Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for reproductive management of mammalian animals using a GnRH antagonist such as Cetrorelix. Specifically, the GnRH antagonist can be used for synchronizing follicular wave emergence in a population of female mammals, and/or for fixed-time reproductive management protocols such as oocyte collection protocols, embryo collection protocols, artificial insemination protocols or embryo transfer protocols. Also described are devices and kits for reproductive management, comprising a GnRH antagonist and optionally one or more additional drugs useful for reproductive management.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a preserving composition comprising a cholesterol:carrier complex, optionally a cholesterol:cyclodextrin complex (CC complex) and/or a cell permeable antioxidant peptide and a biological buffer and optionally a cryprotectant, wherein the preserving composition is optionally substantially free of animal phospholipid, animal protein and/or animal lipoprotein. The disclosure also provides methods for the use of the preserving composition in cryopreservation of semen or sperm cells. Also provided is a kit comprising the preserving composition having a CC complex, a biological buffer, a cryoprotectant, a carbohydrate, a pH stabilizer, an antibiotic or antibiotic cocktail and/or a cell permeable anti-oxidant peptide.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a preserving composition comprising a cholesterol: carrier complex, optionally a cholesterol:cyclodextrin complex (CC complex) and/or a cell permeable antioxidant peptide and a biological buffer and optionally a cryprotectant, wherein the preserving composition is optionally substantially free of animal phospholipid, animal protein and/or animal lipoprotein. The disclosure also provides methods for the use of the preserving composition in cryopreservation of semen or sperm cells. Also provided is a kit comprising the preserving composition having a CC complex, a biological buffer, a cryoprotectant, a carbohydrate, a pH stabilizer, an antibiotic or antibiotic cocktail and/or a cell permeable anti-oxidant peptide.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a preserving composition comprising a cholesterol: carrier complex, optionally a cholesterol: cyclodextrin complex (CC complex) and/or a cell permeable antioxidant peptide and a biological buffer and optionally a cryprotectant, wherein the preserving composition is optionally substantially free of animal phospholipid, animal protein and/or animal lipoprotein. The disclosure also provides methods for the use of the preserving composition in cryopreservation of semen or sperm cells. Also provided is a kit comprising the preserving composition having a CC complex, a biological buffer, a cryoprotectant, a carbohydrate, a pH stabilizer, an antibiotic or antibiotic cocktail and/or a cell permeable anti-oxidant peptide.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving sperm cells which may include cooling the quantity of sperm cells to a holding temperature, maintaining the sperm cells substantially at the holding temperature for a period, and supercooling the sperm cells by cooling the sperm cells at a first cooling rate to a temperature that approaches a critical temperature zone at which ice crystal formation and changes in osmotic pressure damage sperm cells and then cooling the sperm at a second cooling rate faster than said first cooling rate through said critical temperature zone.

Abstract: A method of processing animal sperm cells that includes: collecting sperm cells from a male animal; sorting the sperm cells to obtain a quantity of sperm cells having a desired characteristic, the quantity of sorted sperm cells being contained in a first volume of fluid having a first concentration of sperm cells; and subjecting the sperm cells to concentration steps in which the concentration of the sperm cells is increased to a second concentration greater than the first concentration.

Abstract: Staining mixtures comprising viable spermatozoa, a composition which regulates oxidation/reduction reactions intracellularly or extracellularly, and a DNA selective dye are disclosed. The cells contained in such suspensions tend to have a greater capacity for enduring the various process steps typically associated with the sorting of sperm cells into gender enriched populations, thereby resulting in post-sort compositions with an increased number of viable or motile sperm. Processes for staining sperm cells comprising the formation of a staining mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sperm cells are stained according to processes that involve the combining of sperm cells with a fluorescent DNA selective dye at an elevated temperature in excess of about 40° C. The methods allow for a decreased staining time. The cells may thereafter be efficiently sorted according to common separation methods, including flow cytometry.

Abstract: Staining mixtures comprising viable spermatozoa, a composition which regulates oxidation/reduction reactions intracellularly or extracellularly, and a DNA selective dye are disclosed. The cells contained in such suspensions tend to have a greater capacity for enduring the various process steps typically associated with the sorting of sperm cells into gender enriched populations, thereby resulting in post-sort compositions with an increased number of viable or motile sperm. Processes for staining sperm cells comprising the formation of a staining mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sperm cells are stained according to processes that involve the combining of sperm cells with a fluorescent DNA selective dye at an elevated temperature in excess of about 40° C. The methods allow for a decreased staining time. The cells may thereafter be efficiently sorted according to common separation methods, including flow cytometry.