Artificial insemination

Enfanter, à n’importe quel prix ? L’histoire de l’insémination artificielle et de sa condamnation par l’Église catholique permet d’éclairer le débat actuel sur l’ouverture de l’assistance médicale à la procréation aux femmes seules et aux couples de femmes homosexuelles.

This article presents an overview of the indications for and techniques of artificial insemination, including artificial insemination of husband's/partner's sperm and artificial insemination of donor sperm. Important issues related to psychologic, legal, and ethical concerns are addressed, as well as long-term ramifications and implications for nursing.

We observe a modern approach that allows for the possibility of a planned separation between sexual relations and procreation. The widespread use of contraceptives created the possibility of sex without reproduction, just as reproductive technologies created the possibility of reproduction without sex. Consequentially, the individual's ability to control and plan childbirth has expanded, but parallel possibilities have been created for societal intervention in that process. The question whether society may limit one's right to be a parent through the use of reproductive technologies has become a crucial legal issue.Artificial techniques of procreation present a special problem. On the one hand, we are concerned with planning the birth of a child and not with establishing what is best for a child already born. On the other hand, it is not a matter that begins and ends in the bedroom. Moreover: persons requiring artificial techniques expect not merely non-intervention but posi...

Buffalo bull semen has been collected and cryopreserved [1,2] and has been widely used for artificial insemination [3-5] basically employing procedures similar to cattle. In India (between 2002-2007), 350,000 doses of frozen semen were available from buffalo bulls under progeny testing of Murrah and other breeds and artificial insemination was introduced in Bhadawari, Pandharpuri and swamp buffalo breeds [6]. Specific characteristics of buffalo bull semen include their smaller volume [2,7-10], typically white color [9], lower buffering capacity with a slightly acidic pH [10], presence of static ejaculates that regain motility on dilution [11-14] and higher contents of calcium and phosphatases and low contents of citric acid, hyaluronidase and fructose [10]. Buffalo bulls exhibit a profound effect of season on the semen quality [15-21]. Semen quality is better in swamp buffalo [22]. These and other factors render the freezability and fertility of buffalo semen poor compared to cattle bull semen [23-29]. Approaches to circumvent some of these problems in the recent past have led to experimentation with the use of various dilutors, cryoprotectants and cryoprotectant protocols [2]. When fully optimized, buffalo bull semen can be cryopreserved for prolonged periods with optimal fertility and can then be widely disseminated [2]. Poor estrus expression and variable time of ovulation in female buffaloes [30-34] is another obstacle as to the proper time of insemination in buffaloes. This has led to the use of timed inseminations procedures at many locations, yet the overall coverage of buffaloes with artificial insemination continues to be low. Based on a large number of studies we are critically mentioning the semen characteristics and artificial insemination in the buffalo. 1. Sexual Maturity Sexual maturity is attained in buffalo bulls at a higher age than cattle bulls [10,35]. Prepubertal development of the male reproductive organs in Nilli Ravi [35], Egyptian [36-38], Surti [39] and Murrah [40,41] buffalo calves revealed that the reproductive organs develop in buffalo calves by 6-12 months of age. Studies also revealed that the seminiferous epithelial cycle required 16 days in buffalo [42,43] and the duration of spermatogenesis in buffalo bulls was estimated to be 75 days [44,45]. The complete establishment of spermatogenesis occurs by 24 months in buffalo bulls [10] in contrast to 4-6 months in cattle bulls [46]. In a study on buffalo calves, spermatozoa were present in the epididymis at the age of 90 weeks [47]. The time lag between testosterone secretion (12 months) to support spermatogenesis (16 months) and finally achievement of puberty (2.5-4 years) is long [48] in buffalo. The average age at first service was 3.7 years in one study on Egyptian buffaloes [49] whereas in Murrah buffaloes the age was 27.2±1.37 months [50] and in Italian buffaloes the age was 2 years [51]. In Brazil, male Murrah buffaloes when reared in controlled management, with proper nutrition and subjected to a schedule of prophylactic health and weaning, reached puberty between 15-18 months [9,52]. An important parameter for evaluating male buffalo breeding capacity with little citation in the literature is the relation to the scrotal circumference (SC) [53,54]. Bhosrekar [55], recorded that the scrotal circumference for adult buffalo in India ranges from 30-34 cm. The relationship of scrotal circumference with age revealed that the scrotal circumference in buffalo bulls increases with age (Table 1). In studies on Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls the mean scrotal circumference in normal bulls was 33.89±1.19 cm [56] and the mean scrotal length and width was 15.20±0.14 cm and 12.39±0.51 cm respectively. A recent study found that Murrah buffalo bulls between the age of 25-36 months had a mean SC of 26.9 cm, the estimated testis weight was 261 g, semen volume was 2.5 mL and sperm concentration was 1677 x 10 6 /mL whereas the same parameters at the age of 60 months were 32.4 cm, 652 g, 3.6 mL and 1666 x 10 6 /mL respectively [57]. The mean trans-scrotal diameter in Surti buffalo bulls was 36.28 cm (29-45 cm) with high correlation of testis size with semen characteristics [58]. Testosterone levels in buffalo bulls has been observed to be nearly half compared to that observed in cattle [10] with testosterone levels being 1.58±0.32 ng/mL in young bulls [59] and 0.69 ± 0.12 ng/mL in aged buffalo bulls

"Regular access to genetically superior bulls from an open nucleus breeding system is an impetus for N’Dama cattle utilization and conservation. However, shortage in the number of bulls that could be distributed to the farmers for subsequent breeding remains a challenge in some countries of West Africa. In this regard, the potential benefit of artificial insemination (AI) and the roles of national policy was assessed. The open nucleus breeding scheme of International Trypanotolerance Center (ITC) in the Gambia was used as a case study and the research questions were answered with literature review, focus group discussion, and Likert-scale questionnaire. Introduction of AI into the breeding scheme of N’Dama cattle can create higher selection intensity and promote a wider dissemination of genetic gain made at the nucleus. With improved AI techniques, a better use of improved N’Dama bulls can be achieved. Notwithstanding, there are concerns about low pregnancy rate, quality of the semen, inadequate knowledge of AI technicians, and the regular availability of quality bulls. For the Gambian national policy, the environmental component is the most relevant for conservation of N’Dama cattle. This can be buttressed with more flexibility and a clearer communication of the objectives through workshops and local media.

Keywords: N’Dama, breeding, conservation, artificial insemination, policy
"

Whether a child begotten from artificial insemination is legitimate or
illegitimate according to the law is an important question. In other words, the status of legitimacy or illegitimacy of a child is crucial as it will determine the child’s entitlement to many rights, especially those within the family circle, such as maintenance, care and upbringing, inheritance, etc. A child is legitimate if its parents have intermarried when it is begotten or born. The fact that conception is effected not by adultery or fornication but by a method not involving sexual intercourse does not in principle seem to alter the concept of legitimacy. The paper aims to analyse the extent of the applicability of the legitimacy test laid down in section 112 of the Evidence Act 1950 and whether it is justified in today’s time in view of the scientific developments such as artificial insemination and many other methods which don’t require the physical presence of a man and woman for the child’s conception. Hence, one of the contentious issues is whether or not the presumption of legitimacy embodied in section 112 applies in cases where children are born through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). The paper concludes that section 112 embodies the irrebuttable presumption of legitimacy of a child born out of valid wedlock. The section establishes the fact of marriage as conclusive proof of legitimacy. In addition, the paper also concludes that section 112 can be easily interpreted to include Homologous Artificial Insemination (AIH) because, in this case, the husband is the biological or natural father of the child. The paper
recommends a need to streamline the process of artificial insemination in Malaysia and address the legal, ethical as well as technical issues that
follow by way of legislative intervention.

Aim: Different types of extenders have a variety of components which show the tolerance effect on sperm protection during freezing procedures. In the present study, we have examined the impact of the extenders HF-20 and Tris, which were locally manufactured, and they are competing with commercial extenders INRA Freeze® (IMV Technologies, France) and EquiPlus Freeze® (Minitube, Germany) on the quality of horses frozen semen.

Materials and Methods: A total of 15 ejaculates from three healthy stallions were collected and cryopreserved in the same environment. Each semen sample collected was divided into four equal parts and processed. All samples were analyzed before and after freezing for motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and morphology. Furthermore, twenty mares were inseminated using post-thawed semen.

Results: There were no differences observed among all extenders in all the parameters before freezing. Sperm cryopreserved using HF-20 showed better motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity than Tris extender. The Tris extender showed the most inferior quality of post-thawed semen between all the extenders. HF-20, INRA Freeze®, and EquiPlus Freeze® extenders revealed the same capacity of semen preservation in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion: HF-20 extender has the same quality as INRA Freeze® and EquiPlus Freeze® that can be considered as one of the best extenders for the semen cryopreservation in horses. In contrast, Tris extender needs some degree of improvement.

No presente estudo dispõe-se sobre a abordagem de alguns problemas resultantes do chamamento sucessório do filho nascido mediante técnicas de Procriação Medicamente Assistida.
Trataremos do início e do fim da vida, do nascer e do morrer. Dois fenómenos responsáveis pelo começo e término, respectivamente, da Personalidade Jurídica, suscitando por isso, diversas questões jurídicas.
Tratou-se recentemente a questão da PMA com o pedido de revisão da Lei 32/2006, de 26 de Julho, discute-se a maternidade de substituição, ou seja, as barrigas de aluguer.  Quiçá amanhã, poder-se-á discutir a procriação post-mortem ou a revisão dos artigos do nosso Código Civil, que teimam em ignorar alguns dos filhos resultantes destas técnicas.
É nosso objectivo analisar essa mesma Lei, o Livro V do Código Civil, e entender o pensamento doutrinário de vários Autores, a fim de apreender a evolução da sociedade, do espírito e do ordenamento jurídico.

In the present scenario with the advancement of animal genetics to utilize the non-additive gene action two technologies i.e. molecular genetics technologies and reproductive assisted technologies have been developed to overcome the human requirement in short period of time genetically. The molecular genetics technologies that are adopted to exploit non-additive gene action are marker assisted selection technology, genetic markers, animal cloning and transgenic animals while that of reproductive assisted technologies are artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization, somatic cell nuclear transfer and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer. Modernized animal breeding technologies has being harnessed in various aspects of the livestock industry to hasten breed development for improved animal health and welfare, enhanced reproduction, and improved nutritional quality and safety of animal derived foods. Although substantial additional genetic gains can be achieved with selection on linked genetic markers, the ultimate aim will be to directly identify the main genes involved in a trait and to elucidate the function of each of these genes. To bring a genetic gain, it is well accepted that local animals must be safeguarded to maintain its purity, records must be kept to evaluate best animal and highly productive cows should not be crossbred with exotic breeds and breeding policy should be set. The genetic improvement for increased milk and meat output is inevitable. Such development interventions should operate within crossbreeding policy framework without affecting genetic diversity. INTRODUCTION With the advancement of biotechnology and molecular biology, Drinkwater and Hetzel, [1] revealed that meat and milk from farmed animals including livestock i.e. cattle, goat and buffalo along with meat and egg from poultry [2,3] are important sources of high quality protein and essential amino acids, minerals, fats and fatty acids, readily available vitamins, small quantities of carbohydrates and other bioactive components. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2009 [4] estimated that meat consumption has grown with increase in population. The average global per capita meat consumption is 42.1 kg/year with 82.9 kg/year in developed and 31.1 kg/year in developing countries in a recommended daily animal sourced protein per capita of 50 kg per year. Milk on the other hand is consumed in various forms: liquid, cheese, powder, and cream at a global per capita consumption of 108 kg per person per year which is way below the FAO, 2011 [5] recommended daily consumption of 200 kg. Some poor countries may not be able to sustain these levels of meat and milk requirement, leading to malnutrition. Demand for meat and milk production is also expected to double in 2050 in developing countries, where population is expected to double. Thus, increasing production and the safe processing and marketing of meat and milk, and their products are big challenges for livestock producers. Biotechnology is being harnessed in various aspects of the livestock industry [6] to hasten breed development for improved animal health and welfare, enhanced reproduction, and improved nutritional quality and safety of animal derived foods.

... Université d'Auvergne, Clermont Ferrand, France. Bayemi, PH, Bryant, MJ, Perera, BMAO, Mbanya, NJ, Cavestany, D. and Webb, EC, 2005a. Milk production in Cameroon: A Review. ... Participatory Rural Appraisal of Dairy Farms in the North West Province of Cameroon. ...

In the current review the main physiological aspects of cattle are commented. The topics include estrous behavior, characteristics of follicular development and postpartum anestrous. The knowledge of these events and, specially the Bos indicus and Bos taurus particularities, implicates in different management procedures and responses to hormonal treatments usually applied for artificial insemination, superstimulation , embryo transfer and OPU-IVP.

Posthumous sperm procurement involves harvesting gametes from a recently deceased man for cryopreservation and future use in ART. This paper discusses the practical and ethical role of posthumous sperm procurement in medical practice and society and submits possible solutions, including the establishment of formal policies and protocols. English-language literature review and bioethical discussion. In the United States, an increase in requests and protocols has been documented. International requests and regulation are variable. Posthumous sperm procurement is fraught with ethical dilemmas, including informed consent, privacy, inheritance, and child welfare. To establish appropriate medical practice, it is important to consider all stakeholders in the decision-making process. We believe that an acceptable and ethical resolution can be obtained only through the collaborative input of all involved parties. We have looked to U.S. and international sources for guidance in current practice and to gain insight into the formulation of future policies.

(2017) Effect of different concentrations of soybean lecithin and virgin coconut oil in Tris-based extender on the quality of chilled and frozen-thawed bull semen, Veterinary World, 10(6): 672-678. Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of soybean lecithin (SL) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) in Tris-based extender on chilled and frozen-thawed bull semen quality parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 ejaculates were collected from four bulls via an electroejaculator. Semen samples were diluted with 2% VCO in Tris-based extender which consists of various concentrations of SL (1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75%). A 20% egg yolk in Tris used as a positive control (C+). The diluted semen samples were divided into two fractions; one for chilling which were stored at 4°C for 24, 72, and 144 h before evaluated for semen quality parameters. The second fraction used for freezing was chilled for 3 h at 4°C, packed into 0.25 mL straws and then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The samples were then evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Chilled and frozen semen samples were thawed at 37°C and assessed for general motility using computer-assisted semen analysis, viability, acrosome integrity and morphology (eosin-nigrosin stain), membrane integrity, and lipid peroxidation using thiobarbituric acid reaction test. Results: The results showed that all the quality parameters assessed were significantly (p<0.05) improved at 1.5% SL concentration in chilled semen. Treatment groups of 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75% SL were higher in quality parameters than the control group (C+) in chilled semen. However, all the quality parameters in frozen-thawed semen were significantly higher in the C+ than the treated groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementation of 1.5% SL in 2% VCO Tris-based extender enhanced the chilled bull semen. However, there was no marked improvement in the frozen-thawed quality parameters after treatment.

The objective of the present study is to estimate fertility and productivity responses
of goats following trans-cervical artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen, after
induction of cervical dilation using oxytocin treatment in synchronized doe goats. It also
aimed to enhance a simple, non-surgical, less costly and less time-consuming artificial
insemination technique that could be used on a large scale in goats. The changes in some
blood biochemical parameters such as blood plasma total proteins, total lipids, glucose, electrolytes, transaminase activities and progesterone profile during pregnancy were also
monitored.