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Animal Reproduction Science May 2024Successful artificial breeding underpins rapid genetic and production gains in animal agriculture. In sheep, artificial insemination with frozen semen is performed via... (Review)
Review
Successful artificial breeding underpins rapid genetic and production gains in animal agriculture. In sheep, artificial insemination with frozen semen is performed via intrauterine laparoscopy as frozen-thawed spermatozoa do not traverse the cervix in sufficient numbers for high fertility and transcervical insemination is anatomically impossible in most ewes. Historically, laparoscopic artificial insemination has always been considered reasonably successful, but recent anecdotal reports of poor fertility place it at risk of warning adoption. Understanding the male, female and environmental factors that influence the fertility of sheep is warranted if the success of artificial insemination is to be improved and genetic progress maximised for the sheep industry. This review details the current practice of laparoscopic AI in sheep. It explores the effects of semen quantity and quality, the ewe, her preparation, and environmental conditions, on the fertility obtained following laparoscopic artificial insemination.
Topics: Animals; Insemination, Artificial; Sheep; Female; Laparoscopy; Male; Pregnancy; Semen Preservation
PubMed: 38547814
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107453 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jul 2023This study aimed to determine the effect of 2 simple breeding strategies combining artificial insemination (AI) after detection of estrus (AIED) and timed AI (TAI) on...
Presynchronization with prostaglandin F and gonadotropin-releasing hormone simultaneously improved first-service pregnancy per artificial insemination in lactating Holstein cows compared with Presynch-14 when combined with detection of estrus.
This study aimed to determine the effect of 2 simple breeding strategies combining artificial insemination (AI) after detection of estrus (AIED) and timed AI (TAI) on first-service fertility in lactating Holstein cows. Weekly, lactating Holstein cows (n = l,049) between 40 and 46 d in milk (DIM) were randomly assigned to initiate 1 of 2 breeding strategies for first service: Presynch-14 and PG+G. Presynch-14 is a presynchronization strategy with 2 PGF treatments 14 d apart with the last PGF 14 d before the initiation of the Ovsynch protocol. Cows treated with PG+G receive a simpler presynchronization program that uses PGF and GnRH simultaneously 7 d before Ovsynch. In both treatments, cows detected in standing estrus by tail chalk at any time ≥55 DIM were inseminated, and treatment was discontinued (n = 525). Cows completing treatment received TAI from 78 to 84 DIM (n = 526). In a subgroup of cows that received TAI, blood was collected (n = 163) to assess circulating concentrations of progesterone, and ultrasonographic evaluations of ovaries were performed on the day of first GnRH of Ovsynch (n = 162) and PGF of Ovsynch (n = 122). The proportion of cows that received TAI was greater for PG+G compared with Presynch-14 (63.5 vs. 31.9%), which increased DIM at first service for cows treated with PG+G compared with Presynch-14 (75.5 ± 0.4 vs. 68.7 ± 0.4). For cows receiving TAI, the ovulatory response to first GnRH of Ovsynch (73.8 vs. 48.8%) and the proportion of cows with functional corpora lutea (92.6 vs. 73.1%) were greater for PG+G than Presynch-14. Cows treated with PG+G had greater overall pregnancy per AI (P/AI) 42 ± 7 d after AI (40.2 vs. 33.6%) and calving per AI (32.1 vs. 25.2%) than Presynch-14. For cows receiving AIED, treatment did not affect P/AI 42 ± 7 d after AI. However, for cows receiving TAI, PG+G increased P/AI compared with Presynch-14 (44.6 vs. 35.2%). Overall, cows receiving TAI had greater P/AI 42 ± 7 d after AI (42.5 vs. 31.5%) and calving per AI (34.1 vs. 23.7%) and decreased pregnancy loss (16.8 vs. 25.2%) than cows receiving AIED. In summary, PG+G increased the proportion of cows receiving TAI and the DIM at first service, P/AI, and calving per AI compared with Presynch-14 when both TAI programs were combined with AIED.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Cattle; Animals; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Lactation; Estrus Synchronization; Dinoprost; Estrus; Progesterone; Insemination, Artificial
PubMed: 37164866
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22651 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 1984
Topics: Confidentiality; Female; Humans; Insemination, Artificial; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; Male; Pregnancy; Semen Preservation
PubMed: 6698213
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)47589-8 -
Theriogenology Nov 2008Artificial insemination (AI) of swine is widely practiced in countries with an intensive pig production. It is a very useful tool to introduce superior genes into sow... (Review)
Review
Artificial insemination (AI) of swine is widely practiced in countries with an intensive pig production. It is a very useful tool to introduce superior genes into sow herds, with minimal risk for disease transmission. However, the impact of semen that is contaminated with pathogens can be enormous. Most of the micro-organisms that have been detected in boar semen are considered non-pathogenic, but some are known pathogens (e.g. porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) that can cause major economic losses. Microbial contamination of semen can be due to systemic and/or urogenital tract infections of the boar, or can occur during collection, processing and storage. It can result in reduced semen quality, embryonic or fetal death, endometritis and systemic infection and/or disease in the recipient female. Conventional techniques for isolation of bacteria and viruses from the semen do not always provide optimal results for various reasons, including lack of sensitivity and speed of testing, and difficult interpretation of the outcome. More recently, PCR tests are commonly used; they have a high sensitivity, the outcome is quickly obtained, and they are suitable for monitoring a large number of samples. The best strategy to prevent AI-transmitted diseases is to use boars that are free of specific pathogens, to monitor the animals and semen regularly, and to maintain very high biosecurity. Additional measures should be directed at treating semen with appropriate antimicrobials, and at reducing contamination during semen collection, processing, and storage.
Topics: Animals; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Semen; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 18657310
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.06.018 -
The Journal of Reproduction and... Feb 2024This study investigated the effects of timed artificial insemination (TAI) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administration on lactating dairy cows under...
This study investigated the effects of timed artificial insemination (TAI) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administration on lactating dairy cows under heat-stress conditions (average temperature-humidity index: 80). Timed artificial insemination was performed on the cows with (n = 57) or without (control, n = 41) supplementation with 500 IU of eCG at the day of PGF treatment using the CIDR-Ovsynch protocol. GnRH was administered, and a progesterone device (CIDR) was inserted on Day -10 of the treatment protocol. The CIDR was removed on Day -3, and the cows were treated with PGF. Two days later, a 2 GnRH injection was administered. Subsequently, AI was performed on Day 0 (16-20 h after the 2 GnRH injection), and pregnancy was diagnosed on Days 32 and 60. Plasma progesterone (P) concentrations were measured after AI. Results showed that the eCG group had a higher pregnancy per AI (P/AI) than the control group (43.9 vs. 12.2%, P = 0.002), which was also accompanied by elevated P levels. Four cows in the eCG group had multiple calves, representing 7.0 and 16.0% of the group and pregnant cows, respectively. In conclusion, 500 IU of eCG combined with CIDR-Ovsynch in lactating dairy cows under severe heat stress conditions successfully improved fertility. However, the protocol may have a slight risk of multiple births.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Cattle; Animals; Horses; Progesterone; Lactation; Dinoprost; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Estrus Synchronization; Insemination, Artificial; Chorionic Gonadotropin
PubMed: 38171736
DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-069 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023Development of a pen-side test to objectively determine the ideal time for artificial insemination (AI) in the sow would save producers time and money. Current processes...
Vaginal and vestibular electrical resistance as an alternative marker for optimum timing of artificial insemination with liquid-stored and frozen-thawed spermatozoa in sows.
Development of a pen-side test to objectively determine the ideal time for artificial insemination (AI) in the sow would save producers time and money. Current processes rely on identification of oestrus via subjective behavioural and physiological markers that are indicative of high blood oestrogen concentrations. This study attempted to use measurements of electrical resistance (ER) in the cervical mucus to pinpoint timing of AI accurately enough to lead to equivalent pregnancy rates as a natural mating. Thirty-six sows were divided into 3 groups and observed for signs of oestrus. Seven sows did not show any oestrus behaviour and were excluded from the study. The remaining 29 sows were inseminated via natural mating and conventional oestrus detection (n = 14), or inseminated artificially with either liquid-stored semen (n = 8) or frozen-thawed semen (n = 7) according to timing indicated from electrical resistance measurements in the vagina and vestibule. Sows that were artificially inseminated on the basis of the electrical resistance readings had a lower pregnancy rate (P = 0.034) and less piglets born alive per litter (P < 0.05) than those that were naturally mated according to a conventional oestrus detection regime. However, the pregnancy rate and total piglets born alive did not differ between the two groups that underwent artificial insemination. Change in electrical resistance in the vagina has the potential to accurately predict ovulation timing, but more work is required to refine the timing of AI in relation to the readings before the technique can be adopted by industry.
Topics: Pregnancy; Male; Animals; Swine; Female; Electric Impedance; Insemination, Artificial; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa; Vagina
PubMed: 37495648
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38803-5 -
British Medical Journal (Clinical... Sep 1985
Topics: Adult; Female; Fertilization; Humans; Infertility; Insemination, Artificial; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; Male; United Kingdom
PubMed: 3928048
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.291.6496.613 -
Journal of Dairy Science Aug 2006The objective of this study was to compare the economic benefits of timed artificial insemination (AI) and a progesterone insert as therapeutic treatments for cows... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The objective of this study was to compare the economic benefits of timed artificial insemination (AI) and a progesterone insert as therapeutic treatments for cows diagnosed with cystic ovarian disease (COD). A secondary objective was to illustrate the use of a stochastic dynamic simulation model to fully account for all changes in revenues and costs affected by differences in treatments. First, 4 herds of 1,000 cows each were simulated until steady state. These cows were free from COD and inseminated based on estrus only. Herds differed by probability of estrus detection (46 or 70%) and days in milk (DIM) when nonpregnant cows were culled (330 or 400 d). Second, 3 herds were created with 1,000 nonpregnant cows at 90, 170, or 250 DIM. These cows were considered diagnosed with COD at the start of the simulation (d 0); no new cases of COD developed after d 0. Cows spontaneously recovered or were treated. Treatments were either timed AI or intravaginal device containing progesterone followed by PGF(2alpha) and then AI if estrus was detected. Effects of treatments were evaluated in 48 scenarios based on compliance of timed AI (82 or 100%), probability of estrus detection (46 or 70%), and DIM when nonpregnant cows were culled (330 or 400 d). As cows became pregnant or were replaced, the herd evolved into the associated steady-state herd. Seven scenarios resulted in less than 50% of cows conceiving before they were culled. The percentage of cows diagnosed with COD that calved again ranged from 14.0 to 74.4% and was significantly reduced when COD was diagnosed later in lactation. Treatments in all cases were more valuable than waiting for spontaneous recovery. The average values of timed AI (82 or 100% compliance) and the progesterone insert were 83.29 dollars, 86.83 dollars, and 71.89 dollars, respectively, compared with waiting for spontaneous recovery. Treatments were least beneficial at 90 DIM. The benefits of timed AI (82 or 100% compliance) compared with the progesterone insert, adjusted for DIM and days to culling, were 14.98 dollars and 21.53 dollars when the probability of estrus detection was 46%. At 70% probability of estrus detection, the benefits were 7.81 dollars and 8.34 dollars, respectively. Overall benefit of treatment by timed AI was 11.39 dollars greater than by progesterone insert.
Topics: Administration, Intravaginal; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dairying; Dinoprost; Eating; Estrus Detection; Fats; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Lactation; Milk; Ovarian Cysts; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Time Factors
PubMed: 16840619
DOI: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72576-0 -
Animal : An International Journal of... May 2014There are significant costs associated with reproductive inefficiency in pasture-based dairy herds. This study has quantified the economic effect of a number of key... (Review)
Review
There are significant costs associated with reproductive inefficiency in pasture-based dairy herds. This study has quantified the economic effect of a number of key variables associated with reproductive inefficiency in a dairy herd and related them to 6-week calving rate for both cows and heifers. These variables include: increased culling costs, the effects of sub optimum calving dates, increased labour costs and increased artificial insemination (AI) and intervention costs. The Moorepark Dairy Systems Model which is a stochastic budgetary simulation model was used to simulate the overall economic effect at farm level. The effect of change in each of the components was simulated in the model and the costs associated with each component was quantified. An analysis of national data across a 4-year period using the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation database was used to quantify the relationship between the 6-week calving rate of a herd with survivability (%), calving interval (days) and the level of AI usage. The costs associated with increased culling (%), calving date slippage (day), increased AI and intervention costs (0.1 additional inseminations), as well as, increased labour costs (10%) were quantified as €13.68, €3.86, €4.56 and €29.6/cow per year. There was a statistically significant association between the 6-week calving rate and survivability, calving interval and AI usage at farm level. A 1% change in 6-week calving rate was associated with €9.26/cow per annum for cows and €3.51/heifer per annum for heifers. This study does not include the indirect costs such as reduced potential for expansion, increased costs associated with failing to maintain a closed herd as well as the unrealised potential within the herd.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Costs and Cost Analysis; Dairying; Female; Fertility; Insemination, Artificial; Ireland; Lactation; Models, Biological; Pregnancy; Reproduction
PubMed: 24679449
DOI: 10.1017/S1751731114000615 -
Theriogenology Jul 2016AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only... (Review)
Review
AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only liquid-stored semen is used, with a single boar inseminating about 2000 sows yearly. The use of liquid semen, moreover, constrains international trade and slows genetic improvement. Research efforts, reviewed hereby, are underway to reverse this inefficient scenario. Special attention is paid to studies intended to decrease the number of sperm used per pregnant sow, facilitating the practical use of sexed frozen-thawed semen in swine commercial insemination programs.
Topics: Animals; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Pregnancy; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa; Swine
PubMed: 26723133
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.026