EP0739612A2 - Device for the artificial insemination of sows - Google Patents

Abstract

The catheter (10) has a tube (112) ending in a thickened stopper-type portion (116), while a semen vessel can be connected to the tube. The vagina is kept clean by a sterility funnel (11) partly enclosing the thickened portion, and which is partly cylindrical, having a tip (121) at the end which can be opened. At the other end, it is partly enclosed by a ring portion (123) protruding outwards. The tip can have one or more opening cuts (124), typically formed or bridged by thin film which can be broken. It can be of truncated-cone shape. The internal diameter of the cylindrical portion can be equal to or less than the external diameter of the catheter thickened portion.

Description

• einer Kathetereinheit mit einem Rohrelement, das in eine pfropfenartige Verdickung übergeht,
• einem Samenbehälter, der mit dem Rohrelement verbindbar ist, und
• einer Vagina-Reinhaltungseinrichtung.

The invention relates to a device for the artificial fertilization of animals, in particular sows, consisting of at least

• a catheter unit with a tubular element which changes into a plug-like thickening,
• a seed container which can be connected to the tubular element, and
• a vagina cleaning device.

From DE-A-4 419 726 a device for artificial fertilization and embryo transfer is known. It comprises an elongated hollow tube and a hollow stem which contains a reproductive organism therein and is fitted in the elongated tube. A flexible tip is attached to one end of the elongated tube and engages the straw. The tip, which is designed as a plug-like thickening, has a passage in connection with the stalk and and a conical part which is adapted so that it can be passed smoothly through a cervical canal of a female subject. A piston rod is slidably mounted in the long tube and is constructed to enter the stalk around that contained in the stalk To convey the reproductive organism out through the passage of the tip by means of its axial forward movement. A locking element is arranged to restrict free axial movement of the piston rod in the elongated tube between the elongated tube and the piston rod. A first sheath is inserted around the elongated tube to protect the elongated tube from contamination by infectious materials in the cervical canal as the device is passed through the cervical canal. A second sheath surrounds the tip and the first sheath to protect them from contamination by infectious materials in the vaginal canal during use of the device in a vaginal canal.

It is disadvantageous that the second covering, which is intended to protect against infectious materials, and the entire device are constructed in a very complex and complicated manner. The second envelope as a clean-up device extends over the entire length of the inner structure and is again surrounded at the end by a tubular element. After the artificial insemination or fertilization process has ended, in addition to the tip and the straw, the material-intensive second covering with the tubular element must be replaced.

A catheter for the artificial fertilization of sows is known from DE-U-9 401 866. It consists of a tube, the front end of which has a plug-like thickening. A helical projection is provided on the thickening. At the back, the plug-like thickening merges into a cylindrical section.

It is disadvantageous that the plug-like thickening which is introduced through the vagina into the cervix of the sow is contaminated with germs from the outer pubic area is. These germs can get into the cervix unhindered and lead to inflammation and to a noise around the sow.

Ultimately, EP-A-0 093 630 discloses an envelope for a gynecological pistol for the artificial fertilization, transport or collection of embryos. This casing made of a semi-rigid material protects the pistol from contamination by another animal.

In order to be able to hold the casing over the gun, loops are attached in the area of the gun actuation parts. In addition, the sheath is so long that it serves to protect the entire pistol, in order to then be able to carry out several operations which are to be considered veterinary in the hand of a specialist.

The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a device for artificial fertilization of the type mentioned for sows in such a way that germ-free insemination is possible simply and safely.

• daß die Vagina-Reinhaltungseinrichtung ein Sterilitätstrichterelement ist,
• daß das Sterilitätstrichterelement die pfropfenartige Verdickung wenigstens teilweise umgibt und
• daß das Sterilitätstrichterelement wenigstens teilweise zylinderförmig ausgebildet ist, an einem Ende mit einem öffnenbaren Spitzenelement abschließt und am entgegengesetzten Ende von einem nach außen kragenden Trichterringscheibenelement wenigstens teilweise umgeben ist.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by

• that the vagina cleaning device is a sterility funnel element,
• that the sterility funnel element at least partially surrounds the plug-like thickening and
• that the sterility funnel element is at least partially cylindrical, terminates at one end with an openable tip element and is at least partially surrounded at the opposite end by an outwardly projecting funnel ring disc element.

The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that the flexible sterile funnel element the plug-like thickening encloses so far that it bridges the area from the outer pubic area to the bladder entrance, which despite the most intensive cleaning efforts still has innumerable germs. After the plug-like thickening has continued, the germicidal forces in the vaginal cavity are used. It is essential that with the sterility funnel element, the artificial insemination process takes place in an analogous manner to that of natural insemination. It is also essential that the sterility funnel element as a vagina cleaning device is designed to be extremely material-saving. The cantilevered funnel ring disc element and the at least partially cylindrical design of the sterility funnel element ensure that the aseptic insemination process is easily possible. A specialist is not required for this.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the openable syringe element can be provided with at least one opening incision. The opening incisions can be designed as slots, breakable thin film sections or the like.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the plug-like thickening with the sterility funnel element enveloping it into the vaginal canal, the tip element is designed as a truncated cone.

It is advantageous if the inner diameter of the cylindrical part of the sterility funnel element is less than / equal to the outer diameter of the plug-like thickening. This ensures that both parts can be easily and safely inserted into the vaginal canal.

In the interior of the sterility funnel element, at least one guide web extending at least partially from the funnel ring disk element to the truncated cone is arranged. A knob can be arranged on this guide web. Both measures ensure that the sterility funnel element adheres to the plug-like thickening when the insemination process is initiated. In particular, the knobs arranged on the webs prevent plug-like thickenings of smaller diameter from being released from the sterility funnel element. The webs ensure that in the case of a suitable plug-like thickening, this and the sterility funnel element form a unit.

It is also advantageous for carrying out the insemination process that the cylindrical part of the sterility funnel element is at least partially conical from the funnel ring disc element to the truncated cone. It is hereby achieved that after the plug-like thickening has been pushed out of the sterility funnel element, it is already pressed out of the vagina by the muscular counterpressure. This pushing out is supported by the lubricant applied to the sterility funnel element. A special pulling out of the sterility funnel element is therefore no longer necessary.

The sterility funnel element itself can be made of plastic, paper or the like. be made. This enables cost-effective manufacture as a disposable instrument.

Fig. 1 bis 3

eine Kathetereinheit mit einem Sterilitätstrichterelement,

Fig. 4

ein einzelnes Sterilitätselement für eine Kathetereinheit in einer schematischen, perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5

eine künstliche Besamung einer Sau unter Verwendung beispielsweise der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Kathetereinrichtung mit Sterilitätstrichterelement und

Fig. 6

eine künstliche Besamung einer Sau unter Verwendung beispielsweise der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Kathetereinrichtung mit Sterilitätstrichterelement.

The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 to 3

a catheter unit with a sterility funnel element,

Fig. 4

a single sterility element for a catheter unit in a schematic, perspective view,

Fig. 5

an artificial insemination of a sow using, for example, the catheter device shown in FIG. 1 with a sterility funnel element and

Fig. 6

artificial insemination of a sow using, for example, the catheter device with a sterility funnel element shown in FIG. 1.

• einer pfropfenartigen Verdickung 116, 216 bzw. 316
• einer Kathetereinheit 110, 210 bzw. 310, die von
• einem Sterilitätstrichterelement 111, 211 bzw. 311 umgeben ist.

A device according to the invention for the artificial fertilization of sows consists of

• a plug-like thickening 116, 216 and 316
• a catheter unit 110, 210 and 310, respectively, of
• a sterility funnel element 111, 211 or 311 is surrounded.

1 to 3 differently designed catheter units 110, 210 and 310 are shown.

In the catheter unit 110, as shown in FIG. 1, a tubular element 112 merges into the plug-like thickening 116. The surface of the plug-like thickening 116 tapers conically at an outer end 113 and has a projection 114. The projection 114 is shown with an approximately constant radius, so that the plug-like thickening 116 of the catheter unit 110 decreases conically towards the outer end 113. In addition to the projection 114, an annular recess 117 is provided. The adjoining area is an essentially cylindrical, at least partially beveled partial thickening 115. The tubular element 112 is made of polyethylene, which, in conjunction with a suitable selection of the dimensions of the tube, gives it a suitable rigidity and flexibility when using the tubular element 112. The plug-like thickening 116 consists of foamed plastic which is sufficiently soft so that injury to the sow is prevented when the tubular element is used. Other materials that are suitably soft and ensure this can also be used. The cylindrical part of the plug-like thickening 116 has a diameter D of approximately 20-25 mm. The length of the plug-like thickening is about 30-32 mm.

The catheter unit 210 according to FIG. 2 consists of a tube element 212 which ends in the plug-like thickening 216. The plug-like thickening 216 has projections 214 such that a helical back is formed. The helical back extends from a plug member 215 to a tapered rounded outer end 213.

3 shows a further embodiment of a catheter unit.

The catheter unit 310 consists of a straight tubular element 312, which ends in a snake-shaped plug-like thickening 316. The serpentine design of the plug-like thickening 316 results in projections 314. The plug-like thickening 316 also ends in a more pointed, rounded outer end 313.

A sterility funnel element 111, 211 or 311 is pushed over the plug-like thickening 116, 216 or 316 of the catheter unit 110, 210 or 310 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The sterility funnel element 111, 211 or 311 consists of a substantially cylindrical thickening receiving element 122, 222, 322. The cylindrical part, i. H. of the element 122, 222 or 322 has an inner diameter d which is less than / equal to the outer diameter D of the plug-like thickening 116, 216 or 316. At one end, the thickening receiving element ends in a truncated cone 121, 221 or 321. The truncated cone has opening incisions 124, 224 or 324. In the area of the opening incisions, the truncated cone has breakable thin-film caps or thin-film closures 125 (cf. in particular FIG. 4). The thin film caps are welded to the rest of the truncated cone material by ultrasound technology. The thin-film closures 125 are film skins which are also produced when the sterility funnel element 111 is formed from an easily moldable material, in particular plastic. It is of course also possible that the opening incisions 124, 224 or 324 are formed as bin incisions or material weakening lines which are connected to one another or folded over one another in such a way that the truncated cone 121, 221 or 321 is sealed.

At the end of the catheter thickening receiving element 122, 222 or 322 opposite the truncated cone, an externally projecting funnel ring disk element 123, 223 or 323 is arranged.

The receiving element 122, 222 or 322 can be conical from the funnel ring disc element 123, 223, 323 to the truncated cone 121, 221 or 321. Internally of the receiving element 122, three guide webs 126 are arranged at approximately the same distance from one another. In the area below the funnel ring disk element 123, a knob 127 is arranged on each of them.

The sterility funnel element composed of the truncated cone, the hollow cylinder and the adjoining funnel ring disc element is formed in one piece. Of course, other materials can be used instead of plastic. The sterility funnel element 111, 211 and 311 is so long that it at least partially surrounds the plug-like thickening 116, 216 and 316. So z. B. the plug-like thickening 316 can be surrounded by a sterility funnel element 311 with a length of about 35 mm. It is crucial, however, to bridge the unsterile areas at the entrance to the vagina. Surprisingly, it was found to form a sterility funnel element with a uniform length of 55-95 mm, preferably 75 mm, which firmly encloses the differently shaped plug-like thickenings 116, 216 and 316 according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The funnel disc element should have a diameter of at least 60 mm.

The use of the catheter unit with a sterility funnel element, as it results from the illustrated embodiment, is explained:

The aim of every sow owner is to increase the number of piglets raised per sow per year. This goal can be achieved on the one hand by increasing the number of raised piglets per litter and on the other hand by increasing the number of litters per sow to 2 to 2.2 per year. This envisaged goal is being diminished by the fact that the number of people moving around is increasing. "Umrauscher? - I had last winter terribly many, and to date the problem has hardly improved. But that's because of the new sow disease, there is little you can do. "

In the literature, the owner is given essential information for successful occupancy management. It is important to recognize the optimal insemination date. In the case of a sow 1, the pubes swell and redden as recognition of the heat. Only the swelling and a less intense reddening of the pubic area 2 announces the main heat. In this phase, sow 1 tolerates the boar. The tolerance effect can also be triggered by the so-called support or riding test. After the toleration phase has ended and the symptoms of the heat have subsided, the afterburn lasting for about 1-2 days begins. The correct time of occupancy depends on the lifespan, on the egg and sperm cell (see in particular top agrar 9/93, p. 20 ff.).

Once the best time for occupancy has been determined, artificial insemination or fertilization is carried out as follows:

First, the pubic area 2 (see FIG. 5) is to be cleaned very intensively. The sterility funnel element 111 is then drawn onto the plug-like thickening 116 of the catheter unit 110 after it has been rubbed in with a lubricant. The plug-like thickening 116 is guided through the guide webs 126 and held firmly in the interior of the sterility funnel unit 111 by the knobs 127. Thereafter, the exterior of the sterility funnel element 111 is also coated with the lubricant, e.g. B. paraffin oil or sperm lubricated. Other lubricants should not be used as they can damage the sperm. Similarly, the catheter units 210 and 310 are prepared with the sterility funnel elements 211 and 311, respectively.

The catheter unit, as also shown in FIG. 3, is then inserted into the vagina 3 with the sterility funnel element 311 first. The sterility funnel element 111 or 311 can be inserted into the sheath 3 until the funnel ring disc element 123, 223 or 323, which projects outwards, rests on the outer pubic area. When the catheter unit 110, 210 or 310 is pushed further, the outer end 113, 213 or 313 pushes into the truncated cone 221 or 321 and opens the thin-film closures at the opening incisions 124, 224 or 324 and allows the plug-like thickening to pass. This is now carried completely germ-free up to the cervix 3 '. The sow must "hold" the catheter unit, i. i.e., slight resistance must be felt when the catheter unit is withdrawn. The experienced keeper knows to what point the catheter unit has to lead. A seed container 118 (see FIG. 5) is then connected to the end. Gentle pressure on the container 118 ensures that the sperm can flow into the uterus 4. The entire time of insemination should last at least 3 minutes. The sow is stimulated accordingly during and after insemination. During this time, the sterility funnel element 111, 211, 311 is pushed onto the tubular element 112, 212, 312 by the contraction of the sheath 3 and conveyed by the slightly conical catheter thickening receiving element 122, 222, 322.

After emptying the seed container 118, the catheter unit should not be withdrawn immediately. This prevents unnecessary sperm reflux. If a certain time has expired, the catheter unit 110, 210 or 310 is withdrawn by pulling on the tube element 112, 212 or 312. When the catheter unit is pulled out further, the sterility funnel element 111, 211 and 311 is also removed at the same time.

It is essential that the correct time of occupancy, in addition to the changes in the external shame, which has already been described, and that in a typical game of the ears 10, the posture of the head 9 and the stability of the front and rear feet 7 and 8 and a spreading the hind feet 7 is effectively supplemented by the aseptic introduction of the semen. Since, as shown in FIG. 5, the exit of the intestine 5 is located above the pubic area 2 and, moreover, the tail 6 above it also constantly comes into contact with the outer pubic area 2, germs are constantly located in this area. Despite intensive cleaning of the pubic area, these germs can in no way be removed. If the boar is naturally inseminated, it is effectively pre-cleaned. The use of the sterility funnel element 111, 211 or 311 ensures that germs and other possible infections which may be present in the outer area of the pubic area are not carried over into the uterus. The relatively short sterility funnel element 111, 211 or 311 is sufficient for the plug-like thickening 116, 216 or 316 to move in the sterile area of the vagina 3 or cervix 3 '. This significantly reduces the noise so that the target of 2.3 litters per sow and year is achieved. However, two times per heat means for the keeper with many sows an additional increase in the number of piglets per sow and year, so that the operating income is influenced favorably.

Claims (9)

Device for the artificial fertilization of sows, consisting of at least a catheter unit (110, 210, 310) with a tubular element (112, 212, 312) which merges into a plug-like thickening (116, 216, 316), - A seed container (118) which can be connected to the tubular element (112, 212, 312), and - a vagina cleaning device (111, 211, 311), characterized, - That the vagina cleaning device is a sterility funnel element (111, 211, 311), - That the sterility funnel element (111, 211, 311) at least partially surrounds the plug-like thickening (116, 216, 316) and - That the sterility funnel element (111, 211, 311) is at least partially cylindrical, at one end with an openable tip element (121, 221, 321) and at the opposite end of an outwardly projecting funnel ring disc element (123, 223, 323) at least is partially surrounded. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the openable tip element (121, 221, 321) is provided with at least one opening incision (124, 224, 324). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening incisions (124, 224, 324) are designed as slots or breakable thin film sections or are bridged with thin film closures (125). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tip element is designed as a truncated cone (121, 221, 321). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner diameter (d) of the cylindrical part of the sterility funnel element (111, 211, 311) is less than / equal to the outer diameter (D) of the plug-like thickening (116, 216, 316) . Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one guide web (126) extending at least partially from the funnel ring disk element (123) to the truncated cone (121) is arranged in the interior of the sterility funnel element (111). Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one knob (127) is arranged on the guide web (126) below the funnel ring disk element (123). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cylindrical part of the sterility funnel element (111) from the funnel ring disc element (123) to the truncated cone (121) is at least partially conical. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sterility funnel element (111, 211, 311) made of plastic, paper or the like. is made.

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