Apparatus (20) is provided for use with a fluid that contains biological cells. The apparatus (20) includes a tray (22) shaped to define (a) a flat upper surface (24) configured to support the fluid, the upper surface (24) not being completely surrounded by a wall and having a surface area that is less than 900 mm2, and (b) an underside (26). The apparatus (20) further includes a plurality of protrusions (30) protruding from the underside (26) of the tray (22). The tray (22) has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and a property selected from the group consisting of: transparency, and translucency. Other embodiments are also described.

Methods according to aspects of the present invention relate to the determination of whether a female ruminant ungulate is open or not open using flow cytometry to detect an expression level of an interferon-stimulated gene in leukocytes of a biological sample from the female ruminant ungulate.

It is an object to provide a technique useful for embryo transfer and development of reproductive medical care. Provided are a sperm activator containing a disrupted product of one or more cells selected from the group consisting of adipose tissue-derived stem cells, dental pulp-derived stem cells, bone marrow-derived stem cells, and umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells as an active ingredient, and an artificial insemination method utilizing the same.

It is an object to provide a technique useful for embryo transfer and development of reproductive medical care. Provided are a sperm activator containing a disrupted product of one or more cells selected from the group consisting of adipose tissue-derived stem cells, dental pulp-derived stem cells, bone marrow-derived stem cells, and umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells as an active ingredient, and an artificial insemination method utilizing the same.

Designs of improved canisters for animal semen straw storage in Dewars with cryogenic liquid are described. In some embodiments, the canisters include a layer of cryogen-absorbent material and an inner layer of thermally conductive material including apertures oriented and positioned to direct cryogen vapor into the interior of the container.

Provided is a cryopreservation container that prevents confusion of specimens to be used for treatment and that is suitable for individual management of fertilized eggs and the like to be cryopreserved. IC tags are attached to a cryopreservation tank 61, a canister 51, a cane 41, and cryopreservation containers such as an ovum storage container 1 and sperm storage containers 71, 81. The cryopreservation containers may also have individual identification codes attached hereto. An ovum storage container 11 is configured by fitting an IC tag 12 from the rear end of a rod-like part 2 of a conventional ovum storage container 1. In addition, the IC tag 12 is formed by providing an inlet 15 inside a thin-walled pipe 14 made of a synthetic resin. The inlet 15 may be fixed at both ends by means of fixing members 18, 18 composed of a nonconductive material, or may be integrally molded with a nonconductive synthetic resin material 20.

Provided is a cryopreservation container that prevents confusion of specimens to be used for treatment and that is suitable for individual management of fertilized eggs and the like to be cryopreserved. IC tags are attached to a cryopreservation tank 61, a canister 51, a cane 41, and cryopreservation containers such as an ovum storage container 1 and sperm storage containers 71, 81. The cryopreservation containers may also have individual identification codes attached hereto. An ovum storage container 11 is configured by fitting an IC tag 12 from the rear end of a rod-like part 2 of a conventional ovum storage container 1. In addition, the IC tag 12 is formed by providing an inlet 15 inside a thin-walled pipe 14 made of a synthetic resin. The inlet 15 may be fixed at both ends by means of fixing members 18, 18 composed of a nonconductive material, or may be integrally molded with a nonconductive synthetic resin material 20.

A sterile Intracervical Insemination (ICI) fertility kit, method of sterilization, and method of use for performing self-insemination. Each sterile kit comprises: up to three sets of individually wrapped sterile, disposable, syringes and semen collection jars; printed instructions; and a QR code. The collection jar comprises a snap-on lid, and an inner surface with seamless edges to prevent semen residue. The syringes and jars are sealed in plastic wraps permeable to air and gas, and impermeable to pathogens; and are sterilized via gamma radiation or ethylene oxide. Fresh or frozen, unwashed or washed, semen is deposited into the jar, pulled into the syringe, and administered cervically during a user's maximum monthly level of luteinizing hormone. The syringe distal end is designed to push all semen out of the syringe then plug the end closed, while preventing semen residue from collecting within the syringe. Large circular syringe handles facilitate stable handling.

The invention encompasses improved catheters comprised of multiple tubular bodies and methods of using them in artificial insemination.

IUI insemination (introduction of washed sperm into the uterus) should occur during a period of time when sperm Fc receptor (FcR) expression is going through a minimum, i.e., in a window of time about the minimum. In order to be ready to inseminate at the time when the FcR expression goes through a minimum, sperm are prepared for insemination according to standard practice. Time of the IUI procedure itself is adjusted to occur at the preferred sperm state, again within the clinic's permitted timeframe for the physician to treat the patient by instilling the washed sperm into the uterus. The level of FcR expression is determined by time-based assay and insemination is performed based on the fertility state of sperm as determined by the assay.