Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm populations including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, as well as samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the sperm cell. Such trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, grow into a health embryo and produce a healthy offspring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention relate to a method of producing sex sorted sperm having an improved dose response which includes the steps of extending a sperm sample with a buffering holding media and adjusting the concentration of the extended sperm sample to a target concentration range. The extended sperm may then be stained with a DNA selective dye and sex sorted with a flow cytometer into a catch fluid. During the extending and sorting of the sperm sample, the pH may be maintained at a target pH. Additionally, at least one of the buffering holding media, the DNA selective dye and the catch fluid may be supplemented with at least one antioxidant.

Abstract: A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

Abstract: A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing the genetic progress of a line, breed or herd of swine through the use of sex-selected sperm cells in artificial insemination techniques. The invention also encompasses methods of artificially inseminating a swine via deep intrauterine catheter or via a laparoscopic procedure, which allow the use of reduced doses of sex-selected sperm cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable personal cryogenic container for carrying materials at low temperatures, and more particularly for carrying cryogenically preserved materials. The cryogenic container can be formed from an external shell assembly having multiple parts, where the parts are interlocked to support an inner container. An elongate receptacle holding preserved materials may be supported in the inner container alongside cryogenic fluids for maintaining cryopreserved materials.

Abstract: Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of producing multiple births of the same sex. Some embodiments relate to methods of boosting the population growth of a herd with genetically desirable females by transferring two embryos fertilized with sex-sorted sperm to recipients.

Abstract: Shipping containers and systems for transporting livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods including features for water distribution, feed distribution, temperature control, air movement, and waste management and partitions for separating livestock from feed throughout shipment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cell sorting methods, and particularly cell sorting methods that improve the efficiency or productivity of sorting in a particle sorting instrument utilizing a measured parameter of sorting efficiency. In one embodiment, minimum productivity and minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the sorting efficiency. While in another embodiment, a minimum sorting efficiency and a minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the productivity of a sort.

Abstract: A container suitable for storing biological material which is laser etched with a two-dimensional bar code and methods for producing the same. The container can be in the form of a straw having a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm or can be in the form of another container that holds multiple straws. The laser etched mark can be in the form of a two-dimensional bar code may be located on an exterior surface of the container, and when the container is a straw, it remains unwarped and impermeable to fluids.

Abstract: A method of liquid nitrogen surface vitrification requiring an embryo washed in a rinsing medium, then incubated in a base medium and incubated in a hold medium before being washed in a vitrification medium and produced into a vitrification droplet (270). For forming the droplet, vitrification medium (210), an intermediary fluid such as air, followed by vitrification medium containing at least one embryo (250) are aspirated into the channel. The vitrification droplet consequently can contain an air bubble (220). The vitrification droplet can be produced from an instrument with a channel and dropped directly into liquid phase nitrogen producing a vitrified droplet. The vitrified droplet can be stored in cryo-vessels, and warmed for revitalization of biological function of vitrified biological cell mass or tissues, such as oocytes and/or embryos.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing the genetic progress of a line, breed or herd of swine through the use of sex-selected sperm cells in artificial insemination techniques. The invention also encompasses methods of artificially inseminating a swine via deep intrauterine catheter or via a laparoscopic procedure, which allow the use of reduced doses of sex-selected sperm cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

Abstract: A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

Abstract: Methods for transporting livestock and livestock feed in shipping containers and for separating the shipping containers into a livestock storage areas and feed storage areas for the measured distribution of feed throughout shipment.

Abstract: Water distribution systems and methods for continuously supplying drinking water to one or more shipping containers holding livestock throughout the duration of a shipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

Abstract: A method of liquid nitrogen surface vitrification requiring an embryo washed in a rinsing medium, then incubated in a base medium and incubated in a hold medium before being washed in a vitrification medium and produced into a vitrification droplet (270). For forming the droplet, vitrification medium (210), an intermediary fluid such as air, followed by vitrification medium containing at least one embryo (250) are aspirated into the channel. The vitrification droplet consequently can contain an air bubble (220). The vitrification droplet can be produced from an instrument with a channel and dropped directly into liquid phase nitrogen producing a vitrified droplet. The vitrified droplet can be stored in cryo-vessels, and warmed for revitalization of biological function of vitrified biological cell mass or tissues, such as oocytes and/or embryos.