Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and/or extending the lifespan of sperm by subjecting the isolated sperm to a starvation protocol and/or ionophore are provided. Such methods may be used in, for example, artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and/or extending the lifespan of sperm by subjecting the isolated sperm to a starvation protocol and/or ionophore are provided. Such methods may be used in, for example, artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

A method of cryopreservation of biological material includes the steps of providing an apparatus including a vessel having a reservoir wherein the vessel has a channel formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions, and the channel including sub-reservoirs at either end of the restriction; introducing the biological material into a reservoir region of the apparatus for capture in a channel region of the vessel; irrigating and draining the biological material with a series of vitrification solutions introduced into a first of the sub-reservoirs and removed from a second of the sub-reservoirs; final draining the irrigation solutions from the vessel; and vitrifying the vessel and captive biological material.

Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.

Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.

An apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical body including an end portion having rounded edges and at least one opening. The apparatus further includes a nub integrally formed with the substantially cylindrical body and extending from the end portion proximate to the at least one opening. The nub includes a substantially rounded end.

An apparatus for treating spermatozoa of an animal to increase motility includes: a holding or mounting unit configured to hold or support a sperm container; a lighting unit configured to irradiate the sperm container held or supported by the holding or mounting unit with light having wavelengths in a range of 390-420 nm; and a light controller unit configured to control the lighting unit.

Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.

Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.

Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.