collection on post-thaw sperm quality. We found that the boar age did not have a significant effect on the sperm parameters assessed. However, the season significantly affected many of these parameters (motility, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity). In general, sperm samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. Our findings demonstrated that the post-thawing sperm quality of Gochu Asturcelta was in the range of results for commercial breeds, bringing a good prospect for the use of assisted reproductive technologies in this local breed.Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management.

Comparing the Effect of Different Antibiotics in Frozen-Thawed Ram Sperm: Is It Possible to Avoid Their Addition?

It is crucial to perform a deep study about the most extensively used antibiotics in sperm extenders. Most of the protocols and concentrations used in ram are direct extrapolations from other species. It is important to establish species-specific antibiotic treatments to optimize their use and if it is possible to reduce the quantity. Previews studies have assessed some aspects of sperm quality in vitro, but this study aimed to go further and assess the effect of three different antibiotic treatments, which are the most extensively used, not only in sperm quality or assessing the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth but also assessing these important parameters of productivity such as fertility, prolificacy, fecundity, and sex-ratio during a freeze-thaw process. Gentamicyn (G) treatment showed the worst results, not only concerning sperm quality but also in the reproductive trials exhibiting a toxical effect at the experiment concentration, and being the most powerful inhibiting bacterial growth. For its part, Lincomicyn-spectinomycin (LS) showed similar results inhibiting bacterial growth but it did not show a detrimental effect either in sperm quality or in reproductive parameters. Penicillin-streptomycin (PS) showed good results in the sperm quality and in the reproductive in vivo trials, but it showed a very poor effect inhibiting bacterial growth probably due to some kind of antibiotic resistance. According to our results, there is not a significant positive relationship between the higher bacterial inhibitory activity of LS and PS samples, and the sperm quality respect Control samples (without antibiotics). In the case of G, which exhibited the most effective as antibacterial, we observed a toxic effect on sperm quality that could be translated on productivity parameters. Our results suggest that the bacterial contamination control in frozen-thawed semen may be possible without the use of antibiotics, although the effects of longer periods of cooling storage and different temperatures of storage need to be further investigated for animal semen. At this point, a reflection about a drastic reduction in the use of antibiotic treatments in sperm cryopreservation is mandatory, since freezing conditions could keep sperm doses contamination within the levels recommended by regulatory health agencies.

Optimizing the conventional method of sperm freezing in liquid nitrogen vapour for Wallachian sheep conservation program

The aim of the present study was to optimize the conventional method of sperm freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) vapour for successful cryopreservation of Wallachian ram sperm, the genetic resources of the Czech Republic. Sperm in straws were frozen using the conventional freezing method via a static exposure of sperm doses to LN&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; vapour, or by four different modified freezing methods. Under modified freezing, straws were frozen by a discontinuous, time-dependent decremental change in the distance between the straws and the surface of LN&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;. The viability of sperm was evaluated by flow cytometry after sperm equilibration, and immediately after thawing. Besides the observed inter-sire and daily variation, the obtained results suggest the methodological weakness of the conventional freezing method via the static exposure of sperm doses to LN&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; vapour. With the use of the optimized freezing procedure, all parameters of thawed sperm were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) improved in comparison with the conventional method: percentage of thawed sperm viability increased up to 48.3%, percentage of sperm with plasma membrane damage after thawing decreased to 6.58%, percentage of sperm with acrosome damage decreased to 24.4%, and percentage of sperm with deteriorated mitochondrial activity decreased to 6.28%. In conclusion, our results suggest that an optimized freezing procedure should be routinely used instead of the conventional method to cryopreserve Wallachian ram sperm.

Determining the reproductive potential of repair heifers

Reproduction and culling of productive animals are the main factors that affect the number of cows in a herd. Timely determination of fertility in replacement heifers with subsequent culling of problem heifers will help reduce direct economic losses in breeding dairy cattle. When making a diagnosis, veterinarians should exclude all forms of temporary or permanent infertility, including Congenital anomalies (infantilism, freemartinism, deformities, etc.).In order to establish the hormonal status of heifers-freemartin in the blood serum, the concentration of sex hormones (progesterone, estradiol-17ᵦ, and testosterone) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was determined.Studies of the level of AMH using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood serum have proven the possibility of early assessment of fertility in heifers. This method will allow early culling of Freemartin heifers from a productive herd. The study of AMH levels showed that its amount directly correlates with fertility in cattle, regardless of the period of the estrous cycle. When the concentration of AMH in the blood serum is below 100 pg / ml, heifers are not capable of fruitful insemination, while a high level of anti-Müllerian hormone (more than 380 ng / ml) makes it possible to successfully fertilize animals on the first attempt. All clinically healthy replacements obtained during a single pregnancy were successfully inseminated. At low concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone, Freemartin heifers were sterile, even after hormonal stimulation (Co-Synx) and sperm doses were administered without clinical manifestation of sexual desire.The introduction of testing for the level of AMH by the ELISA method in the mandatory gynecological clinical examination of cattle in livestock enterprises is expedient and effective.

The productivity of boars when introduced to the feed sprouted grains

Recipes were developed for compound feeds for boars with replacement of 5% and 10% of natural barley grain with sprouted grain. The use of experimental feeds allowed to increase the volume of boar ejaculate-by 25.5% and 31.9%; sperm concentration-by 18.4 and 20.1%; sperm survival-by 7.7 and 9.2 hours; sperm resistance by 27.0 and 27.8%. The fertilization rate of sows increased by 3.0 and 6.3%, multiplicity-by 3.1 and 4.2%, large-scale fertility remained at the control level. The cost of compound feed increases with the Introduction of sprouted grain, but this increase is economically justified, since the productivity of animals increases. The cost of a dose of sperm from boars is reduced by 2.8 and 3.2 rubles, the number of farrowed sows increases in the experimental groups by 51.8 and 71.4%, respectively, and the cost of one Piglet is lower by 12.4 - 17.5 rubles or 8.6 - 12.6%..

Association between Fertility HCD Haplotype, Milk Production, and Reproductive Performance in Holstein Cows

The survey results of testing the Holstein cows for carriage of the fertility haplotype for cholesterol deficiency (HCD) associated with the fetal death detected at various stages of prenatal and early postnatal ontogenesis has been reported. Economically important traits of the animals tested as carrying the defect caused by HCD in their genotypes are examined. The survey sample consisted of the animals (n = 583) born in 2007–2017 on the breeding farm in Leningrad oblast. A comparative assessment of the HCD+-affected animals (tested carriers of a genetic defect caused by cholesterol deficiency) and the HCD–-unaffected animals (tested noncarriers of a genetic defect caused by cholesterol deficiency) was performed based on their milk production and reproductive performance parameters. DNA extracted from animal blood served as the testing material. The genotypes were determined based on the polymerase chain reaction with the use of allele-specific primers. It was found that 35 animals (6.0%) had a mutant allele at the ApoB gene locus present in their genotypes. These cows were not inferior to their genetic defect-free peers in breeding value for milk yields and milk protein and fat percentage. The HCD+-affected cows born in 2014 were characterized by higher values for the milk protein content (3.29 ± 0.05%) when compared to the HCD–-unaffected cows (3.17 ± 0.01%). A smaller number of sperm doses were used to reach effective insemination in the HCD carrier cows born in 2013 (n = 11) and 2014 (n = 11), which significantly affected the terms of the first effective-insemination. The cows born in 2014 carrying a mutant allele at the ApoB gene locus present in their genotypes had less service interval length when compared to their peers. The HCD+-affected cows used in production have no impact on overall herd performance and fertility. However, the animals with the HCD+ status should be identified and registered in a timely manner. The record-keeping system can allow us to reduce the number of carriers of this genetic defect in subsequent generations.

Genome-wide association studies for sperm traits in Assaf sheep breed

Sperm quality traits routinely collected by artificial insemination (AI) center for rams progeny test are related with the capacity to produce sperm doses for AI and, in more or less grade, with males' fertility. Low-quality ejaculates are unuseful to perform AI sperm doses, which suppose high economic loses for the AI center. Moreover, sperm quality traits have low heritability values which make traditional genetic selection little efficient to its improvement. In this work, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by using sperm quality traits data and 50 K Affymetrix custom chip genotypes of 429 rams of Assaf breed from OVIGEN AI centre. Furthermore, 47 of these rams were also genotyped with the Illumina HD Ovine BeadChip, and therefore HD genotypes were imputed for all rams with phenotype data. Previous to the GWAS, a linear regression model was fitted including sperm traits as dependent variables; the flock of origin, date of sperm collection, and jump number as fixed effects; rams age at collection in months as covariate; and ram permanent effect as random. Pseudo-phenotypes obtained from this model were used as input for GWAS. Associations at the chromosome-wise level (FDR 10%) of 76 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 chromosomes for ejaculate concentration (CON), 20 SNPs in 3 chromosomes for ejaculate volume (VOL), 32 SNPs in 1 chromosome for ejaculate number of spermatozoa (SPZ), and 23 SNPs for spermatozoa mass motility (MOT) in 17 chromosomes were found. Only SNPs associated with MOT overcame the genome-wide significance level. Some candidate genes for sperm traits variability were SLC9C1 (OAR1), TSN (OAR2), and FUT10 (OAR26) for MOT;. DOCK2, CPLANE1, SPEF2, and RAI14 (OAR16) for CON; SCAPER and PSMA4 (OAR18) for VOL; and PARM1 and LOC101110593 (OAR6) for SPZ. SNPs associated with sperm traits were not found to be correlated with milk production genetic variation; however, the high frequencies of some SNPs with negative effect over sperm traits found in animals at the top milk yield estimated breeding values (EBVs) ranking would allow to exert some selective presure to improve rams sperm performances. Effects and frequencies of some of the SNPs detected over sperm quality traits make these variants good candidates to be used in marker-assisted selection to improve sperm characteristics of Assaf rams and AI center efficiency to produce sperm doses.

Effect of the Refrigeration System on In Vitro Quality and In Vivo Fertility of Goat Buck Sperm.

Simple SummaryArtificial insemination of goats is mostly performed with sperm that has been chilled to 4 °C and stored for up to 12 h. Because the chilling of samples to 4 °C must be done slowly, artificial inseminations have to be performed late in the day, especially in herds located far from artificial insemination centers, which impedes the extensive use of this reproductive technology in goats. In this study, we explored the possibility of chilling sperm doses at a controlled rate (close to −0.18 °C/min) during transportation and compared the quality and fertility of these samples with those chilled in the lab. We observed that the in vitro quality of doses chilled by the prototype procedure developed for transportation was higher than that of samples chilled in the lab, and the fertility of the sperm was similar. Therefore, it is possible to chill doses during transportation without affecting their quality or fertility.Cooling goat sperm insemination doses to 4 °C causes a delay in their delivery. However, chilling these doses during the transportation period could expedite their delivery and the insemination process. In this study, an economical and simple apparatus for chilling goat semen doses in itinere was developed, and the in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of these doses were compared with those chilled by means of a programmable water bath in the laboratory at a rate of −0.18 °C/min. Of the tested prototypes, the one that provided an optimal combination of the chilling rate (average of −0.09 °C/min) and time required to reach 4 °C (3 h 45 min) was selected for further testing. Immediately after chilling and 24 h later, the doses chilled in the prototype were determined to be of higher quality than the samples chilled in the programmable water bath. Finally, the kidding rate was similar between the doses chilled in the programmable water bath (61.7% ± 7.1%) and in the prototype (56.1% ± 5.9%). In conclusion, successful chilling of goat sperm doses during transport is possible, thereby accelerating the delivery of insemination doses.

Evaluation of Holstein stud bulls by productivity and quality of sperm

The sperm quality of stud bulls is an important indicator on which depends the result of cattle reproduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Holstein bulls in terms of productivity and quality of sperm in the conditions of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company”. The study was carried out on livestock of 20 stud bulls of the Holstein breed of foreign selection, which were in the same conditions of feeding, keeping and use. The sperm production parameters were determined using an IVOS sperm analyser and evaluated in accordance with respective DSTU standard. Freezing resistance of sperm was estimated as a percentage ratio of sperm doses rejected after cryopreservation to their total amount. The absolute sperm efficiency of stud bulls was evaluated by the method of the experts of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V. Zubets of National Academy of Agrarian Science. It was found that that stud bulls of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company” are characterized by sufficient fertility. They have produced, on average, 156 ejaculates within a year, which included 106 high-quality ejaculates (67.9%). Characteristics of sperm efficiency of experimental stud bulls are rather variable (Сv from 23.1-79.7%), and vary within the following limits: the number of high-quality ejaculates throughout a year – 32-173 pcs., native sperm obtained – 201-1016 ml, percent of rejected sperm – 3.1-76.1, doses of sperm obtained – 5755-61920 pcs. It was revealed that probable difference in sperm production indicators of sperm providers is associated with their individual characteristics. Volume of ejaculate ranges from 3.77 to 7.30 ml (d=3.57; td=16.6; P&lt;0.001), sperm motility ranges from 7.2 to 8.3 points (d=1.1; td=11.1; P&lt;0.001), sperm concentration in ejaculate ranges from 1.51 to 3.52 bln/ml (d=2.01; td=24; P&lt;0.001), freezing resistance of sperm ranges from 59.6 to 99.6%. Holstein stud bulls of LTD “Ukrainian Genetic Company” have rather high sperm productivity index that ranges from 5.19 to 15.29 bln of motile spermatozoids in ejaculate. A strong positive correlation was found between motility and sperm concentration (r = +0.825; P&lt;0.001), motility and the quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.766; P&lt;0.001), concentration and quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.595; P&lt;0.001)

Reproductive recovery in cows with subclinical ketosis

The development of ketosis in high productive cows is accompanied by damage to various organs and systems of the body.Therefore, even with successful treatment, animals have long-term consequences leading to a decrease in milk production, metritis, steroidogenesis disorders, impaired development of follicles and yellow bodies, and infertility. It is because the problem remains poorly understood, which is associated with the special features of the restoration of reproductive function in cows with ketosis. Our research was carried out on 208 cows of Holstein and Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breeds at the age of 2–6 years, with various fatness and productivity of 6–10 thousand kg of milk per lactation. The concentration of β-ketones was determined on the 5th and 10th days after delivery using a CareSens Dual ketometer. After detecting 1.1 and more mmol/l ketone bodiesin the blood of cows, the animal was considered sick and treatment was started according to the farm scheme. After identifying the stage of the reproductive cycle, insemination was carried out using payets. The pregnancy was diagnosed with an ultrasonic device Kaixin KX 5200 on the 35-40 day after insemination. After the research, it was found that on the fifth day after giving birth, an increased content of β-ketones in the blood was found in 42,8%, and on the tenth day – in 21,4% of cows. Of these, in 18,3% of animals the disease was re-detectedon the tenth day after calving. The emergence of subclinical ketosis after parturition is accompanied by decrease(3,6days)of the period from calving to recovery of reproductive cyclicity and the number of pregnant animals(32,7%, p &lt;0.001), and by increase of 17,6 (p &lt;0.001) days in the duration of infertility and insemination index(by 1,3). Re-development of latent ketosis in cows complicated the course of the disease. After a diseaserelapse there was a decrease by 15,1 days (p &lt;0.001) in the impedance period and by 66,7% (p &lt;0.001) of fertility and an increase by 29,4 days(p &lt;0.001) in the service period and by 11,7 the number of sperm doses used for one successful insemination. Key words: ketosis, cow, fertility, insemination index, ketometer, β-ketones, blood, reproductive cycle.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness analysis of the methods of therapy and prevention of andrological pathologies using drugs based on ozone and nano-biomaterials

Practical implementation of the latest pharmacological developments is possible provided that their clinical and economic efficiency is assessed. At the same time, the issues of economic feasibility of using the latest diagnostic techniques, as well as means of therapy and prevention of the male reproductive pathologies system remain poorly studied. The aim of the work was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of methods of therapy and prevention of andrological diseases with drugs based on ozonated and nanobiomaterials. The following research tasks were set: to establish the clinical and economic effectiveness of the method of therapy of males for nonspecific balanoposthitis with ozone-containing drugs OCO and Prozon and to determine the economic effect of treatment and prevention methods of alimentary and toxic reproductive diseases in males using drugs based on nanobiomatersals. Clinical and economic efficacy of the treatment method of males with nonspecific balanoposthitis was established by estimating the cost of treatment of animals group with OCO and Prozon by changes in the diseaseduration from treatment to recovery of the fetus compared with conventional antibiotic therapy. The economic effect of therapy and prevention methodsof alimentary and toxic reproductive diseases was evaluated by changes in sperm quality and calculated the average number of additional sperm doses received from the males. The duration of the period from the beginning of treatment to recovery in boars with the use of ozone-containing drugs was: when using OKO – 6.7 ± 0.18 days, and Prozon – 6.1 ± 0.21 days, which was less by 0.9–1.5 days compared with the introduction of gentamicin ointment. And in bulls when using the drug OKO – by 6.7 ± 0.33 days, and Prozon – 5.14 ± 0.26 days, which was less by 1.1–2.7 days. At the same time, the cost of treatment of one male has decreased by 42.3 % with the use of OKO and 37.5 % – Prozon. Despite the higher cost of the drug Prozon, its use is more effective due to faster recovery of the malts. An increase in ejaculate volume, sperm motility, concentration based on the results of correction of alimentary and toxic reproductive diseases has been established; the number of sperm with morphological abnormalities, on the other side, was probably reduced. The complex drug “Karafand+OV,Zn” had a high economic effect due to the possibility of additional receipt 6 spermodoses from the boar and 22 from the bull for the correction of reproductive diseases of the alimentary type and 6 spermodoses from the boar and 20 from the bull – toxic type.

Improvement of the cattle breeding industry based on the application of polymicrobiological feed addi-tives "Yarosil"

In the work carried out at Dzerzhinsky Plemzavod OJSC in the Yaroslavl region of the Yaroslavl region, the effect of the feed additive, Yarosil, fed to heifers during pregnancy, on young cows, was studied. It was established that the feed additive "Yarosil" had a prolonged positive effect on the body of first-calf heifers, which was expressed in improving the quality of household and normalizing physiological parameters. Feeding the feed additive “Yarosil” in the amount of 35 ml per animal per day increased the milk productivity of young cows for lactation by 562.5 kg - 12.10%, the average daily milk yield by 1.81 kg - 12.03%, while reducing feed costs by 1 kg of milk per 10.55% feed. units, reduced the service period by 21.2–16.77% of the day, the insemination index by 26.70%. The economic effect per heifer increased due to milk production by 3375.00 rubles. - 12.10%, sperm dose saving by 96.90 rubles - 26.70%. With an increase in the input rate by a factor of 2 (70 ml per animal per day), milk production per lactation increased by 1111.6 kg - 23.91%, average daily milk yield by 3.22 kg - 21.39%, while reducing feed costs by 1 kg of milk per 18.95%, feed. units, the service period decreased by 24,3–19,22% of the day, the insemination index by 27.74%. The economic effect per one heifer increased due to: milk production by 6669.60 - 23.91% rubles, saving sperm doses by 100.70 – 27.74% rubles. Regardless of the input rate, the feed additive “Yarosil” reduced the incidence by 16,67%, ensured 100% safety without the use of medical agents, increasing this indicator by 8.33%, and increased the economic effect due to the absence of the need for treatment costs by 7714, 00 rub., And safety for 28064.77 rub. The research results allowed to identify additional reserves for increasing the efficiency of the livestock industry with the rational use of feed, based on the use of feed additives "Yarosil" in the amount of 70 ml per animal per day.

Clinical Application Of Intrauterine Laparoscopic Insemination In Zaraiby Goats Using Different Concentrations Of Zaraiby And Boer Bucks’ Frozen Semen

This study aimed to determine the proper sperm dose per laparoscopic intrauterine insemination (LAI) in Zaraiby goats. Thirty-six Zaraiby goats, two Zaraiby and two Boer bucks were used in the study. Does were divided into six groups; the first three groups were inseminated laparoscopically with frozen-thawed Zaraiby semen either at doses of 10 x 106 (GP1), 20 x 106 (GP 2), or 40 x 106 (GP 3). The other three groups were inseminated with Boer semen's same doses (GP 4, 5 &6). Results showed that goats laparoscopically inseminated with 20 x 106 Zaraiby spermatozoa or 10 x 106 Boer sperm cells both had the highest (P ≤0.05) pregnancy rate (about 70% & 60%, respectively). The multiple birth rate in goats inseminated by Boer buck’s spermatozoa were generally higher than those inseminated with Zaraiby buck’s spermatozoa (66.67 to 100.00% vs. 25.00 to 40.00%, respectively). In conclusion, the LAI is an efficient means of achieving high fertilization rates in goats. The recommended minimum necessary dose for laparoscopic artificial insemination in Zaraiby is 10 ×106 and 20×106 motile Boer and Zaraiby buck’s spermatozoa, respectively.

Productive traits of cows under different technologies of housing

Many factors are infl uenced on the dairy productivity of cows, such as heredity, breed, physiological state of the animal, stage of lactation, fatness, feeding, age, housing, and technology of their milking. Modern intensive milk production technology involves the use of free-stall housing of cows and their double milking in the milking parlour. Therefore, the study of the infl uence of milk production technology, including the conditions of cows housing on their productive traits is relevant. The purpose of the work was to study the productive traits of cows in diff erent conditions of housing. In order to carry out the research, a control (tie-up housing) and an experimental (free-stall housing) groups of mature cows have been formed. It was found as a result of research that the best reproductive traits were in the cows of the experimental group. The highest index of insemination has been occurred in the control group, it was higher by 1,5 sperm doses than in the experimental group. The period of open days in the control group was also by 21,1 % higher than in the experimental group. Animals of the experimental group had the best indicators of the coeffi cient of reproductive ability. During the fi rst stage of lactation more milk has been obtained from cows of the experimental group. It has been received for 100 days of lactation 3495±91,6 kg of natural milk from them, which was by 73 kg or 2,1 % more than from the control group cows, the diff erence was statistically insignifi cant. The highest rate of milk yield for 305 days of lactation was also found in the experimental group of cows, where it was 8715±42,7, which was higher by 90 kg or 1,1 % than in the control group. The mass fractions of fat and protein in the milk of animals of both groups had no signifi cant diff erences. Thus, the diff erence in favor of cows of the experimental group in fat content in milk was 0,05 abs.%, and in protein content – 0,03 abs.%, which allows us to conclude that there is the positive trend of the certain increase in mass fraction of fat and mass fraction of protein in cow milk at their free-stall housing. The level of profi tability of milk production was also higher in the experimental group and amounted to 34 %.