Abstract: A multiple chambered container for biological liquids useful in artificial insemination is disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for mammalian, avian or piscian reproductive cells and methods for the collection, holding, processing, in vitro fertilization, sexing culturing, or storing (including long-term cryopreservation) of mammalian, avian, or piscian reproductive sperm cells. The compositions comprise a suitable reproductive cell media and a transforming growth factor, an insulin-like growth factor, or zinc, and, optionally, inositol, transferrin, or fructose, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles of silver is used to preserve animal reproductive samples such as boar semen without the use of antibiotics. The colloidal silver solution may have a metal concentration of at least about 1×10−9 moles/liter and may be mixed with conventional culture media such as semen extender.

Abstract: A container for biological fluids useful in artificial insemination is disclosed. The inventive container has a nozzle for delivery of the biological liquid, wherein the nozzle has means for bending such that the container may be used in a vertical position while attached to a horizontal catheter. The nozzle also has means to facilitate opening the tube without tools.

Abstract: An internal catheter has a flexible plastic inner tube with an integrally formed protruding head with an axial channel. The internal catheter extends through an axial channel in an exterior catheter. With the internal catheter head withdrawn within the foam or spiral tip of the exterior catheter, the assembly is advanced into a sow cervix, and the internal catheter is then advanced through the tip of the catheter and remaining portion of the cervix and into the uterine body and possibly into a uterine horn. Semen or embryos are then introduced through the axial cavity. The tip of the exterior catheter may have a protective flap which is not penetrated until the inner tube is advanced therethrough. The internal catheter axial channel may have a constricted portion within the head, to engage a semen or embryo containing straw.

Abstract: Two flat segments of flexible plastic are sealed along the edges and at the bottom, to present an upwardly opening bag. A rectangular sheet of filter material is folded to form a filter pouch and positioned within the collapsed collection bag, with the upper edges of the folded filter material halves fused to opposing sides of the bag above a perforation or line of weakened material. When the bag is disposed within a collection mug, the upper portions of the bag extend as a shroud around the exterior of the mug, and the filter material is stretched out across the opening to the bag. A boar's penis is directed to ejaculate into the mug, and the ejaculate gel plug is retained on the filter material, while the semen passes through the filter material into the collection bag. When collection is complete, the shroud and the attached filter material are separated from the collection bag and disposed of.

Abstract: Two opposed inkjet print heads direct ink droplets to opposite sides of a cylindrical elongated plastic straw containing biological products such as semen or ova. The print heads are controlled by a computer to print multiple lines of text or data as the straw is advanced by dual parallel drive belts through a bridge which has an straw-directing infeed channel. The straw is discharged from the channel through an unobstructed window in the bridge which is positioned in the path of the two print heads. Downstream of the window the straw passes over portions of the bridge which form a shelf with open sides, on which the straw is supported until it is engaged by the outfeed portions of the dual belts which remove the printed straw from the bridge. The construction of the bridge ensures accurate positioning of the straw, while minimizing disturbances to the freshly applied ink.