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 generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

A method is provided of targeted genome editing of an animal using site specific homologous integration. A composition comprising a single stranded oligonucleotide or double stranded nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule of interest and sequences flanking a target locus cleavage site is injected into the zygote of an animal along with a nuclease and a guide nucleic acid molecule that targets the nuclease to a target locus. The composition is injected into the zygote after fertilization and prior to formation of a nucleus. The nucleic acid molecule of interest is recombined into the genome with high efficiency. The process allows for integration of nucleic acid molecules into the genome of animals in which the pronuclei cannot be visually observed during injection.

A method is provided of targeted genome editing of an animal using site specific homologous integration. A composition comprising a single stranded oligonucleotide or double stranded nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule of interest and sequences flanking a target locus cleavage site is injected into the zygote of an animal along with a nuclease and a guide nucleic acid molecule that targets the nuclease to a target locus. The composition is injected into the zygote after fertilization and prior to formation of a nucleus. The nucleic acid molecule of interest is recombined into the genome with high efficiency. The process allows for integration of nucleic acid molecules into the genome of animals in which the pronuclei cannot be visually observed during injection.

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.

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.

Single nucleotide polymorphic sites of the bovine MAP1B, PPP1R11, and DDX4 genes are associated with improved bull fertility as measured by e.g. sire conception rates. Nucleic acid molecules, arrays, kits, methods of genotyping and marker-assisted bovine breeding methods based on these SNPs are disclosed.

Single nucleotide polymorphic sites of the bovine MAP1B, PPP1R11, and DDX4 genes are associated with improved bull fertility as measured by e.g. sire conception rates. Nucleic acid molecules, arrays, kits, methods of genotyping and marker-assisted bovine breeding methods based on these SNPs are disclosed.

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.