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PubMed1989

Screening for cytomegalovirus antibody in a donor insemination program: difficulties in implementing The American Fertility Society guidelines.

With the recommendations of The American Fertility Society that all donors and recipients in a donor insemination programme should be screened for CMV antibody, we have documented the prevalence of CMV antibody in donors, recipients, and their partners in our clinic. Forty percent of our donors were CMV-positive, and in only 35% of the couples were both partners negative. The implications of using exclusively CMV-negative donors are examined. The necessity for further research on the detection and the transmission of various strains of CMV and the effects of cryopreservation on them is emphasized.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1997

Ultrasonographic endometrial changes after intrauterine insemination: a comparison of two catheters.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the transvaginal ultrasonographic (US) endometrial changes immediately after IUI using the Edwards Wallace (H.G. Wallace, Limited, Colchester, Essex, UK) and Tom-Cat (Sherwood Medical, St. Louis, MO) catheters. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: IVF unit. PATIENT(S) AND INTERVENTION(S): Eighty-two infertile patients underwent 112 cycles of ovulation induction with IUI. Either the Edwards Wallace catheter (group 1, n = 32) or the Tom-Cat catheter (group 2, n = 80) was used for sperm insemination. The presence of an endometrial three-layer pattern before IUI was a prerequisite for inclusion in the study. After each IUI, the endometrium was reassessed by transvaginal US. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ultrasonographic endometrial changes, clinical pregnancy rates (PRs), complications, and patients' complaints were compared between the two groups. RESULT(S): Total destruction of the endometrial three-layer pattern was observed in 12.5% of the cycles in group 1, compared with 50% of the cycles in group 2. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 14 (12.5%) of the 112 IUI cycles. A higher PR was achieved when the endometrial three-layer pattern was preserved after IUI. The patients in group 2 had more complaints of bleeding and pain during the procedure. CONCLUSION(S): Ultrasonographic changes after IUI suggest that the Edwards Wallace catheter is significantly less traumatic to the endometrium than the Tom-Cat catheter. Although both catheters yielded the same overall PR, there was a trend indicating that sparing the endometrial three-layer pattern from damage increases the chance of conception.

Catheterization↗
PubMed1997

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and intrauterine insemination in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To treat obstructive azoospermia by using sperm recovered from percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration in IUI. DESIGN: Clinical study. SETTING: Institutional clinic in Jinan. PATIENT(S): Six men with obstructive azoospermia, three of whom were treated with percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and IUI; sperm recovered from this procedure were used for IUIs. INTERVENTION(S): Spermatozoa used for intrauterine injection were retrieved by percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and incubated at 37 degrees C for 40 to 60 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Normal pregnancy. RESULT(S): Intrauterine insemination was performed in three patients for one or two cycles, with motile spermatozoa. There was one successful term delivery. CONCLUSION(S): Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration can be used successfully to recover sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia for use in IUI. The technique is simple and less traumatic than an open surgical procedure.

Female↗
PubMed1997

The impact of sperm morphology evaluated by strict criteria on intrauterine insemination success.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between IUI success and the level of morphologically normal sperm, evaluated using strict criteria, in the raw semen. DESIGN: Evaluation of semen quality characteristics and pregnancy results for 538 stimulated IUI cycles. SETTING: University medical center infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing IUI with their partner's semen as treatment for infertility (n = 193). INTERVENTION(S): Ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate, hMG, or both; preparation of raw semen using wash and swim-up or Percoll; deposition of prepared semen at the uterine fundus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy status after IUI. Percentage morphologically normal sperm in raw semen, evaluated using strict criteria. Sperm concentration and percentage motile sperm in raw and prepared semen. RESULT(S): Pregnancy rates (PRs) per cycle were not different when the percentage of morphologically normal sperm in raw semen was < 5%, 5% to 9%, 10% to 19%, 20% to 29%, and > or = 30% (6.5% +/- 3.9%, 13.6% +/- 3.2%, 8.8% +/- 2.4%, 7.1% +/- 2.5%, and 9.7% +/- 3.3%, respectively). Pregnancy rates did not differ among age groups, infertility diagnoses, ovarian stimulation protocols, or semen preparation methods. CONCLUSION(S): The percentage of morphologically normal sperm in the raw semen, as judged by strict criteria, did not affect IUI PR. Intrauterine insemination appears to be a successful treatment modality for male factor infertility, even when the percentage of morphologically normal sperm in raw semen is very low.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of fallopian tube sperm perfusion with intrauterine insemination in the treatment of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of fallopian tube sperm perfusion utilizing a Foley catheter technique with standard IUI. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. SETTING: The infertility units of the University Central Hospital and the Family Federation of Finland, Oulu, Finland. PATIENT(S): One hundred infertile women with unexplained factor, minimal to mild endometriosis, mild male factor, or ovarian dysfunction, undergoing 50 IUI and 50 fallopian tube sperm perfusion cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate and hMG. INTERVENTION(S): Thirty-six hours after hCG administration, patients were randomized to either the IUI group (group 1, 50 patients and cycles) or the fallopian tube sperm perfusion group (group 2, 50 patients and cycles). Intrauterine insemination was performed using a standard method and fallopian tube sperm perfusion with a pediatric Foley catheter, which prevents the reflux of sperm suspension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of clinical pregnancies. RESULTS(S): The fallopian tube sperm perfusion method using a Foley catheter technique was easy to perform and convenient for the patients. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 8% for fallopian tube sperm perfusion and 20% for IUI, a difference that was not significant. CONCLUSION(S): The fallopian tube sperm perfusion method using a Foley catheter offers no advantage in comparison with the conventional IUI technique.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Stigma, disclosure, and family functioning among parents of children conceived through donor insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of gender, male infertility factor, and other demographic variables on stigma and whether parents tell their children that they were conceived by donor insemination (DI) and to ascertain if stigma and the disclosure decision affect parental bonding with the child or the quality of the interparental relationship. DESIGN: One hundred eighty-four San Francisco Bay Area couples who had become parents by DI were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. SETTING: A private infertility practice. PATIENT(S): Eighty-two men and 94 women who completed the questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: A questionnaire assessing disclosure, stigma, parental bonding, and the quality of the interparental relationship. RESULT(S): Factors that increased the couple's likelihood of disclosure included younger age, azoospermia, lower stigma scores, and having more than one DI child. Fathers who scored higher on stigma reported less parental warmth and parental fostering of independence. CONCLUSION(S): Because the decision regarding disclosure of DI treatment was not linked to parental bonding with the child or to the quality of the interparental relationship, we cannot conclude that nondisclosure is harmful to family relationships or is a symptom of family problems. The husband's perceptions of stigma however, may affect the father--child relationship adversely.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Sonographic assessment of endometrial pattern and thickness in patients treated with clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotropins, and intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the endometrium sonographically in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate (CC) in addition to menotropins to determine the significance of endometrial pattern and thickness on pregnancy rate (PR). DESIGN: A prospective study analyzing patients receiving sequential CC and hMG followed by hCG and IUI. Patients who exhibited homogeneous endometrial patterns were compared with those who had trilaminar patterns visualized by transvaginal sonography at the end of the follicular phase. Endometrial thickness was emphasized in this group of patients. SETTING: Tertiary infertility center. PATIENT(S): All patients receiving sequential CC and hMG therapy at a tertiary infertility center. INTERVENTION(S): All patients received individualized dosing of hMG after 5 days of CC. Transvaginal sonography was performed 15 hours before hCG administration. Intrauterine insemination was performed 36 hours after hCG injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Occurrence of pregnancy as determined by serially rising beta-hCG titers and sonographic confirmation. RESULT(S): During the study period, 223 patients were analyzed. Fifty patients had a homogeneous endometrium, whereas 173 patients had a trilaminar pattern. In the homogeneous group, the PR was 8%, and in the trilaminar group it was 21%. There was no significant difference in age, parity, diagnosis, peak E2 level, and mature follicle number between the two groups. Although homogeneous patterns were associated with thinner endometrium, no difference in PRs could be discerned within the trilaminar group on the basis of endometrial thickness. CONCLUSION(S): In patients receiving sequential CC and hMG ovarian stimulation, a homogeneous endometrial pattern on the day of hCG administration predicts a significantly decreased PR compared with a trilaminar pattern.

Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human↗
PubMed1997

Correlation between semen parameters of electroejaculates and achieving pregnancy by intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether any parameter in the routine semen analysis of electroejaculates is correlated with success in achieving pregnancy by IUI. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: An Assisted Reproductive Program at a tertiary care university center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-seven anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury (n = 24) or history of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (n = 3), thirteen of whom attempted conception with their wives. INTERVENTION(S): Anejaculatory men underwent rectal probe electroejaculation and electroejaculates were used for IUI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Statistical correlation of semen parameters between electroejaculates that resulted in pregnancy and those that did not. RESULT(S): Seven pregnancies resulted from 56 IUIs using electroejaculates (pregnancy rate = 12.5% per IUI). The total motile sperm count and percentage of normal morphology were significantly higher in the specimens that resulted in pregnancies than those that did not. However, there was no statistically significant difference observed in pH, sperm concentration, or percentage of motility between the two groups. Swim-up techniques used to process electroejaculates significantly improved the motility of the specimens. No pregnancy occurred beyond the fifth IUI attempt. Repeated electroejaculation and duration of spinal cord injury had no effect on the quality of the ejaculates. CONCLUSION(S): The total motile sperm count and the percentage normal morphology of electroejaculates correlate with success in achieving pregnancy by IUI. Because repeated electroejaculation does not improve quality of ejaculate, the initial semen analysis of electroejaculates is not only useful in counseling couples undergoing such treatment program but should be planned for use as an inseminate.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Differences in the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor in 1980 and in 1996.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor (AID) in 1980 and in 1996. DESIGN: Replication study. SETTING: Infertility clinic of the Utrecht university hospital. PATIENT(S): Couples who conceived a child through AID in 1980 (n = 134) or in 1996 (n = 110). INTERVENTION(S): Anonymous questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Answers to questionnaires. RESULT(S): Couples who conceive a child through AID still strongly prefer (84%) absolute anonymity of the donor. In both 1980 and 1996, most couples (approximately 80%) decided not to inform their child about the nature of his or her conception. In 1996, couples who considered informing their child hesitated significantly less and showed significantly more openness toward others. In addition, more couples wanted unidentifiable data about the donor and considered it more important to use the same donor for a subsequent child. CONCLUSION(S): Between 1980 and 1996, the number of couples who conceived a child through AID and adhered to absolute anonymity of the donor and secrecy toward the child remained the same, whereas their openness toward others and desire for unidentifiable data about the donor increased.

Attitude↗
PubMed1999

Fallopian sperm perfusion versus intrauterine insemination: a randomized controlled trial and metaanalysis of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether fallopian sperm perfusion significantly improves pregnancy rates over intrauterine insemination (IUI) in infertile patients. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial and metaanalysis of the literature. SETTING: University-based infertility practice. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation were included in the prospective trial. They were <40 years of age and had no tubal obstructions, and their partners had no history of severe oligospermia. The metaanalysis was done using the patients with unexplained infertility from this study and from other randomized controlled trials found through a MEDLINE data base search. INTERVENTION(S): After undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, the patients were randomly assigned to receive either IUI or fallopian sperm perfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): Only the patients with unexplained infertility had a statistically higher pregnancy rate with fallopian sperm perfusion (odds ratio, 4.1; confidence interval, 1.1-16.4). A metaanalysis of the prospective randomized trials that provided data on patients with unexplained infertility showed a significant improvement in pregnancy rates with fallopian sperm perfusion (odds ratio, 1.9; confidence interval, 1.2-3). CONCLUSION(S): Fallopian sperm perfusion does not improve the chances of pregnancy in patients with infertility other than those with unexplained infertility. Fallopian sperm perfusion does significantly improve the pregnancy rates of patients with unexplained infertility who undergo controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin/insemination protocols.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Administration of minute quantities of 17beta-estradiol on the nasal area terminates early pregnancy in inseminated female mice.

It is well established that chemical emissions of novel males disrupt intrauterine implantation of fertilized ova in inseminated female mice, but the specific nature of these chemicals is not known. Given that novel males excrete androgens and estrogens in their urine and feces, the current experiments were designed to determine whether nasal application of these steroids could disrupt pregnancy. Nasal application of testosterone propionate to females during early pregnancy had no impact on gestation. However, nasal application of 17beta-estradiol terminated all pregnancies in females at all doses greater than or equal to approximately 1 microg/day. Nasal application of 17beta-estradiol benzoate similarly terminated all pregnancies in females at very low doses. In subcutaneous administration, 17beta-estradiol is also the most potent steroid in disrupting pregnancy compared to other estrogens and androgens. These data suggest the possibility that males' emission of estrogens is among factors mediating the Bruce effect.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2001

Timed artificial insemination in beef cattle using GnRH agonist, PGF2alpha and estradiol benzoate (EB).

The present work evaluated low-cost protocols for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in beef cattle. In Experiment 1, cycling nonlactating Nelore cows (Bos indicus, n=98) were assigned to the following groups: GnRH-PGF (GP) and GnRH-PGF-GnRH (GPG), whereas cycling (n=328, Experiment 2) or anestrus (n = 225, Experiment 3) lactating (L) cows were divided into 3 groups: GP-L, GPG-L and GnRH-PGF-Estradiol benzoate (GPE-L). In Experiment 4, lactating cows (n=201) were separated into 3 groups: GP-L, GPE-L and G/2PE-L. Animals from Experiment 1, 3 and 4 were treated (Day 0), at random stages of the estrous cycle, with 8 microg of buserelin acetate (GnRH agonist) intramuscularly (i.m.), whereas in Experiment 2 half of the cows received 8 and the other half 12 microg of GnRH (i.m.). Seven days later (D 7) all animals were treated with 25 mg of dinoprost trometamine (PGF2alpha, i.m.) except those cows from the G/2PE-L group which received only 1/2 dose of PGF2alpha (12.5 mg) via intravulvo-submucosa (i.v.s.m.). After PGF2alpha injection the animals from the control groups (GP and GP-L) were observed twice daily to detect estrus and AI was performed 12 h afterwards. The cows from the other groups received a second GnRH injection (D 8 in GPG-L and d9 in GPG groups) or one injection of estradiol benzoate (EB, 1.0 mg, D 8 in GPE-L group). All cows from GPG and GPG-L or GPE-L groups were AI 20 to 24 or 30 to 34 h, respectively, after the last hormonal injection. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography or rectal palpation 30 to 50 days after AI. In the control groups (GP and GP-L) percentage of animals detected in heat (44.5 to 70.3%) and pregnancy rate (20 to 42%) varied according to the number of animals with corpus luteum (CL) at the beginning of treatment. The administration of a second dose of GnRH either 24 (Experiment 2) or 48 h (Experiment 1) after PGF2alpha resulted in 47.7 and 44.9% pregnancy rates, respectively, after TAI in cycling animals. However, in anestrus cows the GPG treatment induced a much lower pregnancy rate (14.9%) after TAI. The replacement of the second dose of GnRH by EB (GPE-L) resulted in a pregnancy rate (43.3%) comparable to that obtained after GnRH treatment (GPG-L, 47.7%, Experiment 2). Furthermore, the use of 1/2 dose of PGF2alpha (12.5 mg i.v.m.s., Experiment 4) resulted in pregnancy rate (43.5%) similar to that observed with the full dose (i.m.). Both protocols GPG and GPE were effective in synchronizing ovulation in cycling Nelore cows and allowed approximately a 45% pregnancy rate after TAI. Additionally, the GPE treatment is a promising alternative to the use of GPG in timed AI of beef cattle, due to the low cost of EB when compared to GnRH agonists.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Ram-induced ovulation to improve artificial insemination efficiency with frozen semen in sheep.

Ram effect, defined as shortening of seasonal anestrus in ewes by exposure to the ram, is now well recognized but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Little information also exists whether the ram is able to influence the estrus cycle and ovulation. Three experiments were conducted to investigate endocrine response, time of ovulation and pregnancy rate of ewes in proestrus, exposed to the ram (treated) or an adult ewe (control). In the first experiment, ewes (n = 20) were treated with fluorgestone acetate pessaries for 12 days and were given eCG and cloprostenol one day before withdrawal of pessaries. On the day after removal of the pessaries ewes in the treated group (n = 10) were exposed to the ram and those in the control group (n = 10) were exposed to an adult ewe. Blood samples were taken for LH assay every 20 min from 2 h before to 24 h after ram exposure. In the second experiment, ewes (n = 120) were induced into proestrus and on the day after removal of the pessaries were exposed to either a ram (n = 60) or a ewe (n = 60) as described above and were laparoscoped 50, 60 or 70 h after pessary withdrawal (n = 20 at each time interval). In the third experiment ewes (n = 90) were induced and exposed to the ram (n = 45) or an adult ewe (n = 45) and inseminated via a laparoscope whit frozen-thawed semen at 50 or 60 h after pessary removal, respectively. Exposure to the ram was followed in 2 h by a marked rise in LH, equivalent to a preovulatory surge in duration and amplitude. It was also followed by concentrated ovulation within 25 to 30 h and by an increased pregnancy rate in exposed ewes (73.3 vs. 53.3%).

Anestrus↗
PubMed2001

Intrabursal transfer of spermatozoa (ITS): a new route for artificial insemination of mice.

Artificial insemination (AI) by direct injection of epididymal spermatozoa into the reproductive tract of females is simpler and more convenient than in vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent transfer of fertilized eggs to recipient oviducts for simultaneous acquisition of a large number of pups. Introduction of epididymal spermatozoa into oviducts via the oviductal wall or via vaginal and intrauterine routes is currently the most commonly used method for AI in mice. In this study, we explored another route for AI of the mouse and found that transfer of spermatozoa into a space near the infundibulum between the ovary and ovarian bursa enables in vivo fertilization of ovulated oocytes at the ampulla. When 1 microL of a sperm suspension containing 1 x 10(4) spermatozoa freshly isolated from B6C3F1 males was intrabursally injected into superovulated B6C3F1 females on E (embryonic day) 0.4 (10:00 AM), 5 of 7 females yielded 2-cell embryos with rates of efficiency ranging from 4 to 21% (11% on average), which were much lower than those (91% on average) for embryos obtained by natural mating. All the 2-cell embryos derived from injection of sperm developed in vitro to hatched blastocysts. Similar results were obtained from injection of 1 microL of sperm suspension containing 1 x 10(3) spermatozoa, although in vivo fertilizing ability was slightly improved (28% on average). When 1 microL of sperm suspension containing 1 x 10(4) spermatozoa was injected intrabursally into superovulated females that had been mated with vasectomized males, 6 of 10 mice (60%) yielded 19 normal mid-gestational fetuses with an average litter size of 3.2, which was much lower than that (14.5) for embryos obtained by natural mating. Although the present findings appear to be preliminary, this technique, based on the intrabursal transfer of spermatozoa, will be of practical use for AI in mice, particularly for transgenic and mutant mice that are often difficult to breed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of two Ovsynch protocols (GnRH versus LH) for fixed timed insemination in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

We evaluated the efficiency of replacing GnRH with LH in the ovulation synchronization protocol in buffaloes. Buffaloes received GnRH on Day 0, (Buserelin; Conceptal, 20 microg), PGF2alpha (Luprostiol; Prosolvin, 15 mg) on Day 7 and GnRH (Buserelin; Conceptal, 10 microg; Group 1) or porcine LH (LH; Lutropin-V, 12.5 mg; Group 2) on Day 9. In Experiment 1, we studied the follicular dynamics of 30 buffaloes (Group 1, n = 15 and Group 2, n = 15). We performed ultrasonography every 12 h from Days 0 to 2, then on Day 7 and then every 6 h from the time of GnRH or LH treatment (Day 9) until the time of ovulation. All females not ovulating by 48 h after the second GnRH or LH injection were considered as nonresponders. In Experiment 2, we evaluated 305 buffaloes (Group 1, n = 154; Group 2, n = 151), using the same two treatments studied in Experiment 1. We also recorded and evaluated aspects like parity, lactational status, the presence of mucus, and uterine tone at the time of artificial insemination (Al). In Experiment 1, ovulation rate after the first GnRH was 86.6% (26/30). Ovulation rates were 93.3% (14/15; Group 1) after the second dose of GnRH and 93.3% (14/15) after LH (Group 2). Ovulation occurred 36.4+/-10.4 h after the first GnRH. The interval for treatment to ovulation was 26.5+/-9.6 h for buffaloes treated with GnRH (Group 1) and 24.4+/-7.9 h for buffaloes treated with LH (Group 2); the time of ovulation did not differ statistically between the two groups (GnRH versus LH; P > 0.05). In Experiment 2, conception rates of the animals AI in the field were 56.5% (Group 1) and 64.2% (Group 2), respectively (P = 0.08). The response to the treatment with LH was not different to the treatment with GnRH; however, multiparous buffaloes had higher conception rates than the primiparous buffaloes in both groups (P > 0.05). Buffaloes with mucus at the time of AI in Group 2 had higher conception rates than the buffaloes that had mucus in Group 1 (P < 0.05). Uterine tone and lactational status did not influence conception rates (P > 0.05). In summary, the results showed that both treatments resulted in synchronization of ovulation and acceptable conception rates. Therefore, the exogenous injection of LH can substitute the GnRH injections in the Ovsynch program in buffaloes.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Reproductive performance of early-weaned female swine according to their estrus profile and frequency of artificial insemination.

We determined the estrus profile (weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), estrus duration (ED), and frequency of estrus per detection period) in 184 female swine and estimated the effect of the WEI, ED and frequency of artificial insemination (AI) on farrowing rate (FR) and litter size. Estrus detection was done at 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The WEI was categorized as short (<100 h), medium (100-120 h) and long (>120 h). The ED was categorized as short (<60 h), medium (60-72 h) and long (>72 h). Mean lactation length was 14.6 days, mean WEI was 124.5 h and mean ED was 69 h. In each weaning group, females received either one or two AI, following a breeding schedule based on the estrus profile. In single-mated females, Al was performed 36 h after the beginning of estrus. In double-mated females, the first AI was done 24 h after the beginning of estrus and the second AI occurred 12 h later. The period of estrus detection had no effect (P > 0.05) on WEI, ED, FR, total born (TB) and live born litter size (LB). Mean FR was 82.6%, mean TB was 10.0% and mean LB was 9.2%. Mean ED was shorter (P < 0.03) for females having medium and long WEI (67.0 and 65.4 h, respectively) than for those having short WEI (72.2 h). A linear regression analysis identified a weak (R2 = 0.02) but significant negative association between ED and WEI (P = 0.05). The WEI did not influence FR (P > 0.05). Total litter size for females having short WEI (9.4) was lower (P < 0.03) than for those having long WEI (10.4). Also, LB for females having medium and long WEI (9.7-9.8) was higher (P < 0.05) than for those having short WEI (8.7). AI frequency had no effect on FR (P > 0.05). TB and LB litter size were lower (P < 0.05) for single-mated females (9.6 and 9.0, respectively) than for double-mated females (10.7 and 9.6, respectively). Double Al was associated with higher subsequent litter size. However, breeding schedules based only on estrus profile may not be precise in determining ideal breeding time, since females having short WEI had the longest ED and produced the lowest litter size.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Artificial insemination: the state of the art.

The history of research into artificial insemination (AI) is over two centuries old and its commercial application now spans 75 years. It is appropriate to reflect on the contribution of this powerful method of gene dispersal. AI remains as one of the most important assisted reproductive technologies. The three cornerstones for its application are: it is simple, economical and successful. The importance of AI will be challenged in the next few decades. The remarkable progress made in other assisted reproductive technologies does have the potential to rapidly generate offspring. The challenge for any of these reproductive technologies to attain widespread use is to match AI in being simple, economical and successful. This review aims at capturing the salient advances in AI, the comparisons with natural mating and other reproductive technologies, and, whether the future of AI will be challenged. It predicts what the new horizon looks like and the role that AI will play in the overall reproductive technologies landscape.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effect of freezing-thawing protocols on the performance of semen from three rabbit lines after artificial insemination.

The effect of different freezing and thawing protocols on the results observed after artificial insemination with semen from three different rabbit lines (two maternal lines selected for litter size at weaning, lines A and V, and one line selected for growth rate from weaning to slaughter, line R) was studied. The sperm were frozen with a Tris-citric acid-glucose extender which included 1.75 M DMSO and 0.05 M sucrose as cryoprotectants. The straws were cooled to 5 degrees C for 45 min and then some of them were frozen in a freezer at -30 degrees C for 30 min, whereas the other group of straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor (LNV, 5 cm above the liquid nitrogen level) for 10 min. Straws were thawed at two different temperatures: 50 or 70 degrees C for 10-12s. Significant differences were observed between freezing-thawing protocols, obtaining better results in fertility rate (percentage of pregnant females) when sperm had been frozen in LNV (fertility rate increased between 30 and 50 points in all the lines); the best prolificacy was observed when sperm had been frozen in LNV and thawed at 50 degrees C (70% versus 32% fertility rate, P<0.01 and 7.4 versus 5.9 total number of young born, P<0.01 when sperm had been frozen in LNV or at -30 degrees C and thawed at 50 degrees C, respectively). As for the rabbit line, significant differences were observed between lines in fertility rate (62 and 68% versus 45% fertility rate for lines A, V and R, P<0.01), and total number of young born (5.8 versus 6.9 versus 4.6 total number of young born for lines A, V and R, P=0.02). The best results for all lines in both fertility and total number of young born were observed when sperm had been frozen in LNV and thawed at 50 degrees C (85% versus 84% versus 50% fertility rate and 6.7 versus 8.3 versus 7.3 total number of young born for lines A, V and R, respectively), when compared to the results of the control group, frozen at -30 degrees C and thawed at 50 degrees C (30% versus 52% versus 19% fertility rate and 6.7 versus 6.4 versus 4.5 total number of young born for lines A, V and R, respectively). In conclusion, the best results (fertility rate and prolificacy) for all the rabbit lines were obtained after freezing in liquid nitrogen vapor and thawing at 50 degrees C, being more pronounced in the line selected for high growth rate (line R).

Animals↗