Abstract: A method and system for sorting sperm samples according to different levels of DNA fragmentation and methods of using populations with low levels of DNA fragmentation to improve fertility and success rates of assisted reproductive procedures, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic injection, and other related techniques.

Abstract: A mouthpiece with an eject mechanism is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes an eject mechanism adapted to conform to a testing device, such as a breath analysis device. The eject mechanism allows for hygienic removal of a used mouthpiece from the testing device. A guiding surface allows for alignment of the mouthpiece with the testing device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing materials in the reproductive tract of an animal, such as antibiotics or semen for artificial insemination, using an improved device that covers the end of a sheath inserted into the reproductive tract. A thin protective membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath having a tiny pre-ruptured prick opening therein that is designed to rupture under increased pressure from the fluid inside the sheath. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the sheath so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to a physician or breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: A method for influencing sex selection in artificial insemination, the method characterised by the exposure of unsexed semen to antibodies to sex specific antigens present on spermatozoa carrying chromosomes of an undesired sex, whereby the spermatozoa to which the sex specific antigens are bound are generally unable to effect fertilisation of an egg, such that fertilisation is likely to be effected by spermatozoa carrying chromosomes of a desired sex.

Abstract: A cervical tenaculum device is disclosed that grasps the cervix in a manner to reduce trauma to the tissue, while providing unimpeded visual access and instrument access to the cervical os. The disclosed embodiments may include a bell configured to engage a vaginal portion of a cervix and create an annular suction chamber against a surface of the vaginal portion the cervix. The suction chamber encircles the external os and uniformly distributes negative pressure in the suction chamber around the engaged surface of the cervix. An opening through a middle portion of the bell allows access to the external os when the bell is engaged, such that the external os remains unobstructed. A method of grasping and manipulating the cervix to perform a gynecological procedure on a subject, using the embodiments of the disclosed cervical tenaculum device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Artificial insemination of female animals and in vitro fertilization of oocytes with fresh or frozen-thawed semen have been applied to the reproduction of animals. According to the traditional theory and conventional procedures, a great number of sperm cells are needed to ensure a successful fertilization.

Abstract: An equine nutritional composition comprising: i) a first component comprising micronutrients, wherein said micronutrients include: the amino acids L-carnitine, L-arginine, L-cysteine and, optionally, L-lysine; folate; and, at least one mineral element selected from the group consisting of: selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese; and, ii) a second component comprising one or more fatty acids selected from each of the groups: omega-3 fatty acids; and, omega-6 fatty acids. The equine nutritional composition has utility in improving aspects of the reproductive health of stallions.

Abstract: A sperm diluent of the present invention contains a chelating agent such as EDTA and/or, EGTA, which forms a complex with a calcium ion, in a base diluent. Further, the sperm diluent contains an immunosuppressive factor such as a steroid hormone and/or, a cytokine, which suppresses migration of leukocytes. By diluting frozen sperm with this sperm diluent followed by performing artificial insemination, death of the sperm before fertilization and phagocytosis of the sperm and embryos by leukocytes in the uterus can be suppressed, allowing enhancement of the conception rate and the implantation rate.

Abstract: A sperm cell process system providing to generate sperm cell insemination samples having controlled sperm cell fertility characteristics of sperm cells.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, bovine semen is mixed with a suitable solution to form an insemination medium which is injected into the reproductive organs of a female bovine to flood the uterine horns in a nonsurgical AI procedure. The invention includes an AI instrument having a disposable, single use pipette that may be used with this nonsurgical procedure. The AI instrument does not include a balloon and is referred to as “catheter free”. Preferably, the uterine horns are flooded concurrently, but in the alternative, they may be flooded sequentially.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device may include a condom having a sheath and a reinforced cup that caps one end of the sheath, thereby having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface; and a delivery handle comprising an elongate extension sized, shaped, shaped to contact the outer convex surface of the condom cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe for artificially inseminating an animal, including: a cylindrical body to be inserted inside the vagina of the animal and ending in a distal element provided with a discharge opening; and a storage space for semen to be injected. The cylindrical body consists of a hollow tube, and the storage space comprises a flexible tube that is molded onto the proximal end of the cylindrical body on one side and onto a plug on the other side, said plug allowing the storage space to be filled under pressure. In the inoperative position, after being filled, the semen is located mainly in the expanded flexible tube while an overpressure prevails inside the cylindrical body. In the operative position, when the flexible tube is outside the vagina of the animal, the semen is moved into the entire cylindrical body through the discharge opening under the effect of suction and of the contraction of the flexible tube returning to the original volume thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of collecting semen from the epididymis or the testis of a lab animal and an artificial insemination method thereof. The present invention relates to a new applicable method in the animal production field using artificial insemination. Since the present invention solves the problems of the conventional method of artificial insemination of lab animals, it is excellent in terms of the pregnancy rate and productivity; is time-efficient; and is superior in economic and industrial respects by preventing a huge economic loss due to the costs for maintaining the mass breeding of animals.

Abstract: A process for separating a sperm type from a sperm population by electrophoresis comprising subjecting the sperm population to an electric potential such that a sperm type is separated from a sperm population through an ion-permeable barrier.

Abstract: A method of determining the phase of an estrous cycle that a mammal is in at a given time that a biological sample is obtained from the mammal is provided. The biological sample obtained from the mammal is combined with at least one flavonoid pigment that reacts with the biological sample on a hydrophobic surface to provide a color response. The estrus phase of the estrous cycle has a corresponding color response that is distinguishable from the color response of each other phase of the estrous cycle to an unaided human eye. The corresponding color response is correlated to the estrus phase of the estrous cycle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for synchronizing the time of insemination in swine are described. More particularly, methods are described for synchronizing the time of insemination by administration of a composition comprising a hormone, wherein the swine is inseminated only one time after administration of the hormone, and wherein there is no heat detection.

Abstract: An injectable preparation of estrogenic and progestrogenic hormonal compounds in an anhydrous excipient injected to synchronize estrus in non-menstruating placental female animals, and a five to nine day protocol to apply the unique preparation to achieve estrus synchronization.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

Abstract: The device comprises an injection system, which is made up of a rigid external tubular body (1) that enables it to be inserted into the abdominal cavity of a sow. This body is, in turn, covered by a sterile sleeve (2) that enables it to be used in different animals. A flexible duct (3) runs coaxially and its distal end connects with a bevelled needle (4) that permits insertion in the oviduct (12) at an angle of 45°. The proximal end of the flexible tube connects with a device (6) that includes a sheath (7) closed at the other end by a piston (8) that slides along the inside of the sheath and that enables the precision insertion of low-volume liquids.

Abstract: A method for breeding bovines, especially a method for breeding dairy and beef cattle without use of heat detection prior to insemination or embryo implantation.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a transmission illumination optical system having a light source and a condenser lens; a first dry objective having a magnification of from 20 or higher to 40 or lower and capable of viewing by at least one of a differential interference viewing method and a modulation contrast viewing method; and a second dry objective having a magnification of from 60 or higher to 100 or lower and capable of viewing by a differential interference viewing method; the first objective and the second objective being exchangeable.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath, a pumping device, and an AI gun-straw of semen assembly. As intended for the present invention, the AI gun-straw of semen assembly is insertable into the central lumen of the sheath. There, the distal end of the straw of semen is insertable into a slidable insert, which, in turn, is insertable into a transfer tunnel. Last, the transfer tunnel opens into an ejection port in the ventrodistal portion of the sheath. As further intended for the present invention, the pumping device is attachable to the proximal portion of the sheath for inflating a balloon on the distal portion of the sheath. The balloon, when expanded within the uterine body, anchors the ejection port within the uterine body during insemination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to select a non-human female animal subject having the capacity to produce appropriate number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes in said animal, said method comprising the determination of the anti-Mullerian hormone concentration in a biological sample before an ovarian superovulatory treatment. The present invention is further directed to the use of AMH as a predictive marker of number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes able to be produced in a non-human female animal.

Abstract: A recoverable intra-uterine system comprises a receptacle (10) designed to contain one or more elements chosen from the group comprising an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, an unfertilized ovum, and a combination of these elements, and a retaining device (20) for retaining the recoverable intra-uterine system in the uterus. The retaining device (20) comprises a deformable element (21) designed to be retained by bearing in the neck of the uterus. Use in artificial insemination techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A sexual device to be worn externally by a woman, man, or transgender person, that will allow said wearer to artificially inseminate a sexual partner by use of pseudo natural means. That is, a harness device constructed material so that the frontal lobe of the device is a dildo with cylindrical tubing constructed to run horizontally through the center, with a predetermined length of tubing remaining outside the distal end of dildo; the distal end of tubing is attached to a syringe that is attached to the side of the harness so that the wearer can manipulate the amount of semen fluid that flows through the syringe. The device provides a method for pseudo genital-to-genital sexual contact between two partners to artificially inseminate in a way other than the use of the “syringe through the vaginal canal” method, or any other methods that are currently used for artificial insemination.

Abstract: Estrus of animals and particularly sows is determined for planning of a preferred time period of insemination by a sensing system arranged to detect standing of the animal. Data from the sensing system is collected and analyzed using an algorithm and information that is displayed on an indicating system to provide an indication to a worker of the time period of estrus and ovulation and of a useful insemination time period and a preferred insemination time period of the animal. The indicating system includes a countdown clock to the preferred time period of insemination. In the event that the insemination fails, an indication is provided about whether the actual time of insemination occurred at the preferred time of insemination indicated to the worker. When estrus is completed, a confidence level is provided about the likelihood of success based on the position of the actual time of insemination relative to ovulation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of artificial animal reproduction by which healthy cows and heifers are impregnated on the first attempt at artificial insemination. The sperm is deposited at the time the uterine horns are at the optimum time to conceive.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device may include a condom having a sheath and a reinforced cup that caps one end of the sheath, thereby having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface; and a delivery handle comprising an elongate extension sized, shaped, shaped to contact the outer convex surface of the condom cup.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 59752 of the bovine PGR gene is associated with improved fertilization rate or early embryo survival. Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sperm dilution medium that comprises a base medium to which are added yolk or yolk plasma, glycerol and native phosphocaseinate. The medium can particularly be used for the freeze-preservation of mammal sperm in order to enhance the fertilization capability of the frozen sperm.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device includes a catheter, a widening tip connected to one end of the catheter for being introduced into the genital system of a female animal, and a check valve connected between the catheter and the widening tip and having a stopper supported on a spring between a first stop wall and a second stop wall for controlling the passage in the second stop wall for allowing the injected semen to pass out of the semen outlet in the first stop wall and prohibiting the injected semen from flowing backwards

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for increasing sperm motility at low metal ion concentration and/or decreasing sperm motility at high metal ion concentration, wherein said composition comprises one or more metal ion selected from Co2+ and Ni2+ or compounds thereof as an active ingredient either alone or in combination with a physiologically acceptable carrier and optionally auxiliary ingredients. The invention includes the use of the above metal ions or compounds thereof for the preparation of a composition for increasing sperm motility in low concentration and decreasing sperm motility in high concentration, and the use of such compositions.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphic sites at positions 19069 and 25402 of the bovine STAT3 gene are associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate. The interactions between these two polymorphisms, and between them and the bovine STAT1 gene and fertilization and early embryonic survival rates were also disclosed. The interactions between STAT3 SNPs, and between STAT1 and STAT3 SNP19069 were highly significant for embryonic survival rate. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: A method of producing mutant/targeted non-human mammals, such as mutant mice that does not require production of chimera and permits the introduction of multiple mutations in embryos and, thus, avoids the necessity of breeding to combine all of the desired mutations in a single animal. The method is efficient in producing ES mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for determining an animal's genotype and to select animals having a desired genotype. Embodiments of the invention also provide isolated nucleic acid molecules and analytical kits that may be used to determine an animal's genotype. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for improving desirable animal traits including improved growth, enhanced body composition, and improved reproductive traits. The invention also provides methods for allocating animals for predetermined uses, for picking potential parent animals for breeding, and for producing progeny animals. The instant invention also provides methods for identifying associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic traits. Also provided are methods for identifying genetic markers in allelic association with the SNP disclosed herein and for identifying the genotypes of a causative mutation underlying a quantitative trait locus (QTL).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing the survival and promoting the maturation of mammalian oocytes, zygotes and preimplantation embryos. BDNF or BDNF agonists may be administered to an individual, or to cells in vitro, to enhance cellular maturation, embryo growth and fertilization. Accordingly, compositions comprising BDNF are herein presented for use in promoting in vivo oocyte maturation as well as for use as a component in culture media for promoting preimplantation maturation of zygotes and embryos, for instance, for use with in vitro fertilization procedures and for the production of stem cells. Additionally, compounds that interfere with the binding of BDNF to its receptor may be administered to an individual to prevent oocyte maturation, thereby acting as a contraceptive. The BNDF receptor, TrkB, and BDNF also find use in the screening and design of agonists and antagonists for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A sealed removable cartridge adapted for insertion into an assay device and adapted to contain a biologic sample, the cartridge comprising: two or more assay locations adapted to facilitate, within said cartridge, two or more assays of said biologic sample; and an actuator interface adapted to interface with an actuator of said assay device, to transport said biologic sample towards at least one of said assay locations.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing materials in the reproductive tract of an animal, such as antibiotics or semen for artificial insemination, using an improved device that covers the end of a sheath inserted into the reproductive tract. A thin protective membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath having a tiny pre-ruptured prick opening therein that is designed to rupture under increased pressure from the fluid inside the sheath. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the sheath so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to a physician or breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for processing animal semen for use in assisted reproduction. A composition, or colloid formulation, for separation of spermatozoa from a semen sample, the composition including at least one salt of an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, EDTA, a zwitterion buffer, silane-coated silica particles and water, the composition having a pH of 7.0-7.35 and an osmolarity of 300-345 mOsm. A method for preparing spermatozoa from a semen sample from a non-human animal by separating the spermatozoa from other semen constituents by centrifugation through a single layer of the composition, or colloid formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cryopreserving sperm that have been selected for a specific characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the method is employed to freeze sex-selected sperm. Although the cryopreservation method of the invention can be used to freeze sperm selected by any number of selection methods, selection using flow cytometry is preferred. The present invention also provides a frozen sperm sample that has been selected for a particular characteristic, such as sex-type. In preferred embodiments, the frozen sperm sample includes mammalian sperm, such as, for example, human, bovine, equine, porcine, ovine, elk, or bison sperm. The frozen selected sperm sample can be used in a variety of applications. In particular, the sample can be thawed and used for fertilization. Accordingly, the invention also includes a method of using the frozen selected sperm sample for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an optimal time for embryo implantation in mammals, particularly humans. In particular, the invention relates to a method for determining the optimal time for implantation of an embryo in a mammalian endometrium comprising detecting the levels of an endocannabinoid in the early, mid and late stage of the menstrual cycle in a subject.

Abstract: An improved artificial insemination device for animals is disclosed. The device has an inner catheter tube inserted inside a catheter tube where the front end of the inner catheter tube is closed in arc shape and its periphery is arranged with a plurality of spray release openings with arc-shaped invagination at outer edges and an extension member that communicates with the interior. As such, when the front end of the inner catheter tube enters the uterus along the cervical tract, it will not scratch the walls of cervical tract during movement because the outer edges of the spray release openings are in arc invaginated shape. When the contraction of the uterus sucks out the animal semen inside the inner catheter tube, it works like a straw through the extension members of the spray release openings, and the semen pooled together inside the catheter could be released rapidly and smoothly into different parts of the uterus to fully enhance the efficiency and the success rate of artificial insemination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for determining the presence or absence of a genetic defect in an IVF embryo prior to transfer comprising performing real-time PCR and 2???CT analyses to determine normalized copy number of at least one invariant locus on at least one chromosome collected from at least one cell of the embryo and selecting a candidate IVF embryo determined to be without genetic defect for transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enhancing fertilization. Fertilization enhancement is achieved by effectively delivering bioactive molecules with a lipid anchor, (GPI-linked proteins), in the presence of a lipid carrier to the surface of epididymal or ejaculated sperm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides comprising an ice-binding capability resulting in an ice crystal formation and/or growth reducing or inhibiting activity. The present invention also relates to an edible product and to a solid support comprising the novel polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for producing the novel polypeptide and to different uses of the novel polypeptide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-?-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, ocular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.