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.

A first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species of animal for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.

A first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species of animal for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.

The device (1) comprises an inlet element (28) comprising an interface (40) for connecting to an artificial vagina and delimiting an inlet opening (14), a filter associated with the inlet element (28) and delimiting therewith an inlet chamber (41) on the side of a first face of the filter turned towards the opening (14) and a collection bag (4) extending between a closed end (8) and an end (7) having an opening (6) in which said inlet element is engaged; said bag and said filter delimiting a collection chamber (42) on the side of the second face (18) of the filter turned towards the end (8); by means of which semen entering through the opening (14) passes through the filter and is collected in the collection chamber (42); characterized in that the filter is formed by a perforated wall (30) in one piece with the inlet element.

The device (1) comprises an inlet element (28) comprising an interface (40) for connecting to an artificial vagina and delimiting an inlet opening (14), a filter delimiting with the inlet element (28) an inlet chamber (41) on the side of the filter turned towards the opening (14) and a collection bag (4) extending between a closed end (8) and an open end (7) in which said inlet element is engaged; said bag and said filter delimiting a collection chamber (42) on the side of the filter turned towards the end (8); by means of which the semen entering through the opening (14) passes through the filter and comes to the collection chamber (42); the filter being a perforated wall (30) having a tubular portion (22) and a bottom portion (15) closing said tubular portion, and having a surface density of orifices (24) that is greater on said bottom portion than on said tubular portion.

The invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper (12), said stopper (12) being arranged in the tube (11), close to an end (16). The invention is characterised in that the stopper (12) comprises an indicator component (20) having a first pre-determined colour in the absence of previous contact with said substance (21) and a second pre-determined colour, of a different shade from that of the first colour, once it has been in contact with said substance (21). The assembly comprises the straw (10) and a device (26) for controlling the filling of the straw.

A method for treating spermatozoa of an animal includes: irradiating the spermatozoa with light having wavelengths in a range of 390-420 nm at a fluence effective to increase motility of the spermatozoa by 75% or more.

The present invention relates to a kit suitable for preparing a sustained release composition, in particular for preparing a sustained release composition comprising spermatozoa embedded within an alginate matrix.

Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in a sperm using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are provided. Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in an oocyte using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are also provided. Methods for altering an sRNA population in a sperm or an oocyte can be used to prevent, or reduce the severity of, a disease, disorder, or condition that would otherwise be inherited by progeny. For example, certain epigenetic inherited conditions due to paternal effects, such as certain metabolic and stress disorders and conditions, can be ameliorated in progeny using sperm or oocytes having an altered sRNA population.

Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in a sperm using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are provided. Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in an oocyte using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are also provided. Methods for altering an sRNA population in a sperm or an oocyte can be used to prevent, or reduce the severity of, a disease, disorder, or condition that would otherwise be inherited by progeny. For example, certain epigenetic inherited conditions due to paternal effects, such as certain metabolic and stress disorders and conditions, can be ameliorated in progeny using sperm or oocytes having an altered sRNA population.