A method is for determining the quality of an animal's semen. The method includes the steps of collecting at least one fresh or frozen semen sample, and measuring at least one absorption spectrum X.sub.j of at least one sample of the semen. The sample is collected to a straw for artificial insemination with animal semen obtained by implementing the method. A computer and software are used for the implementation of the method.

A straw includes a tube (11), a stopper (13) arranged in the tube and having a passage (35) extending through it, and an emptying needle (14) having a first portion (31) protruding from the stopper as far as a distal end (19) situated in the tube, and a second portion (32) situated in the passage (35) of the stopper, the needle and the stopper forming an insert (12) entirely disposed in the tube and having an internal conduit (24) fluidically connecting the internal spaces of the tube that are situated to either side of the insert, the internal conduit being formed at least in part by the needle. A method for emptying the straw includes establishing a fluidic communication between the needle and a receptacle, and making an opening in the tube in order to connect the dose of liquid-based substance to the atmosphere and allow it to flow.

The invention relates to a method for increasing the lifespan of animal sperm comprising contacting said sperm with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel. The invention also relates to a use of an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel, for increasing the lifespan of animal sperm or motility of capacitated animal sperm, comprising contacting an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel with said sperm. Moreover, the invention relates to an artificial insemination instrument for use in artificial insemination of an animal, comprising animal sperm in contact with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel. The invention also relates to a method for artificially inseminating an animal using said artificial insemination instrument. Eventually, the invention relates to a method for increasing the fertility of an animal, comprising contacting sperm of said animal with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel; then artificially inseminating said animal with said sperm.

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).

The present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency identification system for a cryogenic straw comprising: at least one integrated circuit configured to store information and generate a radio-frequency signal in a frequency range of between 30 MHz and 3 GHz; and at least one antenna comprising a conductive thread configured to be integrated, such as molded, into a sidewall of the cryogenic straw. The disclosure further relates to a cryogenic straw comprising at least one antenna, the antenna comprising a conductive thread or rod, wherein the at least one antenna is integrated, such as molded, into a sidewall of the cryogenic straw.

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 invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper (12), said stopper (12) being arranged in the tube (11), close to an end (16). The invention is characterised in that the stopper (12) comprises an indicator component (20) having a first pre-determined colour in the absence of previous contact with said substance (21) and a second pre-determined colour, of a different shade from that of the first colour, once it has been in contact with said substance (21). The assembly comprises the straw (10) and a device (26) for controlling the filling of the straw.

Devices and methods are provided for drug delivery. The device may include a housing configured for intraluminal deployment into a human or animal subject and first and second reservoirs within the housing, each reservoir having an actuation end, an opposed release end, and a plug moveable from the actuation end toward the release end. First and second drug formulations may be contained in the first and second reservoirs, respectively. The device may also include one or more actuation systems configured to drive the first and second plugs so as to drive the first and second drug formulations from the first and second reservoirs. The housing may include a porous membrane sidewall in fluid communication with the release ends of the first and second reservoirs, the porous membrane sidewall being configured to distribute the first and second drug formulations driven from the first and second reservoirs.

Examples of a cryopreservation device (200, 300) for storing reproductive biological material are described herein. The device (200, 300) includes a vitrification straw (202, 302) having an elongated member (208, 306) with a planar base and a triangular cross-section. The vitrification straw (202, 302) further includes a tip member (208, 308) extending away from one end of the elongated member (208, 306). At least a portion of the tip member (208, 308) defines a cavity (212) to receive the biological material. Further, the cryopreservation device includes a sheath (204, 304, 402) for being disposed over the tip member (208, 308) of the vitrification straw (202, 302).