Abstract: A method and a corresponding composition of matter for diagnosing or increasing the fertility of semen is described. The method involves measuring DNase activity in a semen sample, wherein greater DNase activity in the semen sample indicates increased fertility of the semen sample. Also described is a corresponding composition for storing and increasing the fertility of semen. The composition includes a diluent and an amount of exogenous DNase and-or fertility-associated antigen (FAA) disposed in the diluent. The amount of the exogenous DNase and/or FAA added to the diluent is effective to increase fertility of the semen stored in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence for a bovine fertility associated antigen (FAA), methods of producing recombinant bovine FAA protein; methods of increasing the stability of the plasma membrane, acrosome, and/or other portions of a sperm cell by mixing with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s); and increasing fertility of bulls by mixing sperm cells with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding a fertility associated antigen methods of employing the fertility associated antigen to stabilize sperm and/or increase the fertility of a male and method of assessing, the fertility and/or reproductive fitness of a male

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence for a bovine fertility associated antigen (FAA), methods of producing recombinant bovine FAA protein; methods of increasing the stability of the plasma membrane, acrosome, and/or other portions of a sperm cell by mixing with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s); and increasing fertility of bulls by mixing sperm cells with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s).

Abstract: Heparin binding proteins (HBP) are produced by male accessory glands and bind to sperm at ejaculation. The ability of accessory glands to produce HBP and sperm to bind HBP differs among males. Identifying the presence of a 21.5, 24 and 30 kDa heparin binding proteins in sperm membranes with a monoclonal antibody resulted in separating groups of bulls by 40% difference in fertility. Thus, fertility potential of a bull can be predicted by heparin binding protein content of sperm membranes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed relating to the isolation and purification of certain heparin-binding protein compositions in the seminal plasma of male mammals. The isolated proteins are useful in fertility studies and in enhancing the acrosomal reaction, capacitation and subsequent fertility of sperm cells.

Abstract: An assay for a genetic marker associated with increased milk production is disclosed. Also disclosed are kits for use in connection with the assay and breeding methods that use the assay. The assay centers on finding a genetic marker in a bovine cell (e.g. in the DNA of the cell). The presence of the marker is confirmed by exposing a gene sequence from the cell to a restriction enzyme so as to yield gene fragments of varying lengths. During a separation step there is a separation of some of the fragments from others (such as by using electrophoresis), and there is then a hybridization of a plurality of probes that contain a portion of bovine prolactin sequence to the separated fragments. The probe is radiolabelled. Then, there is a comparison of the results of the hybridization with the hybridization results for a gene sequence known to either have the marker or not have the marker. The assay appears to be of greatest utility in connection with the Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell Holstein family.

Abstract: A method for assaying the fertilization potential of a mammalian ovum that has been removed from an ovarian follicle, together with a portion of accompanying follicular fluid. The method includes the step of measuring the concentration of at least one selected glycosaminoglycan in the follicular fluid accompanying the ovum to be tested. That concentration is then compared with concentrations of the same glycosaminoglycan characteristic of the follicular fluid of atretic and non-atretic follicles.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the fertility of a male mammal. A semen sample is obtained from the individual to be tested. The sperm is separated from the seminal plasma of the semen sample. At least one test portion and a control portion of the sperm are isolated. The sperm portions are incubated, the test portion being exposed to a glycosaminoglycan in a concentration effective to induce an acrosome reaction in sperm. A representative sample of incubated sperm from each portion is then counted by means of observation by light microscopy to measure the increase in acrosome reaction in the test portions as compared to the control portion. A kit is provided for the convenient performance of the method. The kit includes a supply of sterile liquid culture medium, sterile closable culture vessels, and a supply of selected, sterile GAG meterable substantially aseptically in known amounts into each culture vessel used as a test vessel.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the fertility of a test male mammal relative to the fertility of a control male mammal. The method includes the steps of collecting samples of semen from the test male and the control male. The binding affinity of a selected glycosaminoglycan to the sperm of the semen samples is measured by a selected means for measuring binding affinities. The fertility of the test male may be evaluated as higher or lower than that of the control male by the degree to which the binding affinity of the glycosaminoglycan to its sperm is higher or lower than the binding affinity of the glycosaminoglycan to the sperm of the control male.