The invention relates to a device (1, 21) for artificially inseminating a mammal with sperm from a male breeding animal, the sperm being introduced through the vagina of the animal into or onto the uterus of the animal which is to be inseminated. The device (1, 21) comprises a tube (2) which can be moved on the uterus through the vagina of the animal which is to be inseminated, and a heatable chamber (6) for accommodating a thin tube (7) containing the sperm, and a drive (13) by means of which the sperm can be removed from the thin tube (7) and the uterus-sided opening of the tube (2). The device (1, 21) comprises a mechanism enabling the thin tube (7) to be moved out from the chamber (6) into the tube (2).

The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

The invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) extending between a first end (13) and a second end (14) and comprising a stopper (12) placed in the tube near the first end thereof and extending between a first end (17) facing the first end of the tube, and a second end (20) facing the second end of the tube, said stopper and said tube being configured such that, after a liquid substance (22) has come in contact with the stopper via the second end thereof, the stopper blocks the passage of the liquid substance therethrough and is, by pushing on the first end thereof, slidable into the tube toward the second end thereof. Moreover, the stopper comprises, on the side of the second end of the tube, a barrier pad (16) consisting of hydrophobic threads over the entire cross-section of the tube.

A behavioral training aid comprising: (a) a body; (b) a tract including: (i) a tract locking mechanism that secures the tract to an outer surface of the body; and (ii) a tract insert removably attached to the tract locking mechanism; (c) one or more legs extending from the body; and (d) one or more base supports extending from a distal end of the one or more legs; wherein the tract insert is configured to receive a receptacle so that the receptacle is elongated and forms a depository within the body.

A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

A cryopreservation device for biological material comprises an outer tube (11) closed in both ends, an inner tube (12) arranged to be filled with the biological material, closed in both ends, and located in the outer tube, and at least one weight element (14) arranged inside the outer tube and outside the inner tube.

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

A bodily fluid transporting unit that includes a container with a syringe housing and a refrigerant pack in the container. The container is covered by a lid and the engagement of the container and the lid results in an air-tight and moisture-tight bodily fluid transporting unit.