Relationship between fertility duration and in vivo sperm storage in broiler breeder hens

1. Seventy Hubbard hens, 75 weeks of age, were divided into groups containing equal numbers of hens on the basis of duration of fertility. Average fertile periods were 14.5 d (long, L) and 6.9 d (short, S). Each hen was artificially inseminated (AI) on three consecutive days with an average of 1.61 X 10(9)/0.05 ml spermatozoa per insemination. Seven hens from each group were killed 1, 3, 6, 9, and 13 d after insemination. 2. Three longitudinal sections of uterovaginal junction were evaluated microscopically for spermatozoal storage capacity by assigning each sperm host gland (SHG) to one of 5 categories: unscorable, empty, one to 5 spermatozoa, 6 to 20 spermatozoa and greater than 20 spermatozoa. 3. The only significant difference in sperm storage at any time between the L and S duration groups occurred at day 1 after AI, when L duration hens possessed significantly more glands with more than 20 spermatozoa. 4. One day after AI the proportion of SHG containing sperm were 28.8% (L group) and 18.6% (S group). There was a significant decrease in the number of glands containing 1 to 5, 6 to 20 and greater than 20 spermatozoa between days 1 to 3 in both groups. 5. Numbers of glands in all categories containing sperm decreased throughout the 13-d period. The L duration group possessed 18.5% more glands with 1 to 5, 6 to 20 and greater than 20 spermatozoa than the S duration group. 6. There were no significant differences between groups in the proportion of unscorable or empty glands throughout, which ranged from 35.9 to 56.8% and 36.3 to 47.1%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Artificial insemination and fertility in turkeys

Large‐type White turkey hens from a flock with a record of low “fertility” (live embryos at 7 to 10 days’ incubation) were distributed randomly into four groups of 50 hens each and were given treatments involving antibiotic and inseminations on a weekly or fortnightly schedule. During the first 5 weeks of the experiment, semen was introduced, via a plastic tube, at least 5 cm. into the oviduct of all birds in each group. Irrespective of the type of treatment, there was a significant rise in “fertility” in all groups. This was sustained for a 4‐week period, with the highest “fertility” occurring in the group inseminated weekly. When shallow insemination was used with two groups, “fertility” over a second 4‐week period was lowest in these two groups. Since percentage infertile eggs could account for the major share of the decline in percentage live embryos, it is postulated that the low live embryo percentage existing previously in the flock resulted from insufficient numbers of spermatozoa being inseminated rather than from a reaction to an unidentified pathogenic agent, as frequently suspected.     

Storage of sperm in the uterovaginal junction and its incidence on the numbers of spermatozoa present in the perivitelline layer of hens' eggs

1. The numbers of spermatozoa found in the perivitelline layer (perivitelline spermatozoa) of hens' eggs during a 14-d period after insemination were found to be log-dose dependent (r = 0.99) on the quantities of spermatozoa inseminated intravaginally in these hens (50, 100, 200 or 400 million/female). 2. Highly significant correlations were also observed between the perivitelline spermatozoa and the proportion of uterovaginal sperm-storage tubules containing spermatozoa on day 14 after insemination. 3. These data confirm that the number of perivitelline spermatozoa in eggs laid on day 2 after artificial insemination (AI) are highly correlated with the mean percentages of fertility of its duration over a 14-d or 24-d period. As a consequence, eggs laid by the 10% highest or the 10% lowest females primarily classified on the basis of this variable exhibited on average 99% or 49.7% fertility, respectively, over a two-week period after AI.     

Pregnancy rates in mares after a single fixed time hysteroscopic insemination of low numbers of frozen-thawed spermatozoa onto the uterotubal junction

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To compensate for the wide variation in the freezability of stallion spermatozoa, it has become common veterinary practice to carry out repeated ultrasonography of the ovaries of oestrous mares in order to be able to inseminate them within 6-12 h of ovulation with a minimum of 300-500 x 10(6) frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Furthermore, in order to achieve satisfactory fertility, this requirement for relatively high numbers of spermatozoa currently limits our ability to exploit recently available artificial breeding technologies, such as sex-sorted semen, for which only 5-20 x 10(6) spermatozoa are available for insemination. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of hysteroscopic vs. conventional insemination when low numbers of spermatozoa are used at a single fixed time after administration of an ovulation-inducing agent. METHODS: In the present study, pregnancy rates were compared in 86 mares inseminated once only with low numbers of frozen-thawed spermatozoa (3-14 x 10(6)) at 32 h after treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), either conventionally into the body of the uterus or hysteroscopically by depositing a small volume of the inseminate directly onto the uterotubal papilla ipsilateral to the ovary containing the pre-ovulatory follicle. RESULTS: Pregnancy rates were similarly high in mares inseminated conventionally or hysteroscopically with 14 x 10(6) motile frozen-thawed spermatozoa (67% vs. 64%). However, when the insemination dose was reduced to 3 x 10(6) spermatozoa, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the mares inseminated hysteroscopically onto the uterotubal junction compared to those inseminated into the uterine body (47 vs. 15%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When inseminating mares with <10 x 10(6) frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa, hysteroscopic uterotubal junction deposition of the inseminate is the preferred method. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Satisfactory pregnancy rates are achievable after insemination of mares with frozen-thawed semen from fertile stallions 32 h after administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (Chorulon). Furthermore, these results were obtained when mares were inseminated with 14 x 10(6) progressively motile frozen-thawed spermatozoa from 2 stallions of proven fertility.     

Effect of age and physiological status on sperm storage 24 hours after artificial insemination in broiler breeder hens

1. Uterovaginal junction (UVJ) tissues were collected 24 h after artificial insemination (AI) from 85- and 125-week-old broiler breeder hens in three physiological states: laying hard shell eggs (HS), laying shell-less eggs (SL) and non-laying (NL). This was confirmed by egg production records and visual appraisal of the oviduct at the time of necropsy. 2. Three longitudinal sections of each UVJ were evaluated microscopically and sperm host glands (SHG) were scored in 5 categories: glandular morphology evident but not lumen present, basophilic stained epithelium and no spermatoza present, glands that contained one to five spermatozoa; glands that contained 6 to 20 spermatozoa and glands that contained more than 20 spermatozoa. 3. Laying hens (HS and SL) at 85 weeks of age had significantly more sperm host glands (SHG) containing spermatozoa than NL hens. At 125 weeks of age HS and SL hens had significantly more unscorable glands. 4. The only category that showed no difference between age and physiological status group was the empty category. No significant differences were observed for any gland category in 82- and 125-week-old NL hens. 5. A greater proportion of the 85-week-old group of HS and SL hens had more SHG containing spermatozoa and fewer unscorable glands that the 125-week-old birds. The only category that showed any difference within the SL group was the low category.     

Sperm-egg penetration in laying breeder flocks: a technique for the prediction of fertility.

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate indices of fertility including the sperm penetration (SP) assay as a technique for the prediction of fertility. Forty-eight males consisting of White Leghorn (WL), New Hampshire (NH), Iraqi Brown (IBr) and Iraqi Barred (IBa) (12 males each) and 64 WL hens were divided at random into 4 groups of 4 replicates of 3 males and 4 females each. 2. At the beginning of each week semen was collected from males and pooled by breed of male. Hens in each breeding group were inseminated once weekly, by breeding group, for 4 consecutive weeks with pooled semen from WL, NH, IBr and IBa males (WLxWL, NHxWL, IBrxWL and IBaxWL). 3. The differences in percentage of dead sperm, acrosomal abnormalities, mass motility, individual motility and spermatocrit between the experimental breeds demonstrated the superiority of WL and NH males in all these quantitative characters of the semen. On the other hand, WL hens inseminated with spermatozoa from NH males had significantly more sperm-egg penetration (SP) holes than WL hens inseminated with spermatozoa from other breeds of males. The breed of males used for insemination affected fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality. 4. The highest fertility and hatchability and lowest embryonic mortality were observed in eggs laid by hens inseminated with spermatozoa from WL and NH males in comparison with hens inseminated with spermatozoa from Iraqi males. 5. There was a strong positive correlation between SP values and fertility for WLxWL, NHxWL, IBrxWL and IBaxWL. The correlation for all breeds combined was also significant. In addition, SP was also positively correlated with hatchability and negatively correlated with embryonic mortality.     

Effect of feeding guanidinoacetic acid and L‐arginine on the fertility rate and sperm penetration in the perivitelline layer of aged broiler breeder hens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and L‐arginine (ARG) on fertility and sperm penetration (SP) rate of broiler breeder hens. In the first experiment, a total of 200 broiler breeder hens (Ross 308) aged 53 week were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 g GAA/kg diet) with five replicates of 10 birds each. In the second experiment, 320 broiler breeder hens (Ross 308) were used from 53 to 62 weeks of age in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (0 or 1.2 g GAA/kg diet along with 0, 3, 6 or 9 g ARG/kg diet). The hens received a diet containing 2800 kcal ME/kg and 14% CP. Sixteen sexually mature Ross 308 breeder roosters (34 weeks old) were used to artificially inseminate the hens. Fertility of the hens was determined in 61 and 62 weeks of age. The sperm penetration holes in the inner perivitelline layer (IPL) overlying the germinal disc were enumerated on days 3 and 7 following each insemination. Adding GAA to the breeder diet increased the number of SPs in the IPL and fertility in both experiments (p < 0.01). The interactive effect of ARG and GAA on the SP and fertility was significant. Supplementary ARG increased the SP rate in the IPL (p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of GAA and ARG might be potentially used to improve the fertility of broiler breeder hens at the later phase of the egg production period.     

Effects of breeder hen age and dietary L-carnitine on progeny embryogenesis

1. Ross 308 broiler breeder hens were given diets containing 0 or 25 mg L-carnitine/kg (8 replications per treatment) from 21 weeks of age. 2. Hens were inseminated with semen from Ross broiler breeder males. In a common facility, subsequent progeny hatchability and embryonic mortality at 25, 30, 32, and 38 weeks of breeder age were evaluated. 3. Subsequent egg component weights, incubational egg water loss, progeny embryo growth, and embryo, yolk sac and liver composition through 18 d of incubation at 27, 32, and 38 weeks of breeder age were evaluated. 4. Calculated additions of L-carnitine were in agreement with analysed contents of 3.5 and 31.1 mg free L-carnitine/kg of diet, respectively, and total L-carnitine concentrations increased by 48.6, 21.7, and 10.0% in 0-d yolk, 18-d yolk sac, and 18-d liver samples, respectively, due to the addition of dietary L-carnitine. 5. Supplemental L-carnitine resulted in increased (0.6%) relative 0-d egg yolk weight across weeks 27, 32, and 38, and reduced (0.38%) 18-d yolk sac palmitoleic acid concentration at week 27 without altering embryogenesis. 6. In conclusion, dietary L-carnitine (25 mg/kg of the diet) was deposited in the yolks of broiler breeder hens and was subsequently transferred to the embryonic liver via yolk sac absorption through 18 d of incubation. Furthermore, dietary L-carnitine supplementation increased ovarian follicle yolk deposition in 27-, 32-, and 38-week-old breeder hens, and influenced yolk sac fatty acid beta-oxidation in embryos from 27-week-old breeder hens causing yolk sac palmitoleic acid concentrations to be reduced by 18 d of incubation.     

Hysteroscopic insemination of mares with low numbers of nonsorted or flow sorted spermatozoa

The objectives of this study were 1) to compare pregnancy rates resulting from 2 methods of insemination using low sperm numbers and 2) to compare pregnancy rates resulting from hysteroscopic insemination of 5 x 106 nonsorted and 5 x 106 spermatozoa sorted for X- and Y-chromosome-bearing populations (flow sorted). Semen was collected with an artificial vagina from 2 stallions of known acceptable fertility. Oestrus was synchronised (June to July) in 40 mares, age 3-10 years, by administering 10 ml altrenogest orally for 10 consecutive days, followed by 250 microg cloprostenol i.m. on Day 11. All mares were given 3000 iu hCG i.v. at the time of insemination to induce ovulation. Mares were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatment groups: mares in Treatment 1 (n = 10) were inseminated with 5 x 10(6) spermatozoa deposited deep into the uterine horn with the aid of ultrasonography. Mares in Treatment 2 (n = 10) were inseminated with 5 x 10(6) spermatozoa deposited onto the uterotubal junction papilla via hysteroscopic insemination. Mares in Treatment 3 (n = 20) were inseminated using the hysteroscopic technique with 5 x 10(6) flow sorted spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were stained with Hoechst 33342 and sorted into X- and Y-chromosome-bearing populations based on DNA content using an SX MoFlo sperm sorter. Pregnancy was determined ultrasonographically at 16 days postovulation. Hysteroscopic insemination resulted in more pregnancies (5/10 = 50%) than did the ultrasound-guided technique (0/10 = 0%; P<0.05) when nonsorted sperm were inseminated. Pregnancy rates were not significantly lower (P>0.05) when hysteroscopic insemination was used for sorted (5/20 = 25%) and nonsorted spermatozoa (5/10 = 50%). Therefore, hysteroscopic insemination of low numbers of flow sorted stallion spermatozoa resulted in reasonable pregnancy rates.     

Distribution of Spermatozoa and Embryos in the Female Reproductive Tract after Unilateral Deep Intra Uterine Insemination in the Pig

The present study was performed to investigate the number of either the spermatozoa or the embryos in the reproductive tracts of sows after unilateral, deep, intra uterine insemination (DIUI). Two experiments were conducted, 10 sows were used in experiment I and eight sows were used in experiment II. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to examine the time when ovulation took place in relation to oestrus behaviour. The sows were inseminated with a single dose of diluted fresh semen 6-8 h prior to expected ovulation, during the second oestrus after weaning. In experimental I, five sows were inseminated by a conventional artificial insemination (AI) technique using 100 ml of diluted fresh semen, containing 3000 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa and five sows were inseminated by the DIUI technique with 5 ml of diluted fresh semen, containing 150 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa. The sows were anesthetized and ovario-hysterectomized approximately 24 h after insemination. The oviducts and the uterine horns on each side of the reproductive tracts were divided into seven segments, namely ampulla, cranial isthmus, caudal isthmus, utero-tubal junction (UTJ), cranial uterine horn, middle uterine horn and caudal uterine horn. Each segment of the reproductive tracts was flushed with Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) through the lumen. The total number of spermatozoa in the flushing from each segment were determined. In experimental II, eight sows were inseminated by the DIUI technique using 5.0 ml diluted fresh semen containing 150 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa. The sows were anesthetized 61.1 +/- 12 h after insemination (48-72 h) and the embryos were flushed from the oviduct through the proximal part of the uterine horn. It was revealed that, in experimental I, the spermatozoa were recovered from both sides of the reproductive tract in the AI-group, and from unilateral side of the reproductive tract in the DIUI-group (three sows from the left and two sows from the right sides). The number of spermatozoa recovered from the reproductive tracts was higher in the AI- than the DIUI-group (p < 0.001). In experiment II, fertilization occurred in five of eight sows (62.5%) after DIUI. The number of ova that ovulated were 16.4 +/- 2.6 per sow and the embryos numbering 11.4 +/- 2.3 per sow were recovered from both sides of the reproductive tract. In conclusion, the spermatozoa given by DIUI could be recovered from only one side of the reproductive tract of sows at approximately 24 h after DIUI via the flushing technique. However, embryos were found in both sides of the oviducts and the proximal part of the uterine horns 48-72 h after insemination, indicating that the fertilization occurred in both sides of the oviducts.     

Successful Low Dose Insemination of Flow Cytometrically Sorted Ram Spermatozoa in Sheep

The fertility of ram spermatozoa that had undergone flow cytometric sorting (MoFlo SX) and cryopreservation was assessed after low-dose insemination of synchronized Merino ewes. Oestrus was synchronized with progestagen-impregnated pessaries, PMSG and GnRH treatment. Ewes (n = 360) were inseminated with 1 x 10(6), 5 x 10(6) or 15 x 10(6) motile sorted frozen-thawed (S(1), S(5), or S(15) respectively) or non-sorted frozen-thawed (C(1), C(5) or C(15) respectively) spermatozoa from three rams. An additional group of ewes were inseminated with 50 x 10(6) motile non-sorted frozen-thawed spermatozoa (C(50)) to provide a commercial dose control. The percentage of ewes lambing after insemination was similar for C(50) (24/38, 63.2%), C(15) (37/54, 68.5%), S(15) (38/57, 66.7%), S(5) (37/56, 66.1%) and S(1) (32/52, 61.5%) groups (p > 0.05), but lower for C(5) (19/48, 39.6%) and C(1) (19/55, 34.5%) treatments (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates sorted ram spermatozoa are equally fertile to non-sorted spermatozoa even when inseminated at 2% of the dose. Furthermore, at very low artificial insemination doses (1 or 5 million motile) the fertility of sorted ram spermatozoa is superior to non-sorted spermatozoa inseminated in equal numbers. These results have significance for the future commercialization of sex-preselection technology in sheep as a reduction in the minimum effective sperm number will allow a corresponding decrease in the associated cost per dose.     

Relationship of the number of spermatozoa inseminated to fertility of turkey semen stored 6 h at 5 degrees C

The relationship was investigated between turkey hen fertility and the total number and the number of viable spermatozoa inseminated, after semen storage for 6 h at 5 degrees C. The minimum numbers of total and viable spermatozoa necessary for high fertility during the first 15 weeks of production were respectively 175 and 150 X 10(6) weekly. The number of viable spermatozoa produced by breeding males decreased with age. Adjusting the insemination dose of viable spermatozoa weekly over 15 weeks resulted in a consistent high rate of fertility.     

Sperm distribution in the reproductive tract of sows after intrauterine insemination

The purpose of the present study was to compare the number of spermatozoa obtained from different parts of the oviducts and the uterine horns of sows after intrauterine insemination (IUI) and conventional artificial insemination (AI), 24 h after insemination. Twelve crossbred (Landrace x Yorkshire) multiparous sows were used in the experiment. The sows were examined for standing oestrus using a back pressure test and were examined every 4 h after standing oestrus by real-time B-mode ultrasonography to estimate the time of ovulation. The sows were allocated to two groups, group I sows (n = 6) were inseminated by a conventional AI technique with 3 x 10(9) motile spermatozoa in 100 ml of extended semen, and group II sows (n = 6) were inseminated by an IUI technique using 1 x 10(9) motile spermatozoa in 50 ml of extended semen. A single dose of AI or IUI was given using the same boar, 8-10 h before the expected time of ovulation during the second oestrus after weaning. Twenty four hours after insemination, the sows were ovario-hysterectomized. The oviducts and the uterine horns were removed and divided into seven parts, the cranial, middle and caudal uterine horns, the utero-tubal junction (UTJ), the cranial and caudal isthmus, and the ampulla. All parts of the reproductive tract were flushed and the spermatozoa were counted using a haemocytometer. The results revealed that the spermatozoa were found in both the oviducts and the uterine horns in all animals. The number of flushed spermatozoa in the UTJ of groups I and II, was 142,500 and 131,167 (p > 0.05), and in the caudal isthmus was 1411 and 1280 (p > 0.05), respectively. The proportion of spermatozoa in different parts of the reproductive tract in relation to the total number of spermatozoa within the tract was not significantly different between groups I and II (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that IUI, with a three-time reduction in the number of spermatozoa used resulted in the same number of spermatozoa to be deposited in the sperm reservoir around ovulation time.     

Effects of ad libitum feeding on performance of different strains of broiler breeders

(1) Tolerance to ad libitum feeding was compared in three genotypes of broiler breeder hens: a standard broiler breeder fed ad libitum (SA) or restricted (SR), a slow growing 'label' broiler breeder (L) and an experimental dwarf heavy broiler breeder (E). Two similar experiments were conducted in two distinct research centres. (2) Feed intake and body weight were measured every 3 weeks from hatch to 40 to 49 weeks of age. Egg production and egg abnormalities were recorded. The number of yellow follicles in ovaries was counted at the age of 32 weeks. (3) Body weight was stabilised at 2.2, 3.7 and 5.4 kg after 24 weeks of age in L, E and SA hens, respectively. Growth of the SR hens was similar to that of L up to 20 weeks and stabilised at a similar level to that of E hens after 30 weeks of age. (4) Sexual maturity was delayed by 6 weeks in restricted breeders compared to ad libitum fed hens that started to lay at 20 weeks. SA hens had low egg production and a high proportion of defective eggs, which was largely compensated for by feed restriction. However, productivity of SR hens remained lower than that of L breeders. (5) Compared to the low viability and reproductive fitness observed with SA hens, the E dwarf broiler breeder tolerated ad libitum feeding and had better egg production, fewer egg abnormalities and yellow follicles per ovary and a higher egg production. However, laying rate was still lower than that of the SR and L groups. Energy conversion (kJ/g egg) from 32 to 40 weeks of age was much higher in the SA group than in the other three groups. 6. The feasibility of feeding a dwarf broiler breeder ad libitum calls for further research on implications of specific IGF and GH-receptor expression at the level of the ovary in dw chickens.     

The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on plasma metabolites and hepatic gene expression in broiler breeder hens

ABSTRACT

1. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laying rate, body weight, plasma metabolites and some liver gene expression in broiler breeder hens.

2. A total of 128 broiler breeder hens (Arbor Acres Plus, 47 weeks of age) were randomly distributed to four dietary groups supplemented with different levels of CoQ10 (0, 300, 600 or 900 mg/kg diet) with four replicates of eight hens each. During 47–54 weeks of age, laying rate, egg mass and body weight were recorded weekly. To assay plasma biochemical indicators, blood samples were collected at 54 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, for evaluating the abdominal fat weight, liver weight and expression of the adiponectin and proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) genes in the liver, eight hens per treatment were selected, weighed and humanely killed by decapitation.

3. Dietary supplementation of CoQ10 linearly decreased abdominal fat weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities by increased levels of CoQ10. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were quadratically decreased by increased levels of CoQ10. The best plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and ALP activity were estimated at 562.5, 633.3 and 517.8 mg CoQ10/kg diet, respectively. Adiponectin and PPARα gene expression exhibited a linear increased by increased levels of CoQ10.

4. In conclusion, addition of CoQ10 to the diet influenced lipid metabolism and expression of the adiponectin and PPAR-α genes, which might be partially due to the improvement in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production. However, further studies are necessary to determine the effects of CoQ10 on these indicators in broiler breeder hens during ageing.     

Intratubal insemination with fresh semen in dogs

The number of spermatozoa required to obtain conception by intratubal insemination in dogs was examined. Three groups consisting of 5, 8 and 8 dogs received 0.5 x 10 (6), 2.0 x 10(6) and 4.0 x 10(6) spermatozoa, respectively, into each uterine tube. No conception occurred in the 5 animals inseminated with 0.5 x 10(6) spermatozoa, but conception occurred in 6/8 (75.0%) and 3/8 (37.5%) dogs inseminated with 2.0 x 10(6) and 4.0 x 10 (6) spermatozoa, respectively. Among the pregnant animals, three aborted (33.3%) and the mean number of newborns was small, 2.5 +/- 0.5 (SE). One acardiacus anceps was observed with normal fetus in one animal with a Caesarean delivery.     

The effect of spermatozoa and seminal plasma on leukocyte migration into the uterus of gilts.

Yorkshire x Landrace gilts were used to determine the effect of spermatozoa and seminal plasma on postbreeding uterine leukocyte influx. Estrus detection was performed with a boar at 12-h intervals following synchronization with 400 IU eCG and 200 IU of hCG. All gilts were AI once, 24 h after the detection of estrus following random assignment to a 2x2x3 factorial arrangement of treatments (sperm or sperm-free AI doses), AI dose medium (seminal plasma or PBS), and lavage time following AI. Gilts were treated with sperm (5x10(9) spermatozoa; SPZ; n = 30) or sperm-free (SF; n = 30) doses containing either 100 mL of seminal plasma (SP; n = 15/treatment) or PBS (n = 15/treatment). Uterine lavage was performed once on each gilt (n = 20/time) at one of three times after AI (6, 12, or 36 h) to determine the total number of uterine leukocytes. The leukocytes consisted predominately (92 to 99%) of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMN). There was an AI x medium interaction on uterine PMN numbers. The number of uterine PMN recovered from gilts inseminated with sperm suspended in PBS was greater than the number of PMN recovered from the uterine lumen of gilts inseminated with sperm in SP, SP alone, or PBS alone (P<.05). Furthermore, SP accelerated the rate of uterine clearance when suspended with sperm cells during the first 36 h following AI (P<.05). These results indicate that seminal plasma suppresses PMN migration into the uterus following breeding and enhances the rate of disappearance of uterine inflammation.     

Early body-weight selection of broiler breeder males in relation to reproductive and growth performance of their offspring

1. The effectiveness of selection of broiler breeder males for body weight at 3 weeks of age on later growth, semen quality and performance of progeny has been tested. 2. Correlation between 3- and 20-week body weights in the breeders was poor but significant. 3. On the basis of 3-week body weight males were divided into heavy birds (mean + 0.5 standard deviation) and all birds. 4. Semen quality was not different between the two groups, but some selection for semen quality was practised within groups. 5. There were no differences in fertility and hatchability of eggs produced from hens artificially inseminated with diluted, stored semen from both groups. 6. There was a small, positive, but non-significant, effect of selection of breeder males on body weight of progeny at 6 weeks of age.     

Intrauterine and intravaginal insemination with frozen canine semen using an extender consisting of orvus ES paste-supplemented egg yolk tris-fructose citrate

Our previous report indicated that addition of Orvus ES Paste (OEP) to the extender of frozen canine semen protected acrosomes and maintained sperm motility after thawing. In this study, artificial insemination (AI) using the frozen semen was carried out. The frozen semen was prepared using egg yolk Tris-fructose citrate, and the final concentrations of glycerol and OEP were 7% (v/v) and 0.75% (v/v), respectively. AI was performed during the optimal mating period predicted from the peripheral plasma progesterone level. In intrauterine insemination (IUI), the bitches were laparotomized and 1 x 10(8) spermatozoa were infused into one of the uterine horns. In insemination of non-OEP supplemented semen, 3 x 10(8) spermatozoa were inseminated. In intravaginal insemination (IVI), 10-40 x 10(8) spermatozoa were inseminated. Conception was obtained in nine of 10 bitches (90.0%) that underwent IUI. The number of newborns was from 1 to 7 (mean 3.6 +/- 0.9). The mean ratio of the number of puppies to the number of ovulations in the inseminated uterine horn was 71.8%. The number of puppies did not exceed the number of ovulation in the inseminated uterine horn. Conception using non-OEP supplemented frozen semen was unsuccessful in all four bitches. In IVI, conception was not obtained in any of the six bitches that received insemination of 10 x 10(8) or 40 x 10(8) spermatozoa, but two of three bitches that received insemination of 20 x 10(8) spermatozoa were fertilized. It was shown that a high conception rate can be obtained by IUI using OEP-supplemented frozen canine semen. Developmenmt of a non-surgical method of IUI and a method of freezing canine sperm applicable to IVI is necessary.     

Possible causes of subfertility in hens following insemination near the time of oviposition

Spermatozoa incubated in uterine fluid collected 7 or 18 h after ovulation showed no significant differences either in motility or in fecundity, despite wide variations of composition of the uterine fluid itself. The absence of uterine fluid in the oviduct 1 h before oviposition may be partially responsible for spermatozoa being unable to migrate easily to the storage sites after insemination of this time. Females inseminated intravaginally at the presumed time of oviposition showed consistently low fertility, irrespective of whether an egg was present in the uterus or not. Normal fertility rates could be achieved with inseminations intravaginally at or near the time of oviposition if the uterine contractions associated with oviposition were inhibited by treatment with indomethacin. Hens inseminated intravaginally 1 h after oviposition retained lower proportions (0.4 to 0.7%) of the initial dose of spermatozoa (measured 2 h after insemination) in their oviduct that hens inseminated 5 to 6 h after oviposition (4.5 to 23.3%).