• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.106-110
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• 2019

Sexed sperm can contribute to increase the profitability of the cow industry through the production of offspring of the craved sex, such as males for meat or females for dairy production. Therefore, the utilization of sexed sperms plays a very important role in the production of offspring of superior cattle. In this study, we examined the pregnancy rates and calves sexing proportion of male and female calves produced using AI, both performed using sexed and conventional sperm. In the result, the conception rates after ET were 73.3% (33/45) sexed semen and 52% (55/104) conventional semen. Thus, the sex ratio for sexed-semen inseminations was 70% (21/30) females for singleton births within a 272 to 292 day gestation interval. The sex ratio for conventional semen was 61% (34/56) females for births. As a result, it is suggested that the use of sex classification sperm will play a very important role in the offspring production of Korean bovine.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 2002

To investigate the usability of frozen canine embryos for embryo transfer in the dog, 19 donors, 3 recipients, and 6 male dogs were used for the experiment. Natural mating or artificial insemination was performed for breeding the bitches in natural estrus. Vaginal smear test along with progesterone titre test were performed to detect the appropriate mating time and the bitches were bred twice during 3-6days following LH surge. Embryo collection was done on 8, 9-11, 12-13 days after the second mating to collect morula and blastocyst. Embryos were frozen using a programmable freezer and preseued in LNE tank. Embryos were thawed in 37$^{\circ}C$ water for 15 seconds and transferred into each uterine horn within 30 minutes. Embryos were collected from 13 bitches of 19 donors(68.4%) and the collected embryos were from between 9 and 13 days after 2nd mating. Embryos were produced both by natural mating(60.0%, 9115) and AI with frozen semen(100.0%, 4/4). Embryos were collected from the donors weighed between 2.5 and 30 kg and their age was from 1.5 to 3 years. 52 embryos were collected from 13 donors and the mean number of embryos was four. The stage of embryos was from 2-cell to gastrula and morulae were colledted mostly from 10 to 11 days after 2nd mating. Embryos were collected evenly from each uterine horn and the rate of embryo collection for the number of corpus luteum was 83.9%. Embryos were transferred to 3 recipients(morula 8, blastocyst 1, gastrula 8), however, no offspring was produced.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.361-371
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• 1990

The present observations were focussed mainly on the morphological findings of the utero-vaginal(U-V) glands in normal laying domestic hens and the storage of cock spermatozoa in the U-V glands at various times after artificial insemination(AI). These domestic hens were assigned to three group of PMS-treated, GnRH-treated before last AI, and control group. The hens were sacrified at intervals of 1,3,7,12 and 19 days after AI. Histological sections of U-V junctions were prepared and the morphological structures of the U-V glands were observed and then were scored about the spermatozoa presence in the U-V gland. 1. The U-V glandular tubules were mostly unbranched with single columnar epithelium. Also these tubules were occassionally observed as one circular-rotated tubules or 2 to 3 branched convoluted tubules in special shapes. The numbers of the convoluted curves per tubule were $4.3{\pm}3.3$ and the ranges of convoluted curve number were straight to 16 curves. 2. The inside and outside diameters of the glandular tubules were $6.5{\pm}3.5{\mu}m$, and $35.2{\pm}4.7{\mu}m$, respectively, and the tubular lengths of the U-V glands were $219.3{\pm}115.7{\mu}m$. 3. Storaged spermatozoa in the U-V glands of all three group hens were intensively stained by hematoxylin, and packed in tight, longitudinally parallel bundles within the tubules. In addition, numbers of completely spermatozoa-filled glands were tend to increase or decrease in proportion to the numbers of partially spermatozoa-filled glands. Also U-V glands containing spermatozoa tend to be present collectively in the any zone of U-V junction. 4. In the control group, the numbers of glands containing spermatozoa in the hens at 1,3,7,12, and 19 days after AI were found to be 22.9, 33.3, 35.8, 8.6, and 0% respectively. 5. In the PMS-treated group, the numbers of glands containing spermatozoa in the hens at 1,3,7,12, and 19 days after AI were found to be 33.6, 29.7, 26.8, 8.2 and 0% respectively. 6. In the GnRH-treated group, the numbers of glands containing spermatozoa in the hens at 1,3,7,12, and 19 days after AI were found to be 19.7, 40.8, 20.4, and 0% respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1199-1203
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to examine the binding potential of sperm to the epithelium of the sperm storage tubules (SST) in vitro and in vivo to assess the functional maturation of fowl sperm. Sperm from the testis, epididymis, as well as the proximal, middle and distal vas deferens were incubated in vitro with either the uterovaginal junction (UVJ)- or infundibular tissue containing SST at $39^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. Aliquots of sperm were also artificially inseminated into the uteri of hens, and the UVJ and infundibulum were collected 24 h post artificial insemination (AI). After incubation and AI, tissues were washed to remove loosely adhered sperm and subjected to fluorescence staining with 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride (DAPI) for counting the number of bound sperm per 0.25 mm2 of surface area. Sperm from the testis, epididymis, and the three segments of the vas deferens exhibited their differential (p<0.05) binding capacity, which increased gradually from the testicular to distal vas deferens sperm under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Existing similar trend, sperm, regardless of their source had a lesser affinity to bind to the epithelium of the infundibular SST than to the UVJ-SST. These experimental results suggested that fowl sperm may undergo gradual changes in the process of functional maturation, whereby they gain the ability to bind to the epithelium of the SST during their passage through the male reproductive tract (MRT).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.163-169
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• 2019

Detection of estrus is an essential factor as a method of successful breeding in the sow. As increasing the adaption of the information and communication technology (ICT) into swine industry, this study focuses on a possibility and quantification of standing time, vulva and body temperature as methods of estrus detection, comparing each time and temperature in estrus and non-estrus period, and analyzing each success rate of new and existing methods. Ultrasonic sensor array and digital infrared thermography were used to evaluate whether new methods such as standing time and number, and vulva and skin temperature can be replaced, or these methods can be quantifiable in estrus period. Ultrasonic sensor array was installed beside the stall and digital infrared thermography was placed in the rear of sow to collect the dates of sow in estrus and non-estrus period. This study showed total standing time, number and number over 10 minutes, and vulva temperature of the sow in estrus period were increased (p < 0.05) compared with those of sow in non-estrus period, respectively. Detection of estrus using standing time and vulva temperature tended (p = 0.06) to increase the success rate when artificial insemination (AI) was performed. In conclusion, standing time and vulva temperature increased when estrus happened. Success rate of AI of sow using these methods showed an increasing trend. Therefore, existing method using the naked eye can be replaced to new method such as vulvar temperature and standing time when detecting the estrus.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.979-985
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• 2020

A wide range of techniques have been developed to separate X or Y- chromosome-bearing sperm. In particular, bovine semen sex-sorted by using flow cytometry based on differences in the amount of DNA between X and Y chromosome bearing sperm is used in dairy farms. The first piglets were produced using sex-sorted sperm 30 years ago. However, sexed sperm have not been commercially available in pigs because the flow cytometry technique is not capable of sorting the high number of sperm required for porcine artificial insemination (AI), and the prolonged exposure to an electrical filed might damage to the DNA in sperm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a boar sperm sorting method based on magnetic nanoparticles. A flow cytometer assay verified the efficacy of the magnetic nanoparticles (> 90% of sex-sorted sperm). In addition, a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using sex chromosome specific genes including SRY (sex-determining region Y; male), ZFY (zinc finger protein Y-linked; male), and ZFX (zinc finger protein X-linked; female) showed that in vitro fertilized porcine embryos by X and Y-chromosome bearing sperm were 100% female (40/40) and 72% female (35/48), respectively, at 8-cell or morula stages, suggesting that the sex-sorted sperm were fertile. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the sex-sorted method based on magnetic nanoparticles can be utilized for porcine sex-sorted AI.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.215-224
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• 2023

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive management-related parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.223-228
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• 2012

This study was designed to adopt two estrus synchronization protocols in zebu and crossbred heifers and their effects on pregnancy rate after timed artificial insemination (TAI). A number of 120 cyclic heifers were allotted for two different treatment groups and one control group. Heifers under protocol A were injected with GnRH at first day followed by a single dose of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ at Day 11 and injection of GnRH at the day of AI; and heifers belonged to protocol B were treated with GnRH, two $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ injections at 11 days apart and injection of GnRH at AI. AI was done at fixed time (within 72~96 hours after $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ injection) in both protocols and pregnancy was confirmed by rectal palpation on 80~120 days of post AI. In control group; local heifers were conceived higher (30%) proportion than that of crossbred heifers (25%; p<0.05). In protocol A, the local breed were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred (25%; p<0.05). In protocol B, local breed heifers were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred heifers (33.3%; p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate in protocol A and protocol B was 33.3% and 36.6%, respectively. The proportion of pregnancy rate of local heifers (38.9%; Protocol A) was significant (p<0.05) in comparison with local heifers (30%) in control group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate between pooled control group (28.3%) and treatment group (35%) was significantly (p<0.05) differ from each other's. Results of present study concluded that estrus synchronization followed by fixed time AI could be applied for higher pregnancy rate in zebu and crossbred heifers.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2017

Effective estrus detection and artificial insemination (AI) are necessary for profitable management of dairy herd. In current study, 45 crossbred lactating cows have been selected with the complaint of unobserved oestrus for more than sixty days postpartum. All cows had functional corpus luteum as examined by transrectal ultrasonography. Cows were treated with $PGF_2{\alpha}$ analogue and AI was performed with observed oestrus and then single dose of GnRH was administered. Similar synchronization protocol has been repeated after 14 days in cows that did not repose to first treatment. Remaining cows received additional $PGF_2{\alpha}$ after 14 days of second treatment and timed AI was performed following GnRH administration. Among 45 cows, 28.89% showed estrus after first treatment and 78.79% responded to second hormonal intervention. A higher conception rate (88.89% vs 26.66 and 72.72%) was observed in cows after triple administration of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and timed AI. We noticed a significant differences in body condition score (BCS, 1~5 scale), postpartum period, and daily milk production between cows that either responded of non-responded following first and second hormonal treatment. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between daily milk production and BCS, age and postpartum days, milk production and estrus/BCS, and milk production/BCS/estrus and conception rate. Depending upon the findings we conclude that hormonal intervention with $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH enhances postpartum ovarian cyclicity and help decreasing the days open of dairy herd. Therefore, this finding might provide an excellent guideline for target breeding system for profitable dairy herd management.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.307-314
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• 2013

Embryos formed in vivo were collected from 171 donors housed in Chung Cheong Buk-Do Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Research of the Chungbuk community during the years 2009~2012. We evaluated annual embryo collection, effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and prostaglandin (PG) administration to the donor for superovulation and controlling the estrus cycle, seasonal effects of embryo collection and compared the number of embryos recovered as per the collection days and pregnancy rate. In all, 1,243 embryos were collected from 118 donors with an average of $7.31{\pm}5.35$ embryos per donor, out of which 69.4% were transferable. Dosages of FSH required for inducing superovulation in various donors were compared. Average number of embryos collected from donors administered with 30 AU of FSH ($7.13{\pm}5.74$ per donor) was not significantly different from that of donors who were given an injection of 24 AU of FSH ($7.53{\pm}4.91$ per donor). However, the percentage of transferable embryos in the 30AU FSH-administered group (63.2 %, 449 of 711) was higher than that in the 24AU FSH-administered group (77.8%, 414 of 532). In the group of donors under a natural estrus cycle, the FSH dose administered did not influence the number of transferable embryos produced ($7.49{\pm}6.25$ per donor for 30 AU of FSH vs $7.49{\pm}4.92$ per donor for 24 AU of FSH). However, in donors administered with CIDR and PG for controlling the estrus cycle, the FSH dose affected the average number of transferable embryos collected ($4.25{\pm}2.87$ per donor for 30 AU of FSH vs $8.50{\pm}6.36$ per donor for 24 AU of FSH). We collected embryos from donors 6, 7 or 8 days after artificial insemination (AI). Results showed that the percentage of transferable embryos among those collected 8 days after AI was significantly higher than that among embryos collected 6 or 7 days after AI. Seasonal variations did not affect number of recovered embryos and pregnancy rates in natural estrus cycle and CIDR treatment groups (48.28% and 42.55%) but higher than pregnancy rate of frozen embryos (19.63%). These results indicated that administration of FSH beyond a threshold dose (at least 24 AU) has no beneficial effect on the production embryos and that collection of embryos 7~8 days after AI is optimal for embryo recovery. CIDR treatment induced superovulation in short term and had no influence on the natural estrus cycle. Finally, although good-quality embryos were transferred, freezing significantly reduced the pregnancy rates after transfer.