The present application is directed to the processing of a biological sample into its constituent components for use in ART and includes introducing a sample into a first volume disposed adjacent a second volume including buffer solution, wherein the first and second volumes are adapted for fluid communication therebetween, selectively separating the first volume from the second volume with a movable closure member disposed therebetween, wherein the step of selectively separating the first volume from the second volume includes moving the closure member so that a fluid communication aperture is formed by one or a combination of the closure member or the closure member in combination with the first and second volumes to allow fluid communication between the first volume and the second volume such that motile cells migrate from the sample in the first volume to the buffer solution in the second volume.

The assembly comprises a ramp (4) and a straw transfer device (60) comprising two lateral pads and a straw (1) collector arranged between the two lateral pads, the freezer ramp (4) and the transfer device (60) being configured to allow a first end position, to allow a second end position, and such that, by sliding the transfer device (60) from the first end position to the second end position with the pads that slide on angled sections (19) of the ramp (4), the plurality of straws (1) initially arranged on the ramp (4) is recovered in the collector of the transfer device (60).

Assembly for handbag multiple straws for packaging animal semen, each having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined length, comprising a freezing ramp (4) that has a rim and a bottom surrounding a central free space (5), said bottom comprising two toothed walls (11, 25) which extend longitudinally along said central free space (5), each torn lied wall (11.25) having a toothing at its top, the toothings of said toothed walls (11, 25) being identical, with each trough being delimited by a surface having a curvature along said predetermined diameter, characterized in that it further comprises a crosspiece (100) comprising parts (103, 104) that are able to move with respect to one another and are configured to permit a position in which said crosspiece (100) is removably joined to said freezing ramp (4) at a location provided to receive at least one said straw (1).

A support element for a plurality of packaging straws, the support element comprising a plate (31) and two flanges (37) rigidly connected to said plate (31) and comprising a fluted surface (53) having a plurality of similar grooves (36), each flange (37) comprising a central part as well as a first projecting part (42) and a second projecting part (43), each extending from one side of the central part, characterised in that the first projecting part comprises a bracket (42) having a bearing face and the second projecting part comprises another bracket (43) having another bearing face, said bearing face and said other bearing face being upwards facing and, in the direction of height, said bearing face being further from said plate (31) than said other bearing face. The assembly comprises the support element and a freezing rack (4).

The present artificial insemination instrument may include a single use, hollow, elongate, metal pipette and a single disposable syringe that is not toxic to bovine sperm. The apparatus is used with any type of diluent that is not toxic to bovine sperm. In various embodiments, a technician may use non-sorted reduced sperm count semen straws from a bull stud, cut an unsorted semen straw into several pieces to use one piece at a time per cow, thaw one straw and mix the non-sorted semen with diluent, or use reduced sperm count semen straws filled with sex sorted semen by the manufacturer. A procedure is disclosed to use the artificial in semination instrument, reduced sperm count semen from any of the aforementioned sources, a non-toxic syringe, and a diluent to achieve conception rates at least as good as conventional prior art device and procedure conception rates.

An automated controlled device for livestock management and methods of use thereof. The device includes a housing configured to be inserted into a body cavity. One or more reservoirs are configured to be located within the housing and to store a fluid. One or more pumps are coupled to the one or more reservoirs. The one or more pumps are configured to deliver fluid stored in the one or more reservoirs to an area external to the housing during use. A microcontroller is coupled to the one or more pumps. The microcontroller is configured to operate the one or more pumps to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid stored in the one or more reservoirs to the area external to the housing at a scheduled time

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.

An apparatus is provided for use with a fluid that contains biological cells, e.g. seminal fluid. The apparatus (20) includes a tray (22) shaped to define a flat upper surface configured to support the fluid, and an underside. The apparatus (20) further includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the underside of the tray, which may serve to separate the underside from a flat surface on which the tray is placed, or as delineating protrusions that facilitate subsequent retrieval of the fluid following placement on the tray. The tray has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and is transparent or translucent. The upper surface preferably has a level of hydrophobicity that is sufficient for droplets to maintain their shape to a certain extent. A handle (52) facilitates handling of the tray. The apparatus typically fits into a standard-sized cryogenic vial (70).

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 motile cell sorting device is disclosed. The device comprises a chamber, an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber, and a plurality of discrete barriers disposed in the chamber. Each discrete barrier comprises at least one wall and at least one acute edge orientated towards the outlet.