This document discusses advances in frozen semen technologies and the importance of hygienic practices during artificial insemination (AI) for fertility management in livestock.
It begins by providing background on the Indian scenario of AI, including the large network of AI centers and increases in semen production and conception rates over time. It then covers the evolution of frozen semen technology from early experiments to modern developments like sexed semen.
Recent advances discussed include semen sexing, sperm encapsulation, transcriptomics, ovum pick up, biomarkers, in vitro techniques, and embryo technologies. It emphasizes the importance of genetic, sanitary and environmental quality in semen production. Proper testing, storage, and hyg
Andrology lecture 16 Semen collection from male animals and its evaluationDrGovindNarayanPuroh
This lecture describes the techniques of semen collection and its evaluation. The lecture is useful for veterinary students, practitioners, semen labs, and aspirants of IAS
Pregnancy markers for early pregnancy diagnosisVarij Nayan
“Detection of the pregnant/ non-pregnant cow/ buffalo, heifer, as soon as possible after a successful/ unsuccessful insemination, is important to ensure good reproductive and / productive performance in dairy and beef animals”
-Omics revolution and integration of all -omics sciences with a systems approach could help find solutions towards finding early pregnancy biomarkers.
Andrology lecture 16 Semen collection from male animals and its evaluationDrGovindNarayanPuroh
This lecture describes the techniques of semen collection and its evaluation. The lecture is useful for veterinary students, practitioners, semen labs, and aspirants of IAS
Pregnancy markers for early pregnancy diagnosisVarij Nayan
“Detection of the pregnant/ non-pregnant cow/ buffalo, heifer, as soon as possible after a successful/ unsuccessful insemination, is important to ensure good reproductive and / productive performance in dairy and beef animals”
-Omics revolution and integration of all -omics sciences with a systems approach could help find solutions towards finding early pregnancy biomarkers.
Technological options and approaches to improve supply of desirable animal ge...ILRI
Presented by Azage Tegegne and Dirk Hoekstra at the 19th Ethiopian Society of Animal production Annual Conference, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15-17 December 2011.
Importance of Artificial Insemination in Dairy AnimalsTiasha Biswas
This slide is on IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN DAIRY ANIMALS which I have prepared during my 1st semester of B.Tech Dairy Technology course. Hope this helps you :'")
Technological options and approaches to improve supply of desirable animal ge...ILRI
Presented by Azage Tegegne and Dirk Hoekstra at the 19th Ethiopian Society of Animal production Annual Conference, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15-17 December 2011.
Importance of Artificial Insemination in Dairy AnimalsTiasha Biswas
This slide is on IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN DAIRY ANIMALS which I have prepared during my 1st semester of B.Tech Dairy Technology course. Hope this helps you :'")
Advantage and restrictions of artificial insemination (AI) in sheep and goatsILRI
Presented by Mourad Rekik, ICARDA, at the EIAR-DBARC-ICARDA-ILRI (LIVES)-FAO Training Workshop on Reproduction in Sheep and Goat, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, 13-15 October 2014
Use of sexed semen for genetic improvement of indigenous and buffaloes produc...PallaviMali14
Sperm sexing strategies are used to boost dairy animal production in India.
Sexed semen increase the genetic progress in a herd by increases the number of superior heifers and good male germplasm from elite bulls which is used for future breeding programme.
Meat and milk from farmed animals including livestock (cattle, goat and buffalo) and poultry are sources of high quality protein and essential amino acids, minerals, fats and fatty acids, readily available vitamins, small quantities of carbohydrates and other bioactive components.1 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2008 estimate shows that meat consumption has grown with increase in population. The average global per capita meat consumption is 42.1 kg/year with 82.9 kg/year in developed and 31.1 kg/year in developing countries in a recommended daily animal-sourced protein per capita of 50 kg per year2. Milk on the other hand is consumed in various forms: liquid, cheese, powder, and cream at a global per capita consumption of 108 kg per person per year which is way below the FAO recommended daily consumption of 200 kg.
Meat and milk from farmed animals including livestock (cattle, goat and buffalo) and poultry are sources of high quality protein and essential amino acids, minerals, fats and fatty acids, readily available vitamins, small quantities of carbohydrates and other bioactive components.1 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2008 estimate shows that meat consumption has grown with increase in population. The average global per capita meat consumption is 42.1 kg/year with 82.9 kg/year in developed and 31.1 kg/year in developing countries in a recommended daily animal-sourced protein per capita of 50 kg per year2. Milk on the other hand is consumed in various forms: liquid, cheese, powder, and cream at a global per capita consumption of 108 kg per person per year which is way below the FAO recommended daily consumption of 200 kg.
Experiences in community-based genetic improvement using oestrus synchronizationILRI
Presented by Azage Tegegne at the IPMS Workshop on Alternatives for Improving Field AI Delivery System to Enhance Beef and Dairy Production in Ethiopia, ILRI, Addis Ababa, 24-25 August 2011
Title "In vitro production of embryos from high performance cows and the development of frozen-thawed embryos after transfer". This presentation was from reviewed journal that published on 2008.
This lecture covers the topic of techniques of artificial insemination in farm and pet animals useful for veterinary students, practitioners, and researchers.
Livestock Production Research Institute Okara, Pakistan |Internship ReportDr. Fakhar
The Livestock Production Research Institute is located at Bahadurnagar, a place at a distance of 18 Kilometers from Okara city on Okara Faisalabad road and 150 Kilometers from the provincial metropolis – Lahore. The establishment of this Institute is the culmination of the efforts started in 1962 as a Pilot Project to channelize and harness the livestock production operations in order to increase the quantitative and qualitative productivity of all kinds of farm animals which were recorded to be relatively low despite its large population and considerable contribution to the agricultural rural economy. The Institute remained under the administrative control of the Directorate of Livestock Farms till March, 1977 when its status was raised to an independent Directorate. Two Livestock Experiment Stations, namely Bahadurnagar and Qadirabad were attached with this Institute during November, 1977 and April, 1978 respectively, thus giving a solid base to carry out research on various disciplines and economic traits of livestock production for devising scientific methodology and increasing the productivity of various kinds of farm animals. From 1978 this institute raised into the present status.
Parasites of Equine
Presented By:
Dr. Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar
DVM, M.Phil CMS
University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Dr. Mark Allen - Present & Future: Bovine Genetic & Reproductive TechnologiesJohn Blue
Present & Future: Bovine Genetic & Reproductive Technologies - Dr. Mark Allan, Director Marketing and Genomics, Trans Ova Genetics, from the 2014 NIAA Annual Conference titled 'The Precautionary Principle: How Agriculture Will Thrive', March 31 - April 2, 2014, Omaha, NE, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2014_niaa_how_animal_agriculture_will_thrive
Artificial Insemination Present Scenerio and Future Prospects by Dr J S Rajor...Jeetendra Singh Rajoriya
The first scientific research in artificial insemination of animals was performed on
dogs in 1780 by the Italian scientist, Lazzaro spallanzani.
In 1907 Ivanov reported the successful results of a series of artificial inseminations
in mares.
In india A.I. was introduced as early as 1939 by P Sampath Kumaran in mysore state at palace dairy farm.
First buffalo calf achieved by A.I. in india August 1943 at agriculture institute Allahabad.
Systemic work on A.I. was undertaken in 1944 at IVRI, izatnagar under the guidance of Dr. P. Bhattacharya.
Goat Farming and Fodder cultivation in Bengali for dissemination of knowledge...Sharadindu Shil
technical details of goat farming and fodder cultivation in west bengal situations.. for extension activities and enterpreneurship development in animal husbandry.
Breeding Approaches Towards Disease Resistance In LivestocksSharadindu Shil
a detailed description of instances & methodologies used in livestock breeding for developing disease resistant breeds world wide.specially helpful for veterinary post graduate students for their seminars.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
1. Advances in Frozen Semen
Technologies and Role of
Hygienic Approach During AI
Towards Fertility Management
in Livestock
Dr. Sharadindu Shil
B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Gold Medallist), MVSc. (Gold
Medallist)
Veterinary Officer
ABAHC, Ratanpur
2. Introduction to Indian Scenario
India has one of the largest networks of AI centres in the world with about 95000
centres carrying on an average about 650 AI in a year.
Semen production in the country has increased from 22 million straws (1999-2000) to
83 million straws (2013- 2014) and the number of inseminations from 20 million to 65
million (22 million animals under AI coverage).
The overall conception rate has also increased from 20% to 35%.
The field AI delivery systems in our country are still being developed.
A combination of factors viz. cold chain management of semen doses in the field, skill
of the AI technicians in handling of semen doses etc. could affect quality of the
product once it leaves the production station.
3. Evolution of Frozen Semen Technology
The first successful insemination was performed by the Italian physiologist and priest Abbe Lazzaro
Spallanzani (1784) in a dog
Practical procedure was initiated in Russia in 1899 by Ivanov.
Milanov, another Russian scientist and successor of Ivanov, started large scale breeding programs for
cattle and sheep, and designed and made artificial vaginas.
1937- Danish veterinarians developed the first rectovaginal / cervical fixation method of AI.
1948- Sorenson first time used large sized straws (12mm) made up of polyvinyl chloride.
1949- Polge, Smith and Parkes discovered cryoprotective effect of glycerol in frozen semen technology.
1960-Adler developed the first technique for freezing of semen in straws using liquid nitrogen vapour.
1964- Cassou improved the straws by reducing their size and named it as medium French straws. The
size of the straw was 135 mm long and 2.8 mm diameter with 0.5 ml semen capacity.
1968-Cassou further reduced the size of the straws to the diameter of 2 mm with a capacity of 0.25 ml
and named it as mini French straws.
1972-A plastic straw called mini tube or German straws or ‘Lanshut system’ was developed in
Germany.
4. In India
1939-In India, first
time, AI was done by
Sampat Kumaran at
‘Palace Dairy Farm
Mysore”. He
inseminated large
number of Halliker
cows with semen of
Holstein Friesian and
got 33 cows
pregnant.
1943-The first
buffalo calf through
AI was born at the
Allahabad
Agricultural
Institute.
1951-56-In the first
five-year plan (1951-
56) the Government
of India introduced
150 key village
centres to improve
cattle and buffaloes
in this country.
1956-61-The second
five-year plan (1956-
61) gave a boost to
AI work by
implanting it in 400
key village centres.
5.
6. •Semen Sexing or Sex sorted Semen.
•Sperm Encapsulation
•Sperm Transcriptomics.
•Ovum Pick Up (OPU)
•Seminal Biomarkers
•In Vitro Maturation, Fertilization and Culture
(IVMFC)
•Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
•Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT)
•Embryo Cryopreservation
•Embryo Sexing
•Embryogenomics
•Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
•Stem Cell Technology
•Transgenics
•Nanotechnology
Recent
Advances in
Assisted
Reproductive
Technologies
7. Semen Sexing or Sex Sorted Semen
The aim of sexed semen is to produce a
calf of specific sex.
It is crucial to produce pre sexed
livestock by sperm or embryo sexing
carrying high genetic value animals.
Huge gap between demand and supply of
semen straws in the country can be met
through production of superior males by
using sex sorted spermatozoa from
superior dams.
Flow cytometry sorting method is having
about 85-90% efficiency.
Conception rate of AI using sexed
sperms, with one tenth the sperm number
of non-sexed sperms, is around 70-80%
of that achieved by non-sexed sperms in
heifers.
8. Status of Semen Sexing In India
In India, PBGSBS, a Government of West Bengal organization, initiated sorting of
semen on 15/08/2009 under RKVY at Frozen Semen Bull Station, Haringhata.
They reported first male calf named Shreyas, born on 1/01/2011 using sexed semen.
Later, female calves were also successfully born using sexed semen.
They are currently in a position to produce 40 straws per day.
The conception rates observed were 20.7% in cows (37) and 35.3% in heifers (58)
using sexed semen.
In Punjab, the farmers are charged Rs. 600 per straw with the state subsidizing the
remaining 50% of the total cost of Rs 1200 per straw.
The ABS India is providing sexed semen of Holstein and Jersey.
Haryana Livestock Development Board in collaboration with Navasota (USA) is
planning to introduce sexed semen technology in Murrah buffaloes.
9. Application of Semen Sexing Technology In India
The projected demand of milk by 2020 is estimated to be 191.3 MT.
To meet the increasing demand increase in the number of elite females can be
achieved by shifting the sex ratio towards females.
The projected additional frozen semen doses required per year are 48, 9.6 and 52.8
million for indigenous cattle, crossbred cattle and buffaloes respectively.
By introducing sexed semen, superior bulls could be produced from the limited
number of elite cows available.
The sexed female sperms could be used in progeny testing.
There are a large number of unproductive young bulls due to ban on cow slaughter,
competing on limited feed and fodder resources.
The use of sexed semen can solve the problem of production of unwanted male
progenies.
10. Constraints
High cost.
Scanty commercial availability of the sorting technology.
Lower sorting speed and efficiency.
30% sperms are rejected during the sexing process.
Low conception rate: 10-20% lower.
Low number of elite bulls in India.
Need of standardization in Indian conditions.
Lack of skilled manpower.
Lack of awareness among farmers.
Requires a different AI gun .
11. Ovum Pick Up (OPU)
Non-invasive and repeatable technique used for recovering large numbers of compe-
tent oocytes from antral follicles of live animals.
Repeated OPU can be performed without side effects both in cattle and buffaloes with
a mini-mal stress to the animal.
In India, the first buffalo calf (Saubhagya) was produced through this technique.
Less invasiveness and the use of superior animals as oocyte donors in embryo transfer.
Oocyte retrieval from females at virtually any age or reproductive status, including pre
pubertal heifers and pregnant cows.
Potential to substantially increase the lifetime productivity of high genetic merit
females, and effectively reduces the generation interval.
One of the limitations of this technique is the low oocyte yield per ovary and necessity
for sophisticated instrument.
12. Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT)
Embryo transfer is a technique by which embryos are collected from a donor female and
are transferred to recipient females, which serve as surrogate mothers for the remainder
of pregnancy.
a) To get maximum number of high pedigreed calves from high yielding cows/buffaloes.
These can be selected through Herd Registration scheme.
b) To accelerate genetic gain / year by selecting the calves on the basis of collaterals'
performance.
c) To reduce birth of low potential calves through conventional breeding practices adapted
by farmers
d) To conserve indigenous Germplasm in the form of embryos.
Allow top quality female livestock to have a greater influence on the genetic
advancement of a herd or flock instead of superior sires.
A high yielding cow/buffalo produces normally 8-10 high yielding calves during life-
With ET technology we can get 80-200 calves during its lifetime.
Greatly reducing the risk for transmission of infectious diseases.
18. Testing at Various Level of Calf Selection
Testingat
semen
station
Testingof
dams for
initial
selection
Testing of
dams andcalf
before
procurement
Testing at
pre-
quarantine
station
Testing at
quarantine
station
Testingat
rearing
station
1
2
3
4
5
6
19. Disease Testing at Semen Station
TB & JD
Bulls in
semen
station
Brucellosis
IBR
BGC
Trichomoniasis
BVD
FMD
20. Disease Testing of Bulls at Semen Station
TB & JD : 6 monthly , +Ve cull
repeat after 42 days in +ve herd
Until all negative
Thereafter 6 monthly
Brucellosis : 6 monthly , +ve cull
Repeat after ~60 days in +ve herd
Thereafter 6 monthly
BGC & Tricho : at entry , +ve treat
Repeat after ~30 days after treatment
Thereafter Annually
Bulls in
semen
station
IBR: -Ve at 9 months age
+Ve cull, retest herd 60 days
Until all -Ve
Thereafter 6 monthly
+Ve Bull semen testing for BHV-1
BVD : -Ve for Ag & Ab
ELISA
+Ve cull retest herd 60 days
Until all -Ve
Thereafter 6 monthly
23. Challenges
There has been no developments with regard to the minimum prescribed tests &
frequency of tests for the product quality post formulation of the MSP.
The three critical tests prescribed in the MSP for semen quality are-
1) The sperm concentration in the semen dose.
2) Post-thaw motility.
3) The microbial quality.
Of these except for sperm concentration the other two tests have issues of repeatability
& reproducibility.
It is probably ‘time’ that the stations raise the bar and move over the minimum
standards prescribed for the semen production and focus on a limited number of tests
that predict fertility with greater accuracy.
Lack of correlation between the findings of the laboratory tests with the ultimate field
data on fertility
Less optimization of the different types & the frequency of QC tests to be carried out
in frozen semen.
24. Suggestions
Should have efficient data management systems to monitor the field programmes.
The sperm load in the semen dose needs to be comparatively lesser than now in the
Indian scenario.
Sexed semen should be adopted on a large scale in India.
Should allow lower loads for high genetic merit bulls with proven high fertility and
higher loads for comparatively lower fertility bulls.
Breed wise variations in calibration/ standardization of the equipment to be fully
addressed,
Synergy between the semen stations and the research organizations in the country.
Policy interventions which facilitate easy adoption of recent advances in the semen
processing techniques from the developed nations.
25. STORAGE OF FROZEN SEMEN
The frozen semen straws should always be kept submerged in liquid nitrogen in
liquid nitrogen container.
The semen containers should be periodically topped with liquid nitrogen.
The semen straws should be kept in a plastic goblet which in turn should be kept in
canister.
The goblet should not be tightly packed with semen straws.
There should be space for liquid nitrogen to go inside to maintain the temperature at
lower level.
Always keep identification slip or colored plastic sticks in the goblet.
26. The slip or stick should contain the information about the semen straws for easy
and quick identification.
Don’t keep different breeds’ semen straws in a goblet. The semen straws of same
breed but from different bulls should be stored with proper partition.
The goblets used must be slightly shorter than straws to enable quick removal of
straws. The commonly used goblets are 12 cm in height.
A 35 mm diameter goblet holds 85 medium straws and 65 mm goblet holds 300
medium straws.
The frozen semen should never be touched with hands. The straws should always
be removed with pre-cooled stainless steel forceps.
Frozen semen is exposed to elevated temperature when the semen is transferred or
taken from a storage container.
27. Contd.
The increase of temperature is determined by length of time exposed, ambient
temperature, air circulation, level of liquid nitrogen in container and height to
which the canister is raised above the neck.
The technician must be efficient enough to pick desired straw within 10 seconds.
This will minimize the fluctuation in temperature of straws while handling.
If semen is to be transferred from one canister to other, keep both the canisters
submerged in liquid nitrogen kept in a thermo cool box and carry out the transfer
quickly.
During storage and handling of frozen semen, any rise in temperature above -130 ⁰
C should be avoided.
The key factor enabling the successful long term storage of frozen semen is low
temperature.
28. Handling During and After Thawing of Frozen Semen
Thaw the semen straw at 37 ⁰ C water bath either horizontally or vertically
The semen straw should be taken with pre-cooled forceps.
The straw should be given a jerk to remove all the liquid nitrogen attached
over the surface.
Don’t thaw more than 2-3 straws at a time.
After thawing the semen should be used immediately.
The straw should be wiped thoroughly to remove all the water.
The semen straw should be cut at laboratory seal end where the air space is
available.
The AI gun should be loaded correctly after pulling the plunger down.
The sheath should be applied over the AI gun and the button should be placed
on the sheath.
The semen should be deposited by pushing the plunger smoothly.
29.
30. Self-assessment Time!
Wash hands.
Keep insemination supplies dry and
clean at all times.
Keep breeding tool box clean and
organized.
Water bath thermos at 94–98°F for
thawing semen.
Empty and clean water bath thermos
routinely.
Correct use of breeding sheaths/
protective rods.
Keep AI rod clean.
Wash AI rod.
Implement sanitary conditions when
preparing the semen straw.
Protect loaded AI rod from cold shock
and contamination.
Wear rubber gloves.
Wipe the vulva with a paper towel.
Use a paper/towel folded in half and
inserted into the vulva to help prevent
contamination.
Keep AI tank clean and filled with the
correct level of liquid nitrogen.
31. Infertility
Sometimes considered as synonymous with sterility or it implies a failure or delay
in producing the annual live calf. The term subfertility is a more appropriate term.
Semen has no therapeutic effect to “cure” fertility problems in the cow.
Today’s fertility is a reflection of the cow’s environment and management during
the previous two or three months.
“It’s easy to list 60 to 80 different factors that can affect the success of a given
insemination, many of which occurred months prior to the insemination date.
Successful managers recognize each day must be used to prepare cows for
tomorrow’s fertility.”
32. Hereditary or Congenital Anatomical
Defects of the Reproductive Tract that
Affect Fertility
Both congenital and acquired abnormalities of the genital system can influence
fertility.
Anatomical abnormalities usually affect individual cows or heifers and are
therefore unlikely to have a major influence on fertility in a herd.
In some cows, because of the severity of the abnormalities, sterility is manifested at
the time of first service period while in some, where the defect is less severe, it may
not be detected until late in life.
33. Ovarian hypoplasia.
Segmental aplasia of mullerian duct and imperforate hymen.
Congenital lack of endometrial glands.
Double external os of the cervix.
Uterus didelphys.
Intersexuality and freemartinism.
34. Acquired Defects of The Reproductive Tract
Tumours of the ovary, ovaritis,
para-ovarian cysts.
Ovobursal adhesions and
hydrosalpinx and pyosalpinx.
Endometritis and pyometra.
Mucometra or hydrometra.
Perimetritis & parametritis.
Abscess of uterine wall.
Cervicitis and vaginitis.
Tumours of the cervix and vagina.
Fibrosis of vagina and cervix.
35. Hormonal Causes of Infertility
Hormonal or functional forms of infertility mostly affect individual animals
within a herd.
However, when a larger group of animals in a herd are affected- may be due to
inherited factors
nutritional deficiencies or excesses
social influences which may arise from modern husbandry methods.
Hormonal diseases may include cystic ovarian degeneration, failure of estrum
or anestrum and repeat breeders.
Cystic ovarian degeneration
Anestrum
36. Key to Success
Don’t practice-“Stick a dose of semen in her just in case.” (Re-insemination aborts)
The timing of A.I. must ensure that the fertile life of sperm and egg will overlap.
Distinguish the difference between “first standing mount” and “first observed
standing mount”. 4-14 hr. from “first standing mount” .
Once daily A.I. program is appreciable.
Clean hands, clean paper towels, clean equipment and perhaps double sheath
breeding
37. Conclusion
Artificial Insemination has been long used as a tool for the rapid genetic
improvement of the bovine population in the country.
Increased adoption of AI is of utmost importance to improve the productivity
of the dairy animals in the country.
It is necessary that semen production stations equip themselves with the
technology to evaluate and process semen so that there is minimum
deterioration in its inherent quality to fertilize.
Time has come to design more efficient and effective structures that focus on
adding value to the quality product without increasing costs.
Each semen production centre must strive to develop and continually
revalidate semen collection and processing protocols using acceptable
viability criteria that are consistent with recommendations.
In house quality audit and effective implementation of quality management
systems for consistent production of a quality product is required.
38. “We are what we repeatedly
do,therefore, excellence is not a
fact, but a habit”
Aristotles
dr.sharadindu@gmail.com. +91-9007930227
39. • Artificial insemination (AI) is widely accepted as a technology that
can bring about rapid genetic improvement in cattle and buffaloes.
• However, optimum conception rates will only be achieved if the
quality of semen used is good, the insemination is done at the most
appropriate time in relation to the oestrous period, and the
technicians have adequate training and skills in the procedure.
• Although AI is widely used in many Asian countries, the above
factors, together with other socio-economic considerations specific
to smallholder production systems and inadequate infrastructure
for the efficient delivery of AI services, have often led to poor
success rates.
• If these constraints can be overcome, not only would the farmers
and service providers benefit, but the technology would also
become more widely adopted. Wider adoption of AI could then
contribute to better food security and alleviation of rural poverty.
Editor's Notes
This would lead to better benefits to the dairy farmers and also maximising the use of high genetic merit bulls.