EP2968421A1 - Methods for use of sex sorted semen to improve genetic management in swine - Google Patents
Methods for use of sex sorted semen to improve genetic management in swineInfo
- Publication number
- EP2968421A1 EP2968421A1 EP13877728.9A EP13877728A EP2968421A1 EP 2968421 A1 EP2968421 A1 EP 2968421A1 EP 13877728 A EP13877728 A EP 13877728A EP 2968421 A1 EP2968421 A1 EP 2968421A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- line
- male
- progeny
- female
- swine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
- A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
- A01N1/0278—Physical preservation processes
- A01N1/0284—Temperature processes, i.e. using a designated change in temperature over time
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
- A61D19/00—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
- A61D19/02—Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
- A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
- A61K35/48—Reproductive organs
- A61K35/52—Sperm; Prostate; Seminal fluid; Leydig cells of testes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
- A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
- A61K35/48—Reproductive organs
- A61K35/54—Ovaries; Ova; Ovules; Embryos; Foetal cells; Germ cells
Definitions
- the invention relates to methods of using sex sorted semen from pure line boars of a swine line in matings to increase the genetic merit of swine at the level of commercial pig production.
- the improvement of genetic management of the line is the result of 1) increase of the genetic progress in the line and/or 2) improvement of the genetic dissemination (i.e., genetic merit of commercial product is closer to genetic merit at the genetic nucleus).
- Swine production today can be represented by a multilevel pyramid, with certain offspring at each level used in the next lower level for breeding.
- the top level of the pyramid is the genetic nucleus (GN).
- the next levels from top to bottom are generally the daughter nucleus (DN), the multiplier, or multiplication unit, and finally the commercial level, generally comprising commercial farms where slaughter pigs are being produced, respectively.
- GN animals will have relatives at lower levels of the pyramid, pure bred as well as crossbred. Trait data collected from these relatives contribute to the estimation of the genetic merit of GN animals.
- parents that produce the next generation are in general randomly mated with one another, while avoiding matings between closely related individuals, with the goal of increasing the genetic merit of the next generation.
- An increase in the genetic merit of the next generation constitutes genetic progress.
- An increase in genetic merit in this context, means that for a given trait or set of traits, the individuals in the successive generation will express the desired trait or set of traits more strongly than their parents.
- an increase in genetic merit means the individuals in the successive generation will express the trait or set of traits less strongly than their parents.
- Genetic change including desirable genetic change (i.e., genetic progress per year), (“dG”) can be measured as the difference between the average genetic level of all progeny born in one year and all progeny born the following year. The difference is the result of selected parents having higher genetic merit than the average genetic merit of all the selection candidates (the animals available for selection). In ideal conditions, this depends upon the heritability (h ) of the trait and the difference between the average performance of selected parents and that of selection candidates.
- the heritability of a trait (h ) is the proportion of observable differences (phenotypic variance, ⁇ p) in a trait between individuals within a population that is due to
- the genetic progress per year is the result of genetic superiority of selected males and of selected females. This is expressed in the following equation:
- dG ⁇ (RlH*i)males + (Rffl*i)females ⁇ * ⁇ 3 ⁇ 4/(L ma i es + Lf ema i es ),
- R the accuracy of selection
- i the selection intensity
- ⁇ genetic variation
- L generation interval
- the economic value is positive if selection is for larger phenotypic values and negative if selection is for smaller phenotypic values.
- I an index that combines all the trait information on the individual and its relatives and is the best estimate of the value of H for the individual.
- Selection is more effective when non-genetic effects are removed (e.g. by comparing each performance record to the average of the contemporary group) and when information from relatives is used in addition to that of the animal itself. This is achieved through the computation of estimated breeding values (EBVs) using for instance multiple trait BLUP methods.
- EBVs estimated breeding values
- Environmental factors such as HYS (herd-year-season) are in the model to correct for environmental effects and simultaneously information from relatives is included through the use of the relationship matrix. More trait information from more relatives results in a higher accuracy (Rm) of the EBV.
- the selection intensity depends upon how many animals are tested and how many are selected—the lower the proportion selected the higher the selection intensity and the larger the genetic progress, all else being equal.
- AI artificial insemination
- the generation interval for males is the average age of male parents (or female parents) when progeny are born. In general sows produce more than one litter at the GN and the L for females tends to be larger than the L for males.
- the annual rate of genetic progress depends on the generation interval and on the superiority of the parent's EBVs compared to that of the selection candidates. In general, males contribute more to the genetic progress per year than the females.
- feed efficiency i.e., a measure of an animal's efficiency in converting feed mass into increased body mass (also known as feed conversion or feed to gain ratio)
- average daily gain i.e., the average daily weight gain for an animal.
- Traits are measured in different units (e.g., number of pigs, pounds per day, inches, etc.), are not of equal economic importance in all global markets, and are not genetically influenced to the same degree (i.e., different heritability coefficients).
- production traits such as feed efficiency and average daily gain have high heritability.
- reproductive traits such as fertility and litter size generally have low heritability.
- Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a method of increasing genetic merit of swine comprising the steps of establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line; determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit; sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein a majority of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; inseminating one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male or the percentage of progeny that are female determined to increase genetic merit relative to a control; and producing progeny from the one or more
- the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes results in an increase in genetic merit and no increase in inbreeding in the line relative to a control.
- the step of inseminating may be replaced by a step of fertilizing, either in vivo or in vitro, one or more eggs from one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit relative to the control.
- the line, the male, the one or more female, and/or the progeny may belong to or be members of a genetic nucleus, a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- any or all of the aforementioned steps may be performed as part of a breeding program. It should be understood that certain embodiments of the invention comprise one or more of the aforementioned steps.
- genetic merit of a swine or a line may be a function of, based on, or determined by, quantitative or genomic EBV.
- genetic merit may be a function of, based on, or determined by, one or more traits, including but not limited to fertility, litter size, milk production, feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean, as well as genetic markers for such traits.
- genetic merit may be a function of, based on, or determined by, the ability of sperm cells to be sex sorted and/or frozen based on the sperm cells viability, fertility, and/or motility after sorting and/or freezing, as well as a genetic marker for such a trait.
- a line may comprise a sire line or a dam line
- a line may comprise a sire line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 10 to 35% or 15 to 30%.
- a line may comprise a dam line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 5 to 30% or 10 to 25%.
- the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes may be between approximately 0 to 10% or between approximately 90 to 100%) and the produced progeny may be members of a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- approximately 50% of progeny are male in the control. In other embodiments, all female swine to be mated are inseminated with unsorted semen samples in the control.
- a category or class of male swine in one or more of the mating subtypes may be defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or age.
- a category or class of female swine in one or more of the mating subtypes may be defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or parity.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes may comprise only one male swine and/or only one female swine from the line.
- a mating subtype may be comprised of one or more subgroups and/or one or more female subgroups, wherein a subgroup is defined or based on one or more criteria, including but not limited to, function in the production pyramid, age, parity, genetic merit (e.g., EBV) and genetic markers or mutations.
- Some embodiments of the invention comprise the step of classifying or splitting males and/or females available for mating into a plurality of subgroups, wherein the subgroups are defined by, or based on, one or more criteria including but not limited to, function in the production pyramid, age, parity, genetic merit (e.g., EBV) and genetic markers or mutations.
- a male subgroup is defined by, or based on, one or more criteria including but not limited to, function in the production pyramid, age, genetic merit (e.g., EBV) and genetic markers or mutations.
- a female subgroup is defined by, or based on, one or more criteria including but not limited to, function in the production pyramid, parity, age, genetic merit (e.g., EBV) and genetic markers or mutations.
- one or more male subgroups can cover one or more males.
- one or more female subgroups can cover one or more females.
- the percentages of male and/or female progeny that increase genetic merit may be determined using a stochastic or a deterministic method, or a combination thereof.
- genetic merit of a swine or a line may be a function of, based on, or determined by, EBV. In other embodiments of the invention, genetic merit may be a function of, based on, or determined by, one or more traits, including but not limited to fertility, litter size, milk production, feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean, as well as genetic markers for such traits. In a further embodiment, genetic merit may be a function of, based on, or determined by, the ability of sperm cells to be sex sorted and/or frozen based on the sperm cells viability, fertility, and/or motility after sorting and/or freezing, as well as a genetic marker for such a trait. In certain embodiments of the invention, genetic merit of a swine or a line may be assessed by genotyping a swine or an embryo.
- sex sorted semen may comprise sex sorted sperm cells, or sex sorted sperm cells and one or more other components of an ejaculate.
- a sex sorted sperm cell sample may comprise a sperm cell sample in which either X- or Y- bearing sperm cells in the sample have been rendered incapable of fertilization by, for example, killing.
- the process of sex sorting a sperm cell sample or a semen sample includes any process in which either X- or Y- bearing sperm cells in the sample are identified and rendered incapable of fertilization.
- aspects of the invention encompass inseminating a female swine from said line or breed with sex sorted sperm cells using a deep intrauterine catheter or a needle inserted through a membrane of said female swine.
- Some of these embodiments encompass known surgical and non- surgical techniques that can be used to place sperm cells into a female swine's reproductive tract, including laparotomy (surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity).
- This embodiment contemplates inseminating female swine using 1 x 10 9 or less total sperm cells.
- a deep intrauterine catheter can be employed to administer a sperm cell sample into distal portions of a female swine's reproductive tract such as one or more uterine horns or one or more utero-tubal junctions.
- the deep intrauterine catheter is comprised of an outer tube or sheath and an inner flexible probe.
- the flexible inner probe comprises a flexible inner duct through which fluids or cells can pass.
- the outer tube and inner flexible probe can be made of a plastic, and in other embodiments, they may be made of metal configured to be flexible such as in a coil or spring configuration.
- the deep intrauterine catheter comprises a video camera or scope for visualizing the location of the distal portion of the deep intrauterine catheter within a female swine's reproductive tract.
- the deep intrauterine catheter can be visualized within the female swine's reproductive tract using radiography or fluoroscopy.
- a deep intrauterine catheter can be used to insert or withdraw embryos or zygotes from the distal portions of a female swine's reproductive tract such as from one or more uterine horns or from one or more utero-tubal junction.
- a dose of 1 x 10 9 sperm cells or less is administered to a female swine.
- Such sperm cells may be sex sorted sperm cells.
- a dose of sex sorted sperm cells (for instance 600 x 10 6 , but may be more, or as little as 10 x 10 6 if placed in the optimal location at the optimal time of estrus) is administered into one or both uterine horns (e.g., 300 x 10 6 sperm cells into each horn) of a female swine by deep intrauterine catheter.
- doses can vary in the range of or anywhere in between about 300 x 10 6 , about 150 x 10 6 , about 140 x 10 6 , about 100 x 10 6 , about 70 x 10 6 , about 50 x 10 6 , or about 5 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells or less and can be administered into one or both uterine horns of a female swine.
- the aforementioned doses can be administered in various volumes, including but not limited to 5 ml for every 150 x 10 6 sperm cells, or the same number of cells in a volume in the range of 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml or 100 ml, or somewhere between 5-10 ml, 10- 20 ml, 20-30 ml, 30-40 ml, 40-50 ml, 50-60 ml, 60-70 ml, 70-80 ml, 80-90 ml or 90-100 ml.
- the sex sorted sperm cells for use in any embodiment of the invention can be cryopreserved and then thawed, or alternatively fresh (i.e., never frozen) sex sorted sperm cells can be utilized.
- the aforementioned doses may also be administered into one or more uterotubal junctions of a female swine.
- This embodiment of the invention also encompasses the use of a laparoscope to visualize insertion of a needle through a membrane of a female swine for administering a sex sorted sperm cell sample.
- Both the needle used for injecting the sperm cell sample and the laparoscope, as well as manipulating instruments such as forceps, can be inserted into the abdomen of a female swine through small incisions typical of laparoscopic procedures.
- the invention also encompasses the injection of a sperm cell sample in one or more locations within the female reproductive tract.
- the sperm cell sample can be injected in one or more locations within the uterus of a female swine, including one or more uterine horns, oviducts, ampulla, isthmus or utero-tubal junction.
- embryos or zygotes can be inserted or withdrawn from a female swine's reproductive tract via laparoscopy.
- a dose of 1 x 10 9 sperm cells or less is administered to a female swine.
- Such sperm cells may be sex sorted sperm cells.
- a dose of about 500 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells or less can be injected into one or both oviducts (e.g., 250 x 10 6 sperm cells in each oviduct) of a female swine by laparoscopy; in other embodiments, doses in the range of or anywhere in between about 10 x 10 6 , about 5 x 10 6 , about 3 x 10 6 , about 2.0 x 10 6 , about 1.2 x 10 6 , about 1 x 10 6 , or 0.6 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells or less can be injected into one or both oviducts of a female swine.
- sex sorted sperm cells can be injected into specific regions of the oviduct, including but not limited to the isthmus, the ampulla and/or the utero-tubal junction.
- a dose in the range of or anywhere in between about 5 x 10 6 , about 2 x 10 6 , about 1 x 10 6 , about 600 x 10 3 , about 500 x 10 3 , about 300 x 10 3 , or about 150 x 10 3 sex sorted sperm cells or less can be injected into one or more regions of the oviduct, either unilaterally or bilaterally.
- sex sorted sperm cells can be injected at various sites in the oviduct using doses in the range of or anywhere in between the about 500 x 10 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each ampulla with about 1 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each utero-tubal junction; or a dose of about 1 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each ampulla with about 2 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each utero-tubal junction; or a dose of about 5 x 10 5 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each ampulla with about 2 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each utero-tubal junction; or a dose of about 5 x 10 5 sex sorted sperm cells injected into each ampulla with about 1 x 10 6 sex sorted sperm cells
- the aforementioned doses can be contained in various volumes, by way of example, 100 ⁇ for every 1 x 10 6 million sperm cells, or the same number of sperm in one of the following or in any volume between: 50 ⁇ 1, 100 ⁇ , 200 ⁇ , 300 ⁇ , 400 ⁇ or 500 ⁇ .
- Another aspect of the invention comprises synchronizing estrus and/or inducing timed ovulation in a female swine that is to be inseminated using the embodiments disclosed herein by administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to the female swine.
- the one or more hormone or hormone analogs comprises PG600 (comprising pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin ["PMSG”] and human chorionic gonadotropin ["hCG”]; Intervet), OvuGel (triptorelin acetate in a slow release formula via an intravaginal delivery system; Gel Med Sciences, Inc.), equine chorionic gonadotropin ("eCG”), hCG, progestin, altrenogest or regumate.
- said one or more hormone or hormone analogs is administered by a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of said female swine.
- the programmable device contemplated herein is able to release said one or more hormone or hormone analogs in a time released fashion without the breeder having to monitor the device or provide any input other than programming the initial parameters for release of said one or more hormone or hormone analog.
- estrus synchronization/ timed ovulation can be induced in a female swine by administering 1250 to 1500 IU of eCG and then 750 IU of hCG 72 to 80 hours later.
- estrus can be induced in a female swine by administering 400 to 2000 IU of PMSG and then 500 to 1000 IU of hCG is administered 72 to 83 hours later.
- detecting ovulation in a female swine by examining said female swine's follicles.
- said female swine's follicles are examined using ultrasound.
- said female swine's ovaries are examined by transrectal ultrasound every 3-5 hours beginning 25-35 hours after hCG injection for the presence of pre-ovulatory follicles.
- female swine showing multiple pre-ovulatory follicles are selected for insemination 2- 3 hours after ultrasound.
- Figure 1 shows an example of a production pyramid for the production of crossbred parent boars and parent gilts.
- Figure 2 shows the increase in dG and reduction in overall percentage of male progeny that results when Precision Breeding is applied with increased levels of sophistication in both sire and dam lines.
- Figure 3 illustrates schematically a flow cytometer that can be used to sort sperm cell samples into one or more subpopulations bearing X- or Y-chromosomes.
- the methods disclosed herein increase the genetic merit of swine at the commercial level by increasing the rate of genetic progress of a line and/or reducing the genetic lag between the GN and commercial production while making multiplication more cost effective and/or profitable.
- Line refers to swine having a common origin and similar identifying characteristics.
- Purge line as used herein is equivalent to "line,” and may be used below in order to distinguish a pure bred individual or mating from a crossbred individual or mating.
- Billing program as used herein comprises one or more line development programs.
- Communication swine refers to swine slaughtered for their meat for commercial sale or sows producing swine for their meat for commercial sale.
- Communication farm refers to a facility for housing commercial swine.
- Multiplier or “multiplication unit,” as used herein refers to one or more populations of male and female swine, comprising one or more lines that are part of a multiplication program for increasing the number of individuals with increasing genetic merit, with individuals being pure line or crossbred products used as parents, grandparents or great grandparents of commercial swine.
- aughter nucleus refers to one or more populations of male and female swine used for pure line multiplication.
- Genetic nucleus refers to one or more populations of male and female swine, comprising one or more lines that are part of a breeding program for increasing the genetic merit of the one or more lines, and may include, or comprise the functions of, a daughter nucleus.
- Treating subtype refers to a defined class of potential mating between: 1) a defined category, class or type of male and available females; 2)available males and a defined category, class or type of female; or 3)a defined category, class or type of male and a defined category, class or type of female.
- Standard line refers to a line that contributes to the production of parent boars used on commercial farms.
- Dam line refers to a line that contributes to the production of parent gilts/sows used on commercial farms.
- the grandparents of slaughter pigs are produced at the DN and parents of the slaughter pigs are produced at the M level.
- the two sexes needs to be produced at the DN or M level for one mating type.
- parent boars and parent gilts/sows produce the slaughter pigs.
- the split between levels of the production pyramid depends on specific features of a production system. In a closed herd commercial structure, several levels can be found within one farm (structure). But in terms of matings, one still generally deals with the mating types as described in Figure 1.
- each letter— “A,””B,””C,””D” and “E”— represents a pure line where A and B are sire lines and C, D and E are dam lines.
- a mating type or types for instance, "A*A,””D*E,””C*DE,” etc.
- the desired sex of the piglets (“c?” and/or "9" are shown.
- the details of a multiplication structure (DN and M, wherein M generally comprises a parent boar M and a parent gilt M) depend on the breeding company (large or small), its customers (large or small) and the final product (3, 4 or 5 -way cross).
- Figure 1 gives one example of a production pyramid.
- sire lines e.g., B
- dam lines e.g., C
- boars For each of the lines, the most superior tested boars are moved to an AI station and their semen used: 1) for pure line matings at the GN, producing male AND female desired progeny and 2) for pure line matings or crossbred matings at DN/M producing male OR female desired progeny.
- sires to produce sires and dams and dams to produce sires and dams.
- the use of sex sorted semen creates an opportunity to use four selection pathways (i.e., sires to produce sires ["SS”], sires to produce dams ["SD”], dams to produce sires ["DS”], and dams to produce dams ["DD”]) and to increase the genetic merit and rate of genetic progress at the commercial level.
- L is the generation interval with Lss the average of boars when male progeny are born, L SD the average age of boars when female progeny are born, L D s the average age of sows when male progeny are born and LDD the average age of sows when female progeny are born.
- 'i' is the selection intensity for each of the four pathways.
- Precision Breeding allows one to pinpoint the best male, and female parents for the production of a particular gender in order to increase the genetic merit and rate of genetic progress at the commercial level through a mating, testing and selection plan using sex sorted semen. The use of this new breeding approach is termed "Precision Breeding.”
- a core principle underlying Precision Breeding is that for each mating type, as illustrated in Figure 1, one has males (boars and/or their semen) and females (gilts/sows and/or their eggs) at the GN and the DN/M available for the production of male and/or female progeny.
- the males and/or females available for mating are first classified or "split" into subgroups based on certain criteria including, but not limited to, function in the production pyramid, age, parity, genetic merit (e.g., EBV) and/or genetic markers or mutations. TABLE 1.
- the males available for mating are split into 5 subgroups based on age and/or merit.
- the females available for mating are split into 4 subgroups based on age and/or merit.
- the males might be split into 'a' age subgroups and within each age subgroup, split into 'b' additional subgroups based on their EBV.
- the sows might be split into 'p' parity subgroups at the GN and 'q' parity subgroups at DN/M.
- sows might be split into 'n' additional subgroups based on, for example, their EBV. This will result in 'ab' subgroups for males and '(p+q)n' subgroups for females giving a total of 'ab(p+q)n' mating subtypes for a specific mating type illustrated in Figure 1.
- each male and each female is treated as a mating subgroup and the percentage of male progeny that yields the largest increase in genetic merit is determined for each potential mating.
- One step is to determine the resources available for development of lines and multiplication. Relevant resources include, but are not limited to, the number of sow places at the GN and DN/M, the performance test capacity at the GN and DN, the number of crossbred progeny to test at commercial farms per GN boar (pure line boars used for breeding at the GN), and the budget.
- a genetic improvement program may be designed to yield maximum genetic progress for a given level of inbreeding and/or as a function of available resources.
- Major elements include, but are not limited to, the maximum parity, the number of GN boars selected for breeding per year, the period (number of days) during which a selected GN boar is used for breeding, the breeding goal and phenotype data collection.
- a further step is to estimate the genetic improvement per year with a line development program using deterministic and/or stochastic methods.
- An additional step is to define a line development program that uses Precision Breeding and sex sorted semen technology.
- this will comprise splitting the males and females available for mating into subgroups.
- females can be split into 'n' parity subgroups and into 'p' EBV subgroups within each parity subgroup. This results in ' ⁇ * ⁇ ' female subgroups.
- Males can be split into 'a' age subgroups and into 'b' EBV subgroups within each age subgroup. This results in 'a*b' male subgroups.
- a mating plan can then be developed using a matrix of the 'np'*'ab' mating subtypes.
- Another step is to develop a mating plan for a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology.
- the goal of such a mating plan will be to increase genetic progress without increasing inbreeding in the line, relative to a mating plan for a line development program in which Precision Breeding technology is not used (i.e., a control).
- a percentage, or a range of percentages, of progeny that are male or female for each mating subtype that results in an increase in genetic progress, and no increase in inbreeding, relative to a control can be determined using stochastic and/or deterministic methods.
- the percentage of progeny that are male or female for each mating subtype that results in the maximum increase in genetic progress, and no increase in inbreeding, relative to a control can be determined using stochastic and/or deterministic methods.
- An additional step that may be performed in a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology is to inseminate one or more females in a mating subtype with sex sorted semen to achieve a percentage of progeny that are male or female as determined in a mating plan.
- the sex sorted semen may be obtained from one or more males in the same mating subtype as the females.
- a control may comprise the same individuals as those used in a mating plan for a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology and may be simulated using any method known in the art. Additionally, a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology and a line development program for a control may be defined identically except for those features found only in a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology.
- a condition that may be assumed for both the mating plan for a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology and the control is that each female at any point in time can only be used in combination with one male, unless mixed semen is being used. With respect to the control, it may further be assumed that females selected as parents are randomly mated with available males except that matings between closely related individuals such as full- siblings and half-sib lings are avoided, and that each litter has on average a 50/50 split between male and female progeny.
- a mating plan for a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology may simply comprise a framework or general guidelines that are derived from the specific target percentages determined for each mating subtype.
- a general guideline may be that each generation comprise a certain percentage of males overall or that young, high EBV parents should preferentially produce males.
- a framework or general guidelines will generally be implemented to increase genetic progress, without an increase in inbreeding, relative to a control.
- Another step is to include matings at the DN/M level in a mating plan with optimal percentages of male or female pigs in order to make optimal use of the semen production capacity per boar and to use the most superior boars to contribute to genetic improvement and control of inbreeding as well as genetic dissemination to ultimately the commercial level.
- genomic selection or mutation assisted selection may be implemented.
- mutation assisted selection GN breeding animals will carry a known number of favourable mutations and certain individuals may become very important for a genetic improvement program. For example, if there are three mutations of interest and the frequency of the favourable allele is 0.5, only 1.56% of the animals will be found to be homozygous for all three favourable alleles. If the number of identified favourable mutations increases and/or the frequencies of favourable alleles decreases, the percentage of individuals with the ideal genotype will drop.
- inbreeding is generally not problematic for existing breeding programs since they take inbreeding into consideration. Amongst these existing breeding programs, inbreeding is generally restricted to a less than 1% increase per generation. Initially inbreeding was controlled by restricting the number of full- and half-siblings produced and/or selected for and by avoiding matings between full-and half-sib lings.
- OGC optimum genetic contribution theory
- a certain number of male and female progeny are produced per generation or per period (for instance per week).
- OGC can be implemented to limit or control inbreeding in a line development program utilizing Precision Breeding technology.
- OGC software generally requires pedigree information and a description of the structure of a breeding program, including but not limited to, population size, test capacity and maximum parity of sows. With the use of Precision Breeding technology, one needs to also include the definition of age and genetic merit subclasses.
- Table 2 below gives an example of the calculated contributions of the selection candidates (male as well as female) to produce male and/or female progeny.
- the process may use iteration, most likely evolutionary algorithms, to find the optimum solution that meets all defined requirements.
- requirements might have been:
- the target for each animal within one group will be the same.
- the process of producing sex sorted sperm cell samples is generally time consuming and expensive, typically requiring the use of specialized flow cytometry equipment, highly trained technicians and complex processes.
- the typical dose of boar sperm cells required for successful fertilization using conventional artificial insemination techniques such as intra- cervical insemination is 1 x 10 9 sperm cells to 3 x 10 9 sperm cells, with the typical boar ejaculate containing approximately 6 x 10 sperm cells. Therefore, the typical boar ejaculate contains approximately 20 to 60 artificial insemination doses, greatly limiting the commercial application of sex sorted sperm cell samples in breeding swine.
- females are generally inseminated two times per estrus cycle.
- certain embodiments of the instant invention encompass methods of low dose insemination, including insemination via deep intra-uterine catheter and laparoscopy, and methods of synchronizing estrus. These methods make available the option of reducing the number of males produced for breeding in a production pyramid and consequently the number of sows used to produce these males used for breeding in a production pyramid. Alternatively, instead of reducing the production of males used for breeding, genetic dissemination through the production pyramid may be accelerated by selecting fewer, higher genetic merit males for breeding at each level of production, which ultimately results in higher quality commercial swine.
- Step 1 Define a breeding program without the use of Precision Breeding technology (control):
- Step 1.1 Define the sow herd for a line at the GN based on the following variables:
- Step 1.2 Define the population of boars
- Step 1.3 Production of progeny
- Step 1.4 performance test
- -p-values can be converted into selection intensities using a function of p, or looked up in tables.
- -L d is the average age of the sows (dams) when progeny are born.
- -L s is the average age of boars (sires) when the progeny are born.
- Step 2 Define a breeding program with the use of Precision Breeding technology. The following details are important in addition to what has been described above:
- Step 2.1 Define the sow herd:
- Step 2.2 Define the population of boars.
- boarGGM age and genetic merit
- Step 2.3 Production of progeny
- Step 2.4 performance test
- the 'i' value can be calculated for each SowGGM and for each BoarGGM class.
- Step 3 Maximizing Genetic Progress of the Breeding Program using Precision Breeding
- Step 3.2 Define options for the percentage of male progeny in the litters in each of the mating subtypes.
- Each of the mating subtypes might have 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100%
- Step 3.5 The option with the highest value fordG rat i 0 is close to the best.
- Step 3.6 Define options for the percentage of male progeny in the litters in each of the mating classes around the best value found in step 3.5 with steps of 1% instead of 10%.
- Step 3.7 Repeat steps 3.3 to 3.5 and search for the best value.
- Step 3 can be performed using evolutionary algorithms.
- the 'solution' starts with a defined solution. This could in our example be 50%>/50%> male/female progeny per litter in each of the 24 mating types.
- the program then defines small deviations (for instance 49/51 and 51/49 for each mating type) and finds the best solution.
- the program then defines small deviations around the last solution and finds the best new solution etc., until the solution stabilizes.
- Step 4 Repeat the process with different assumptions and for different strategies
- Number of gilts entering the herd per cycle 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 etc.
- Number of boars used for breeding per cycle 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 etc.
- Tables 3 to 5 below provide an example of a mating plan in a line development program that uses Precision Breeding technology.
- This mating plan comprises 30 females split into three parity subgroups and 4 males split into two male age subgroups, with each of those male and female subgroups further split into two genetic merit subgroups. A100% farrowing rate was assumed.
- Table 3 gives the number of sows in each of the 24 mating subtype classes.
- Females are split within parity into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2) and males are split within age group into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2).
- Females are split within parity into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2) and males are split within age group into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2).
- a target for the percentage of male progeny for each mating subtype is determined that, relative to a control, maximizes genetic progress in the line and keeps the increase of inbreeding at a defined level.
- Table 4 gives the target percentage of male progeny in each of the mating subtype classes. TABLE 4.
- Females are split within parity into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2) and males are split within age group into two EBV subgroups (1 and 2).
- Tables 3 and 4 can then be used to determine the number of male piglets produced and available for performance testing, as shown in Table 5. Under this mating plan, it is assumed that 8 piglets per litter are available for performance testing.
- criteria e.g. EBV, age, parity etc.
- PB-1 Same optimal percentage of male progeny in each mating subtype
- PB-2 Optimal percentage of males in the first litterand 100% females in subsequent litters.
- PB-3s Sire line. The youngest boars are used on gilts to produce first litters with optimal percentage males. The oldest boars are used on sows to produce second litters with 100 % females.
- PB-3d Dam line:The youngest boars are used on gilts to produce first litters with optimal percentage males and on sows to produce the second litters with 100 % females. The oldest boars are used on sows to produce parity 2-5 litters with 100 % females.
- PB-4s ire line: Same as PB-3s but now making use of the EBV classes.
- the percentage of male progeny is optimized in each of the 6 EBV classes (2 boar EBV and 3 gilt EBV classes).
- PB-4d Dam line: Same as PB-3d but now making use of the EBV classes.
- PB-6 Each individual is treated as an EBV class.
- EXAMPLE 4- Preparation of Sex Sorted Boar Sperm Cell Samples
- the following process for the preparation of a sex sorted boar sperm cell sample is provided by non-limiting example only.
- the first step in the manufacture of sex sorted boar sperm cell sample is to obtain an ejaculate from a suitable boar. Once the ejaculate has been collected, it can be extended in a suitable extender, that may include an antioxidant. A sperm rich fraction of the ejaculate can then be diluted.
- the sample can be held at a temperature of 0-39°C (typically 16-17°C) for between about 12 hours to about 18 hours while it is being shipped from the collection point to the flow cytometer for the sex-sorting process.
- 0-39°C typically 16-17°C
- sperm cell samples that pass these quality checks are then prepared for sorting.
- motility e.g., via CASA System
- viability e.g., via flow cytometer
- morphology e.g., via microscopy
- concentration e.g., via NucleoCounter
- the sample Prior to putting the sample through the flow cytometer, the sample is stained with a DNA selective dye, exposed to a quenching dye to form a stained sperm cell sample, which is subsequently placed into a sperm cell source of the flow cytometer.
- the sperm cell sample in some embodiments, can be first diluted with a buffer or extender, such as BTS (see Table 6) to a final concentration which in some cases can be 100 x 10 6 cells/ml, and the DNA selective dye Hoechst 33342 (can be 5mg/ml in MiliQ water; Ref: B-2261) is then added, a good working concentration can be about 5 ⁇ 1/100 million cells/ml but DNA dye can be used at lower and higher concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 20 ul/100 million cells/ml.
- a buffer or extender such as BTS (see Table 6)
- the DNA selective dye Hoechst 33342 can be 5mg/ml in MiliQ water; Ref: B
- the sample is then usually placed in covered bath water between 30 and 42°C (usually close to 35°C) for between 10 min and 12 hours, with exceptional staining at about 50 minutes, and then subsequently placed in a dark area at room temperature (21-22°C) prior to sorting.
- the sample is filtered to remove large debris and cells (for example with CellTricks of 0.30 ⁇ ) and after filtering, red food dye may be added (when added, usually 0.5 - 5 ⁇ , or ⁇ of a 25mg/ml stock solution in MiliQ water) or another quenching dye, can be added to the sample.
- Figure 3 illustrates, in schematic form, part of a flow cytometer used to sort a sperm cell sample to form one or more subpopulations, the flow cytometer being generally referenced as 10.
- sex sorting is taking place so the subpopulations are X- chromosome bearing sperm cells and Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells.
- Figure 3 represents a single technique for sorting sperm, but any known technique for sorting cells known in the art can be used with certain embodiments of the invention.
- the flow cytometer 10 of Figure 3 can be programmed by an operator to generate two charged droplet streams, one containing X-chromosome bearing sperm cells, charged positively, 12, one containing Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells, charged negatively 13 while an uncharged undeflected stream of dead cells 14 simply goes to waste.
- An operator may also choose to program the flow cytometer in such a manner, that both the X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm are collected using a "high purity sort” (in other words only live X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm are collected) or to program the flow cytometer to collect both the X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm using an "enriched sort” (in other words it will collect droplets containing live cells that were not previously sorted and excluding all initial dead cells again by the use of Boolean Gate logic available with the computer that controls the flow cytometer).
- the Boolean Gate logic can also be used to collect only one of either the X- or Y-chromosome bearing sperm.
- a stream of sperm cells under pressure is deposited into the nozzle 15 from the sperm cell source 11 in a manner such that they are able to be coaxially surrounded by a sheath fluid supplied to the nozzle 15 under pressure from a sheath fluid source 16.
- An oscillator 17 which may be present can be very precisely controlled via an oscillator control mechanism 18, creating pressure waves within the nozzle 15 which are transmitted to the coaxially surrounded sperm cell stream as it leaves the nozzle orifice 19.
- the exiting coaxially surrounded sperm cell stream 20 could eventually and regularly form droplets 21.
- the charging of the respective droplet streams is made possible by the cell sensing system 22 which includes a laser 23 which illuminates the nozzle exiting stream 20, and the light emission of the fluorescing stream is detected by a sensor 24.
- the information received by the sensor 24 is fed to a sorter discrimination system 25 which very rapidly makes the decision as to whether to charge a forming droplet and if so which charge to provide the forming drop and then charges the droplet 21 accordingly.
- a characteristic of X-chromosome bearing sperm is that they absorb more fluorochrome dye than Y-chromosome bearing sperm because of the presence of more DNA, and as such, the amount of light emitted by the laser excited absorbed dye in the X-chromosome bearing sperm differs from that of the Y-chromosome bearing sperm and this difference communicates to the sorter discrimination system 25 the type of charge to apply to the individual droplets which theoretically contain only a single X- or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cell. Dead cells (or those about to die) typically absorb the quenching dye which is communicated to the sorter discrimination system 25 not to apply a charge to the droplets containing such cells.
- the charged or uncharged droplet streams then pass between a pair of electrostatically charged plates 26, which cause them to be deflected either one way or the other or not at all depending on their charge into respective collection vessels 28 and 29 to form respectively a gender enriched population of X-chromosome bearing and a gender enriched Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells having a DNA selective dye associated with their DNA.
- the uncharged non- deflected sub-population stream containing dead cells (or those about to die) go to the waste container 30.
- the sex sorted sperm cell sample is collected in a 50 ml tube with 2.5 ml of catch fluid, which in some embodiments can be TesTrisGlucose (TTG) (see Table 8) with 2% of egg yolk, for every 20 million cells.
- the sex sorted sperm cell sample will typically have a final volume of approximately 24 ml at about 1 xlO 6 cells per ml. This tube is then stored at room temperature in a dark room for about 2 hours.
- the sex sorted sperm cell sample can be used with conventional artificial insemination procedures, such as intra-cervical insemination, in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination with deep intrauterine catheter or laparoscopy.
- conventional artificial insemination procedures such as intra-cervical insemination, in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination with deep intrauterine catheter or laparoscopy.
- the sex sorted sperm cell sample can be cryopreserved for storage and then subsequently thawed out for use at a later time.
- the sperm cell sample can be optionally cryopreserved for transport or storage for use at a later time.
- the following method of freezing can be used with the invention, but is presented by way of example only— any cryopreservation method known in the art can be used.
- the 50 ml tubes containing the sex sorted sperm cells can be divided into tubes of 15 ml, with approximately 12 ml of a sex-select sperm cell sample semen in each tube, each containing approximately 10 million sex sorted sperm cells. Theses tubes can be centrifuged at 3076 g at 21°C for 4 minutes. The supernatant decanted, and the pellet can remain with some of the supernatant in approximately 50 ⁇ .
- a first freezing medium that may comprise a solution of 20% egg-yolk and 80% ⁇ -Lactose, can then be added at room temperature.
- the motility of the sperm cells can then be checked. If acceptable, the tubes can be taken to a programmable temperature control machine (PolyScience - MiniTube) or can be manually handled to decrease the temperature from about 21°C to about 5°C over a period of about 2 hours.
- the samples can be placed in a cold room at about 5°C where a second freezing medium, which may comprise egg-yolk, ⁇ -Lactose, Glycerol and Equex Stem, or may just comprise a cryopreservative such as glycerol, or the cryopreservative with an osmotic stabilizer which is previously cooled to 5°C is added to the samples.
- a second freezing medium which may comprise egg-yolk, ⁇ -Lactose, Glycerol and Equex Stem, or may just comprise a cryopreservative such as glycerol, or the cryopreservative with an osmotic stabilizer which is previously cooled to 5°C is added to the samples.
- the sex sorted sperm cell samples can be placed in artificial insemination straws, and the straws then exposed to liquid nitrogen vapors (approximately 4 cm from the liquid nitrogen) for a short period of time (e.g. 10 minutes) and then
- the straws can be unfrozen by thawing/warming the straws (e.g. place in a water bath set at about 37°C for about 15 seconds). Post-thaw, motility and viability of the sperm cells can then be analyzed at 30, 90 and/or 150 minutes for standard comparisons.
- estrus can be synchronized and/or timed ovulation induced in one or more sows to be inseminated. Furthermore, because sex sorted sperm is often pre-capacitated, it is important to inseminate a sow within approximately 6 hours of ovulation. Synchronized estrus or timed ovulation helps assure this will be the case. Generally speaking this entails administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to the sow(s) to be inseminated. There are several ways to induce estrus/timed ovulation in gilts, which are described below.
- the one or more hormone or hormone analogs can be administered to the sow in order to establish estrus synchronization as well as time of ovulation.
- These hormones and hormone analogs typically include, for example, PG600, OvuGel, eCG, hCG, and/or progestin, and can be administered manually with timed injections or with the assistance of a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of the sow.
- the programmable device contemplated herein releases one or more hormone or hormone analogs in a time released fashion without the breeder having to monitor the device or provide any input other than programming the initial parameters for release of said one or more hormone or hormone analogs. Any of the following methods for inducing and/or synchronizing estrus known in the art may be used generally with the invention, including the following.
- boar contact is a potent form of puberty stimulation.
- the major factor controlling the efficiency of boar contact as a puberty stimulus is the age of the gilt at the time of boar introduction.
- boar contact is initiated when gilts are 4 months of age, the pubertal response is minimal. It was suggested that the young gilt may become habituated to the boar stimulus at a stage in development when she is too young to respond.
- boar introduction is delayed until the immediate prepubertal period (6 months of age and above), the response is again limited for a different reason.
- the relatively old ages, i.e. 6 months, of gilts at introduction the actual pubertal ages of these gilts are not much reduced below those of unstimulated animals.
- boar introduction occurs at gilt ages in the region of 160 days, both the interval from first boar contact to puberty and gilt age at puberty are minimized, while maximum synchronization of the pubertal estrus occurs.
- eCG/hCG Gonadotropins.
- eCG/hCG the most common exogenous hormone combination for induction of follicle growth and ovulation in acyclic females is a combination of eCG, formerly called pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
- PMSG pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin
- hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
- the product PG600R contains 400 IU PMSG and 200 IU hCG.
- This hormone can be purchased as a combination drug and is cost-effective for the induction of estrus and ovulation in acyclic pigs.
- Gilts usually show estrus 3-6 days after treatment and the time of ovulation is approximately 110-120 hours.
- PG600 comprises pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin, otherwise known as equine chorionic gonadotropin ("PMSG” or “eCG”) and human chorionic gonadotropin (“hCG”) (Intervet).
- PMSG equine chorionic gonadotropin
- hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
- OvuGel is another commercially available gonadotropin (triptorelin acetate) in a slow release formula which can be administered via an intravaginal delivery system (Gel Med Sciences, Inc.).
- Prostaglandins PGF 2 alpha is effective for inducing luteolysis, abortion, and a prompt return to estrus in pregnant (and pseudopregnant) gilts beyond the second week of pregnancy.
- One method for synchronization is to pen-mate gilts for three weeks and then, treat with PGF 2 alpha two weeks later.
- Time-Release Hormones Another method involves the direct injection of a commercially available preparation, such as altrenogest or regumate, at a specific time point in the estrus cycle.
- synchronization and timed ovulation is achieved by administering on day 11-14 of a gilt's estrus cycle, 15-30 mg altrenogest/day for 4 to 7 days. 24 hours after stopping altrenogest, 400 to 2000 IU of PMSG can be administered, and then 500 to 1000 IU of hCG, 72 to 83 hours later.
- Ovulation detection in a sow can be done by examining the sow's follicles.
- the realization of the importance of establishing an adequate sperm reservoir in the oviduct at an appropriate time relative to ovulation is critical in the management of artificial insemination in swine.
- knowledge of when a sow is likely to ovulate during estrus is highly beneficial to achieving successful insemination.
- sow's follicles are examined using ultrasound after the induction of estrus.
- the sow's ovaries are examined by transrectal ultrasound every 4 hours beginning 30 hours after hCG injection for the presence of pre-ovulatory follicles. Sows showing multiple pre-ovulatory follicles (diameter of antrum>6 mm) are selected for insemination 2-3 hours after ultrasound.
- the sample can be used to inseminate a sow.
- Any conventional artificial insemination technique can be used in the invention, including intra-cervical insemination.
- deep intrauterine catheters and laparoscopy are particularly relevant in swine, since they allow for the use of a reduced dose of sperm cells for successful fertilization, in part because they are able to place the sperm cells in key areas of the sow's reproductive tract, including but not limited to the uterine horns, the oviducts, the ampulla, the isthmus and the utero-tubal junction.
- the use of reduced sperm cell doses allows the use of far fewer genetically superior boars for breeding purposes, which has the benefits of reducing costs to breeders and reducing the environmental harm that results from having to maintain a large number of boars.
- a deep intrauterine catheter allows one to place sperm cells into the uterine horns of the sow and ideally at the uterotubal junction.
- the use and construction of such a deep intrauterine catheter is disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 6,695,767, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Such a deep intrauterine catheter can optionally comprise a video camera or scope to allow the operator to see the path of the catheter, so that a choice between placing sperm cells in one or both of the uterine horns can be made.
- the location of the deep intrauterine catheter can be visualized within a reproductive tract of a sow when used in conjunction with a radiographic or fluoroscopic device. Because of its length, a deep intrauterine catheter allows the operator to reach distal regions of a sow's reproductive tract, including the uterine horns— regions that would be unreachable using a standard catheter used for artificial insemination. In one embodiment of the invention, the length of the deep intrauterine catheter is 1.8 m, 1-2 m, 1- 2.5 m, l-3m, 2-3m, 2-3.5m or 2.5-3m.
- the deep intrauterine catheter can be introduced inside of the cervical duct of a sow in estrus which may be superovulated but may also be naturally cycling or otherwise induced.
- a non-toxic lubricant liquid can be applied onto the catheter to facilitate its passage through the vagina.
- the catheter can comprise an outer tube or sheath and a fiexible probe within the outer tube or sheath.
- the fiexible probe can be further advanced within the outer tube of the catheter.
- the flexible probe can be advanced until reaching the anterior portion of a uterine horn. When the flexible probe is advanced within the uterine horn, it can bend and thus continue to follow the tortuous path of the uterine horn.
- introduction of small volumes of liquid through the outer tube of the catheter can facilitate progression of the flexible probe at its passage through the cervical duct and its progression through the uterine horn.
- a sperm cell sample contained in a syringe being connected to the proximal end of the fiexible probe and can be introduced— through a fiexible duct within the flexible probe— into the uterine environment.
- a small volume of liquid can be subsequently introduced through the flexible duct.
- the catheter comprising the outer tube and the flexible probe, can be withdrawn.
- this process can also be used for transferring embryos into a uterine horn or removing embryos from a uterine horn.
- a 50 ml tube containing 24 ml of a sex sorted sperm cell sample having about 1 x 10 6 sperm cells per ml can be divided into 2 tubes of 15 ml and centrifuged at about 3076 g at a temperature in the range of about 21°C for several minutes (2-5 or 4 minutes). The supernatant can be recentrifuged under the same conditions if needed. The resulting semen pellets are then mixed and the concentration checked (via NucleoCounter). The concentrated sex sorted sperm cell sample is then diluted with BTS to a final concentration of 10 x 10 6 cells/ml and the motility and viability of the sperm cells is checked. (The sperm cell sample should be maintained at room temperature (21°C) during the entire process.)
- Sows can be grouped or separated, for instance they can be allocated individually to stalls in a mechanically ventilated confinement facility. Sows (2-6 parity) are weaned at about 21 days. Estrus can then be induced by injecting each female intramuscularly with about 1250 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; Folligon, Intervet International B.V., Boxmeer, The Netherlands - or an equivalent compound) 24 hours after weaning; 72 hours later, they are treated with about 750 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; VeterinCorion, Divasa, Farmavic S.A., Barcelona, Spain) or an equivalent.
- eCG equine chorionic gonadotrophin
- hCG VeterinCorion, Divasa, Farmavic S.A., Barcelona, Spain
- Estrus detection is performed once a day (for instance at 7:00 a.m.), beginning 2 days after eCG injection.
- One way to detect estrus is to allow females nose to nose contact with a mature boar and by applying back pressure, to identify sows that exhibit a standing heat reflex, which are considered to be in estrus; at which point the ovaries can be scanned.
- the ovaries can be examined at periodic intervals (e.g. every 4 hours) for mature follicles starting at about 30 hours after hCG injection by transrectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz multiple scan angle transducer, to look for the presence of pre-ovulatory follicles. Only sows showing multiple pre-ovulatory follicles (diameter of antrum>6 mm) are selected for insemination. Inseminations are carried out within 2-3 h after ultrasonography.
- Laparoscopic inseminations can then be performed on these sows once sedated (which may be by azaperone administration; Stresnil; 2 mg/kg body weight, i.m.).
- General anesthesia can also be induced with a compound such as sodium thiopental (Abbot; 7 mg/ kg body weight, i.v.) and maintained with halothane (3.5-5%) or a similar compound.
- the sow can be placed in the supine position, and if available, on her back in a laparoscopy cradle. If a cradle is used, it is placed in a Trendelenburg position (hind quarters upward, with the head pointing down) at an angle of approximately 20° above horizontal.
- an incision (about 1.5 cm) is made close to the umbilicus.
- the edges of the incision can then be pulled up with countertraction and a 12 mm Optiview trocar (Ethicon Endo-surgery Cincinnati OH, USA) with an inserted 0° laparoscope is advanced into the wound.
- a 12 mm Optiview trocar Ethicon Endo-surgery Cincinnati OH, USA
- the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the anterior fascia of the rectus muscles, the rectus muscles, the posterior fascia of the rectus muscles, the transversalis fascia and the peritoneum are traversed by slight cutting and moderate pressure.
- the process is controlled via monitor feedback.
- the C0 2 tubing is connected to the trocar, inflation does not begin until the peritoneum is punctured.
- the handpiece of the Optiview is removed and replaced by the 0° laparoscope.
- the abdominal cavity is inflated to 14 mmHg with C0 2 .
- Two accessory ports are placed in the right and left part of the hemi abdomen, which provides access for laparoscopic Duval forceps for manipulating the uterine horn and grasping the oviduct for the insemination needle, respectively.
- the oviduct is grasped with the Duval forceps in the isthmus region.
- the dose-flow (containing 0.3-0.5 million of spermatozoa in 0.1 ml) is inserted, and sex sorted spermatozoa are flushed into the oviduct.
- a method of increasing genetic merit of swine comprising the steps of: establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line; determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line; sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 60% of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; and inseminating one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male or the percentage of progeny that are female determined to increase genetic merit relative to a control.
- Al The method of A, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit, does not increase inbreeding in the line relative to the control.
- A2 The method of A or Al , wherein the line comprises a sire line or dam line.
- A3 The method of any of A to A2, wherein in the control, approximately 50% of progeny are male.
- A5 The method of any of A to A4, wherein a category of male swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or age.
- A6 The method of any of A to A5, wherein a category of female swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or parity.
- A7 The method of any of A to A6, wherein the percentage of sperm cells in the subpopulation of sperm cells that bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes is selected from the group consisting of at least 65%, at least 70%>, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% and at least 100%.
- A8 The method of any of A to A7, wherein the line comprises a sire line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 10 to 35%.
- A9 The method ofA8, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the line is between approximately 15 to 30%.
- A10 The method of any of A to A7, wherein the line comprises a dam line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 5 to 30%.
- Al l The method of A10, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the line is between approximately 10 to 25%.
- A12 The method of any of A to A7, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes is between approximately 0 to 10% or between approximately 90 to 100% and any produced progeny are members of a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine or only one female swine from the line.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine and only one female swine from the line.
- A15 The method of any of A to A14, wherein the determined percentages are determined using a stochastic or a deterministic method.
- A16 The method of any of A to Al 5, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more dam line traits.
- A17 The method of any of A to Al 5, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more sire line traits.
- A18 The method of any of A or Al 5, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of a selection index.
- A19 The method of any of A or Al 5, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of EBV.
- A20 The method of A18, wherein the selection index is a function of data derived from a group comprising the male or the female.
- A21 The method of A16, wherein the traits comprise fertility, litter size and milk production.
- A22 The method of A17, wherein the traits comprise feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean.
- inseminating the one or more female swine comprises administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter or a needle inserted through a membrane of the one or more female swine.
- A24 The method of A23, wherein administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter comprises placing said sperm cells in one or more uterine horns.
- A25 The method of A23 or A24, wherein said deep intrauterine catheter comprises a video camera or scope.
- A26 The method of any of A23 to A25, further comprising the step of visualizing the deep intrauterine catheter via radiography or fluoroscopy while inserted in said sow's reproductive tract.
- A27 The method of any of A to A26, wherein the subpopulation comprises 1 x 10 9 or less sperm cells.
- A28 The method of A23, wherein administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a needle inserted through a membrane of the one or more female swine comprises injecting the subpopulation into one or more oviducts of the one or more female swine.
- A29 The method of A28, further comprising the step of visualizing said needle being inserted into said one or more oviducts via a laparoscope or video camera.
- A30 The method of any of A to A23 and A28 to A29, wherein the subpopulation comprises 1 x 10 6 or less sperm cells.
- A31 The method of any of A to A30 further comprising the step of synchronizing estrus or inducing timed ovulation in the one or more female swine by administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to the one or more female swine.
- A32 The method of A31, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analogs comprises PG600, OvuGel, eCG, progestin, hCG, altrenogest or regumate.
- A33 The method of A31 or A32, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analog is administered by a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of the one or more female swine.
- A34 The method of any of A to A33, further comprising the step of detecting ovulation in the one or more female swine by examining one or more follicles of the one or more female swine.
- A35 The method of A34, wherein the one or more follicles are examined using ultrasound.
- A36 The method of any of A to A35, comprising the additional step of selecting parents based on phenotypic measurement.
- A37 The method of any of A to A35, comprising the additional step of selecting parents for the line based on genotype.
- A38 The method of any of A to A35, comprising the additional step of selecting parents using mutation assisted selection.
- A39 The method of any of A to A35, wherein genetic merit is based on phenotypic measurement.
- A40 The method of any of A to A35, wherein genetic merit is based on genotype.
- A41 The method of any of A to A40, wherein the male swine or the one or more female swine are members of a genetic nucleus, a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- A42 The method of any of A to A40, wherein the male swine or the one or more female swine are members of a genetic nucleus.
- A43 The method of any of A to A42, wherein the step of establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line is performed as part of a breeding program.
- A44 The method of any of A to A42, wherein the step of establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line is performed as part of creating a mating plan for the line.
- each of the mating subtypesfor the line is comprised of a male subgroup or a female subgroup.
- A46 The method of A45, wherein the male subgroup or the female subgroup is defined or based on one more criteria comprising function in the production pyramid, parity, age, genetic merit, genetic markers, or genetic mutations.
- a method of increasing genetic merit of swine comprising the steps of: establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line; and determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line.
- Bl The method of B, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit, does not increase inbreeding in the line relative to the control.
- B5. The method of any of B to B4, wherein a category of male swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or age.
- B6 The method of any of B to B5, wherein a category of female swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or parity.
- B7 The method of any of B to B6, wherein at least 80% of sperm cells in the first subpopulation bear X chromosomes or wherein at least 80% of sperm cells in the first subpopulation bear Y chromosomes.
- B9 The method of B8, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the line is between approximately 15 to 30%.
- Bl l The method of B10, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the line is between approximately 10 to 25%.
- B12 The method of any of B to B7, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes is between approximately 0 to 10% or between approximately 90 to 100% and the produced progeny are members of a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine or only one female swine from the line.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine and only one female swine from the line.
- B16 The method of any of B to B15, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more dam line traits.
- B19 The method of any of B or B 15, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of EBV.
- B21 The method of B16, wherein the traits comprise fertility, litter size and milk production.
- B22 The method of B17, wherein the traits comprise feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean.
- a method of increasing genetic merit in a sire line comprising the steps of: sorting one or more sperm cell samples from one or more male swine in the sire line into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 70%> of sperm cells in a subpopulation bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; and inseminating one or more female swine in the sire line with the subpopulation to achieve a percentage of progeny that are male for the sire line that is between approximately 10 to 35%.
- inseminating the one or more female swine comprises administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter or a needle inserted through a membrane of the one or more female swine.
- administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter comprises placing said sperm cells in one or more uterine horns.
- C8 The method of C7, further comprising the step of visualizing said needle being inserted into said one or more oviducts via a laparoscope or video camera.
- CI 1 The method of CIO, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analogs comprises PG600, OvuGel, eCG, progestin, hCG, altrenogest or regumate.
- CI 2 The method of CIO or CI 1, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analog is administered by a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of the one or more female swine.
- CI 4 The method of CI 3, wherein the one or more follicles are examined using ultrasound.
- D A method of increasing genetic merit in a dam line comprising the steps of: sorting one or more sperm cell samples from one or more male swine in the dam line into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 70% of sperm cells in a subpopulation bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; and inseminating one or more female swine in the dam line with the subpopulation to achieve a percentage of progeny that are male for the dam line that is between approximately 5 to 30%.
- Dl The method of D, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the dam line is between approximately 10 to 25%.
- inseminating the one or more female swine comprises administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter or a needle inserted through a membrane of the one or more female swine.
- D3 The method of D2, wherein administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a deep intrauterine catheter comprises placing said sperm cells in one or more uterine horns.
- D4 The method of D2 or D3, wherein said deep intrauterine catheter comprises a video camera or scope.
- D5. The method of any of D2 to D4, further comprising the step of visualizing the deep intrauterine catheter via radiography or fluoroscopy while inserted in said sow's reproductive tract.
- D6 The method of any of D to D5, wherein the subpopulation comprises 1 x 10 9 or less sperm cells.
- D7 The method of D2 or D6, wherein administering the subpopulation to a reproductive tract of the one or more female swine using a needle inserted through a membrane of the one or more female swine comprises injecting the subpopulation into one or more oviducts of the one or more female swine.
- D8 The method of D7, further comprising the step of visualizing said needle being inserted into said one or more oviducts via a laparoscope or video camera.
- D10 The method of any of D to D9further comprising the step of synchronizing estrus or inducing timed ovulation in the one or more female swine by administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to the one or more female swine.
- Dl l The method of D10, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analogs comprises PG600, OvuGel, eCG, progestin, hCG, altrenogest or regumate.
- D12 The method of D10 or Dl l, wherein the one or more hormone or hormone analog is administered by a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of the one or more female swine.
- D13 The method of any of D to D 12, further comprising the step of detecting ovulation in the one or more female swine by examining one or more follicles of the one or more female swine.
- D14 The method of D13, wherein the one or more follicles are examined using ultrasound.
- a method of increasing genetic merit of swine comprising creating a mating plan for a line of swine to increase the genetic merit in the line relative to a control by establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for the line and determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to the control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line.
- E4 The method of any of E to E3, wherein in the control, all female swine to be mated are inseminated with unsorted semen samples.
- E5. The method of any of E to E4, wherein a category of male swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or age.
- E6 The method of any of E to E5, wherein a category of female swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or parity.
- E7 The method of any of E to E6, wherein at least 80% of sperm cells in the first subpopulation bear X chromosomes or wherein at least 80% of sperm cells in the first subpopulation bear Y chromosomes.
- E8 The method of any of E to E7, wherein the line comprises a sire line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 10 to 35%.
- E10 The method of any of E to E7, wherein the line comprises a dam line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 5 to 30%.
- E12 The method of any of E to E7, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes is between approximately 0 to 10% or between approximately 90 to 100% and the produced progeny are members of a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine or only one female swine from the line.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine and only one female swine from the line.
- E15 The method of any of E to El 4, wherein the determined percentages are determined using a stochastic or a deterministic method.
- E16 The method of any of E to E15, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more dam line traits.
- E17 The method of any of E to E15, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more sire line traits.
- E23 The method of any of E to E22, wherein the line belongs to a genetic nucleus, a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- a method of increasing genetic merit of swine comprising the steps of: establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line; determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line; sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 60% of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; and fertilizing one or more eggs from one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit relative to the control.
- F3 The method of any of F to F2, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit, does not increase inbreeding in the line relative to the control.
- F5 The method of any of F to F4, wherein in the control, approximately 50% of progeny are male.
- F6 The method of any of F to F5, wherein in the control, all female swine to be mated are inseminated with unsorted semen samples.
- F7 The method of any of F to F6, wherein a category of male swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or age.
- F8 The method of any of F to F7, wherein a category of female swine in one or more of the mating subtypes is defined by one or more characteristics, including genetic merit or parity.
- F9 The method of any of F to F8, wherein the percentage of sperm cells in the subpopulation of sperm cells that bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes is selected from the group consisting of at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% and at least 100%.
- F10 The method of any of F to F9, wherein the line comprises a sire line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 10 to 35%.
- F12 The method of any of F to F9, wherein the line comprises a dam line and the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, determined to increase genetic merit of the line relative to a control, results in a percentage of progeny that are male for the line that is between approximately 5 to 30%.
- F13 The method of F12, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for the line is between approximately 10 to 25%.
- F14 The method of any of F to F9, wherein the percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or the percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes is between approximately 0 to 10% or between approximately 90 to 100% and the produced progeny are members of a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine or only one female swine from the line.
- each of the mating subtypes in the plurality of mating subtypes comprises only one male swine and only one female swine from the line.
- F17 The method of any of F to F16, wherein the determined percentages are determined using a stochastic or a deterministic method.
- F18 The method of any of F to F 17, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more dam line traits.
- F19 The method of any of F to F17, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of one or more sire line traits.
- F20 The method of any of F to F17, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of a selection index.
- F21 The method of any of F to F 17, wherein genetic merit of a male or a female is a function of EBV.
- F22 The method of F20, wherein the selection index is a function of data derived from a group comprising the male or the female.
- F23 The method of F18, wherein the traits comprise fertility, litter size and milk production.
- F24 The method of F19, wherein the traits comprise feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean.
- F25 The method of any of F to F24, comprising the additional step of selecting parents based on phenotypic measurement.
- F26 The method of any of F to F24, comprising the additional step of selecting parents for the line based on genotype.
- F27 The method of any of F to F24, comprising the additional step of selecting parents using mutation assisted selection.
- F28 The method of any of F to F27, wherein the male swine or the one or more female swine are members of a genetic nucleus, a daughter nucleus or a multiplier.
- F29 The method of any of F to F27, wherein the male swine or the one or more female swine are members of a genetic nucleus.
- F30 The method of any of F to F29, wherein the step of establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line is performed as part of a breeding program.
- a method of increasing the genetic progress of a line or breed of swine comprising the steps of: collecting a semen sample from a boar from said line or breed; sorting said semen sample into at least two subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 80% of a first subpopulation bears X-chromosomes or Y-chromosomes; inseminating a sow from said line or breed with sperm cells from said first subpopulation; producing offspring from said sow; and calculating a selection index for one or more of said offspring; selecting one or more of said offspring having a higher selection index compared to the average selection index for said line or breed to breed with a swine from said line or breed so as to increase the genetic progress of said line or breed.
- Gl The method of G wherein said line or breed is a gilt line and said first subpopulation bears X-chromosomes.
- G2 The method of G wherein said line or breed is a boar line and said first subpopulation bears Y-chromosomes.
- G3 The method of G, wherein the selection index for one or more of said offspring is calculated based on data derived from a group comprising said offspring.
- G4 The method of G, wherein said selection index for one or more of said offspring comprises measuring the traits of fertility, litter size and milk production.
- G5. The method of G, wherein said selection index for one or more of said offspring comprises measuring the traits of feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass lean.
- G6 The method of G, wherein the step of inseminating a sow from said line or breed with sperm cells from said first subpopulation comprises administering said sperm cells to said sow's reproductive tract using a deep intrauterine catheter or a needle inserted through a membrane of said sow.
- G7 The method of G6, wherein administering said sperm cells to said sow's reproductive tract using a deep intrauterine catheter comprises placing said sperm cells in one or more uterine horns.
- G8 The method of G7, wherein said deep intrauterine catheter comprises a video camera or scope.
- G9 The method of G7, further comprising the step of visualizing the deep intrauterine catheter via radiography or fluoroscopy while inserted in said sow's reproductive tract.
- G10 The method of G7, wherein the total number of sperm cells administered is 1 x 10 9 or less sperm cells. Gi l .
- administering said sperm cells to said sow's reproductive tract using a needle inserted through a membrane of said sow comprises injecting said sperm cells into one or more oviducts of said sow's uterus.
- G12 The method of Gl 1, further comprising the step of visualizing said needle being inserted into said one or more oviducts via a laparoscope or video camera.
- G13 The method of Gi l, wherein the total number of sperm cells administered is 1 x 10 6 or less sperm cells.
- G14 The method of any one of G to G13, further comprising the step of synchronizing estrus or inducing timed ovulation in said sow by administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to said sow.
- G15 The method of G14, wherein said one or more hormone or hormone analogs comprises PG600, OvuGel, eCG, progestin, or hCG.
- G16 The method of G14, wherein said one or more hormone or hormone analog is administered by a programmable device placed in the reproductive tract of said sow.
- G17 The method of G14, further comprising the step of detecting ovulation in said sow by examining said females follicles.
- G18 The method of G17, wherein said follicles are examined using ultrasound.
- G19 The method of any one of G to G13 wherein said sow is a member of a genetic nucleus or multiplier herd.
- G20 The method of any one of G to G13 wherein said boar is a member of a genetic nucleus or multiplier herd.
- a method of increasing the genetic progress of a line or breed of swine comprising the steps of: collecting a semen sample from a boar from said line or breed; sorting said semen sample into at least two subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 80% of a first subpopulation bears X chromosomes or Y chromosomes; inseminating a sow from said line or breed with sperm cells from said first subpopulation; producing offspring from said sow; obtaining a value for a trait in one or more of said offspring; and selecting one or more of said offspring having a value for said trait that is greater than or less than the average value for said trait in said line or breed to breed with a swine from said line or breed so as to increase the genetic progress of said line or breed.
- a method of increasing the number of offspring of genetically superior boars in a swine herd or on a swine farm comprising: establishing a subpopulation of one or more genetically superior boars from a population of boars in a herd or on a farm; obtaining sperm cell samples from the one or more genetically superior boars; preparing a plurality of sperm cell doses from each of the sperm cell samples; administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to a plurality of sows in said herd or on said farm in order to induce timed ovulation for each sow; and inseminating the sows with one or more sperm cell doses using a deep intrauterine catheter or a laparoscopic procedure, wherein the one or more sperm cell doses administered to each sow together comprise a total of less than 1 x 10 9 sperm cells; thereby increasing the number of offspring of genetically superior boars in a herd or on a farm
- a method of reducing the number of boars necessary for breeding in a swine herd or on a swine farm comprising: establishing a subpopulation of one or more genetically superior boars from a population of boars in a herd or on a farm; obtaining sperm cell samples from the one or more genetically superior boars; preparing a plurality of sperm cell doses from each of the sperm cell samples; administering one or more hormone or hormone analogs to a plurality of sows in said herd or on said farm in order to induce timed ovulation for each sow; and inseminating the sows with one or more sperm cell doses using a deep intrauterine catheter or a laparoscopic procedure, wherein the one or more sperm cell doses administered to each sow together comprise a total of less than 1 x 10 9 sperm cells; thereby reducing the number of boars necessary for breeding in the herd or on the farm.
- a method for increasing the profitability of a swine herd or farm comprising: determining whether a male pig or a female pig results in a higher net income per pig based on market conditions to which the herd or farm is subject; collecting a semen sample from a boar; sorting said semen sample into at least two subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein at least 80% of a first subpopulation bears X-chromosomes if the female pig results in a higher net income per pig or Y-chromosomes if the male pig results in a higher net income per pig; inseminating a sow with sperm cells from said first subpopulation; and producing offspring from said sow.
- Kl The method of K, wherein the male pig is a barrow. K2. The method of K, wherein the female pig is a gilt.
- the method of K wherein the step of determining whether a male pig or a female pig results in a higher net income per pig under market conditions to which the herd or farm is subject comprises comparing a trait between male and female pigs wherein the trait is selected from any one of the following: feed conversion, body weight, average daily gain, carcass lean, loin depth, back fat depth, belly fat depth, fat free lean index, lean gain per day, feed cost per pig and jowl fat iodine value.
- the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways.
- the invention involves numerous and varied embodiments using sex sorted sperm cells to increase the genetic progress of a line, including, but not limited to, the best mode of the invention.
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US13/840,598 US9433195B2 (en) | 2012-06-06 | 2013-03-15 | Methods for increasing genetic progress in a line or breed of swine using sex-selected sperm cells |
PCT/US2013/072272 WO2014143223A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2013-11-27 | Methods for use of sex sorted semen to improve genetic management in swine |
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US20020096123A1 (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2002-07-25 | Colorado State University, Colorado State University Research Foundation | Integrated herd management system utilizing isolated populations of X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa |
IT1317724B1 (en) * | 2000-01-14 | 2003-07-15 | Istituto Sperimentale Italiano | PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF NON-HUMAN SEX EMBRYOS WITH A HIGH GENETIC VALUE. |
CN100433975C (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2008-11-19 | Xy公司 | High purity X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing populations of spermatozoa |
US9888990B2 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2018-02-13 | Inguran, Llc | Methods for use of sex sorted semen to improve genetic management in swine |
US9433195B2 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2016-09-06 | Inguran, Llc | Methods for increasing genetic progress in a line or breed of swine using sex-selected sperm cells |
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CN116211532A (en) | 2023-06-06 |
CL2015002365A1 (en) | 2016-03-04 |
CA2904193A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
MX2015012648A (en) | 2016-02-18 |
MX2020011408A (en) | 2021-09-15 |
CN105025905A (en) | 2015-11-04 |
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