The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

The present invention is drawn to novel methods of selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers in order to improve reproductive efficiency and milk production of the mammals. The present invention encompasses three methods: (1) selecting from any group of mammals; (2) selecting from estrus-negative mammals; and (3) selecting from estrus-negative mammals and pooling the selected mammals with estrus-positive mammals. Also encompassed is a kit for selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers.

The present invention is drawn to novel methods of selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers in order to improve reproductive efficiency and milk production of the mammals. The present invention encompasses three methods: (1) selecting from any group of mammals; (2) selecting from estrus-negative mammals; and (3) selecting from estrus-negative mammals and pooling the selected mammals with estrus-positive mammals. Also encompassed is a kit for selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers.

An injector for injecting a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) for artificial insemination into a uterine body, by which an injection pipe can be introduced smoothly into a uterus, is disclosed. An injector for a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a guide pipe for insertion into a uterine body, an injection pipe which is inserted into the guide pipe and has a length longer than the guide pipe, and a nozzle connected to a frontal end of the injection pipe, wherein the injection pipe comprises a flexible 1st pipe section constituting a frontal side of the injection pipe, and a 2nd pipe section being more rigid than the 1st pipe section and constituting a rear side of the injection pipe.

An injector for injecting a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) for artificial insemination into a uterine body, by which an injection pipe can be introduced smoothly into a uterus, is disclosed. An injector for a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a guide pipe for insertion into a uterine body, an injection pipe which is inserted into the guide pipe and has a length longer than the guide pipe, and a nozzle connected to a frontal end of the injection pipe, wherein the injection pipe comprises a flexible 1st pipe section constituting a frontal side of the injection pipe, and a 2nd pipe section being more rigid than the 1st pipe section and constituting a rear side of the injection pipe.

Applicants have identified that three critical phenotypic/genetic measures are highly correlated with transition period health and may be used in selection and breeding protocols and/or in combination with traditional breeding and marker assisted selection methods to improve predictability of transition period health. According to the invention genetic evaluations for mastitis, ketosis, and metritis have been found to be highly predictive of overall transition health. The genetic evaluations are produced by directly measuring thousands of clinical cases of mastitis, ketosis, and metritis in ancestors of a particular animal and using this data in selection. Applicant's selection criteria and quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

Applicants have identified that three critical phenotypic/genetic measures are highly correlated with transition period health and may be used in selection and breeding protocols and/or in combination with traditional breeding and marker assisted selection methods to improve predictability of transition period health. According to the invention genetic evaluations for mastitis, ketosis, and metritis have been found to be highly predictive of overall transition health. The genetic evaluations are produced by directly measuring thousands of clinical cases of mastitis, ketosis, and metritis in ancestors of a particular animal and using this data in selection. Applicant's selection criteria and quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more IncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing IncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more IncRNAs.

Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more IncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing IncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more IncRNAs.

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.