NZ230467A - Seminal fluid collection device for use during copulation - Google Patents

Description

230467 ^ DEC j99o PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $200.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 230467 Dated: 29th August 1989 BREEDING DEVICE We Her Majesty the Queen in right of New Zealand acting by and through the Minister of Agriculture having an address at Ruakura Agricultural Centre, "Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 230467 This invention relates to a breeding device and in particular a seminal fluid collection device.

Greater emphasis has been placed on animal breeding over the last few 5 years as the importance of retaining proven animal bloodlines has been recognised. Often, there is a requirement to produce more offspring of a particular bloodline than is possible to achieve through natural mating. This problem can be overcome by the use of artificial insemination.

One of the difSculties associated with artificial insemination is the actual 10 collection of the seminal fluid itself. There are presently three main methods by which seminal fluid is collected and these are: a) The manual deflection of the animal penis into a collection vessel known as an artificial vagina while the male animal is mounting another animal. b) The use of collection equipment which resembles a female of the species in texture and odour, so that the male inseminates the equipment. c) Electro-ejaculation wherein the male animal is given a general anaesthetic, and then is stimulated with an electric current through 20 the rectum in such a way to cause ejaculation.

Each of these methods has disadvantages associated with it. The first two methods require that the male animals undergo training in order to perform, and in order to tolerate the close proximity of humans. It takes time and effort to train these animals and even then not all animals will "\ * 230467 perform. A number of species such as deer are unpredictable and dangerous and cannot be trained satisfactorily.

Because of these problems electro-ejaculation is used quite commonly, although this method has a number of serious disadvantages associated 5 with it as well. Often the animals from which seminal fluid is collected are valuable and there is a chance of injury or death occurring as a result of employing the electro-ejaculation method. Also, this method is quite stressful to the animal which is apparent in the limitations in the frequency of seminal fluid collection which is typically no more often than 10 once a week with deer.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above problems.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a area of a female animal, said device acting to collect seminal fluid introduced by a male animal mating with said female animal.

Throughout this specification use of the present invention will be described in relation to sheep and deer, however it should be appreciated that the present invention has applications for a wide variety of animal species, for example llamas and alpacas. In addition to being used in relation to the breeding of animals for farms, it is also envisaged that zoos and wildlife SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION seminal fluid collection device capable of insertion into the reproductive BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 3 * 230467 organisations may use the present invention to collect seminal fluid of rare or highly prized animals.

It has been found that the present invention has a number of advantages over previous devices and methods used to collect seminal fluid. There is 5 considerably less stress on the male and mating occurs in a relatively natural setting. As there is less stress on the male, it is thought that the seminal fluid collected may be of a better quality than seminal fluid obtained by other means. As the male is not as debilitated by the delivery of seminal fluid, more frequent collection of seminal fluid is possible. 10 Furthermore, the present invention does not require that the males be trained and also does not require the presence of humans close by during mating.

Further embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed and the advantages of these will become apparent.

Reference throughout the specification will be made to the collection device as a tube, however any device capable of holding seminal fluid and insertion into the reproductive area of an animal will suffice.

In one embodiment of the present invention the collection device is a tube which is inserted to lie completely within the vagina of the female animal. 20 This can lead to problems however that are not present with external devices, for instance comfortability to both animals and contamination with urine.

Urine is toxic to seminal fluid and therefore it is important that urine and other contaminants do not reach the seminal fluid which is deposited in 25 the tube by the male deer. A preferred embodiment provides a closure device. In some embodiments this may be a self-closing sphincter at the 230467 mouth of the collection device. The sphincter may be made of a resilient materia] which can be opened by the penis during an ejaculation thrust, but which closes upon removal of the penis, thus substantially preventing the ingress of other fluids.

In preferred embodiments there may be in addition to the sphincter a seminal fluid trap which acts to keep the seminal fluid separate from any other liquids that may inadvertently enter the tube through the sphincter.

In some embodiments, the use of a seminal fluid trap may not be necessary. For instance, sheep are more amenable to handling by 10 humans and the collection device can be removed from the ewe immediately after mating. In circumstances such as these, it is envisaged that a seminal fluid trap is not necessary as there will be insufficient time for urine to enter the collection device and possibly destroy the seminal fluid. In some species of deer, a seminal fluid trap 15 may not be necessary also.

The tube may be made of a number of materials of various rigidity. The applicants have found that a firm plastic such as a non-brittle polycarbonate or polyethylene has worked successfully. In particular, it has been found that using a rigid tube not only provides an easy insertion 20 and removal of the collection device, but also appears to provide protection and comfort to the female deer during mating. Usually, after an initial mating the female is not receptive to further mating. It has been found with this device, that mating occurs more frequently than normal which results of course in a greater amount of seminal fluid being collected. In 25 an average deer mating, approximately one millilitre of seminal fluid is produced. 230467 It is envisaged with the use of integrally formed tubes that seminal fluid may be collected with a pipette. In some embodiments the tube may comprise two or more parts with possibly the collection part being at the base of the tube and able to be removed from the walls of the tube.

Alternatively, an end plug may be employed at the base of the tube to allow ready removal of the seminal fluid.

The sphincter may be made from any resilient material that performs the function of allowing ready insertion of the penis yet closes off the opening of the tube after removal of the penis. In one embodiment the sphincter 10 may be made of an inflatable material such as rubber. In a preferred embodiment the sphincter may comprise of a soft foam such as polyurethane foam. If foam is used in the sphincter considerable care needs to be taken with regard to the amount and type of foam being used so the right amount of resilience is achieved without inhibiting the 15 performance of the male deer.

Rapid opening and closing of the sphincter may be assisted by the provision of holes which allow air to be expressed from and returned to the resilient material forming part of the sphincter.

In one embodiment, the sphincter may be comprised of two foam half 20 cylinders. In another embodiment the sphincter may comprise two foam half cylinders attached to a flat base wherein the edges of the base extend over the cylinders. For instance, the base may be used to be folded over the external walls of the collection device. This construction will hereinafter be referred as a "top hat" configuration.

In one embodiment that uses a foam sphincter, the foam material may be covered with a membrane which is preferably soft and pliable and 6 a 230467 resistant to liquid so that the foam does not transmit any liquid to the inside of the tube. The membrane over the foam may be of plastic, latex, or even material from which condoms are commonly made such as treated lamb intestine. A substantially fluid impervious film is preferred.

The seminal fluid trap may be of a number of designs, however it is important the trap allows some entry of the penis into the seminal fluid collection area of the tube as well as preventing other liquids from entering same. The seminal fluid trap may be a substantially cylindrical extension. In one embodiment the trap may comprise an inner wall to the 10 tube which is supported by a flange encircling the tube so that in cross section the wall and flange arrangement looks T-shaped. The sides of the inner wall can act to guide the penis into the collection area. The walls and flange in combination prevent seminal fluid draining down the sides and out of the tube as well as preventing liquid that has trickled past the 15 sphincter from draining into the seminal fluid collection part of the tube.

These features are important as often female deer take up a squatting position after mating which could cause the seminal fluid to drain out. Furthermore urine is often produced by the female immediately before or after mating.

In some cases it is difficult to accommodate a seminal fluid trap as described above. This is because the dimensions of the collection device can be quite critical. For instance, if the device is too long, it can be uncomfortable for the female animals. Yet the device cannot be shortened too much otherwise there will be insufficient room to accommodate the 25 sphincter and seminal fluid trap. Furthermore the device needs to be of a small enough diameter to be comfortable for the female, yet have a sufficiently large internal diameter to accommodate the male. Between 230467 the internal diameter of the inner structure of the collection device and the external diameter there must be sufficient room for a seminal fluid trap so that seminal fluid does not drain out and any urine accidentally entering the device cannot reach the same.

One way by which the critical dimensions can be accommodated is to provide a soft seminal fluid trap, one which is less likely to cause injury to the male. For instance the trap may comprise a cylindrical annulus of foam in combination with a soft flexible material, such as a condom. The condom may be placed within the collection device so that its end is facing 10 the end of the device. The foam cylinder may hold the condom into place against the inner wall of the tube. The end of the condom may be slit so that during mating, it is penetrated by the male. The combination of the foam cylinder and the soft material is easier on the male and acts to prevent seminal fluid from leaving the collection device. Furthermore the 15 foam can act to soak up any urine that accidentally enters the device.

Another type of trap is envisaged whereby a foam cylinder is used as described before, but this time a cone of rigid or resilient material (perhaps plastics material) may be affixed to the inner wall of the collection device. The cone may be angled inwards towards the end of the device with the 20 narrow end of the cone sufficiently small to prevent penetration by the male.

In an alternative embodiment, a one way valve may be used. For instance a flap valve made of silicon rubber may be used which allows penetration by the male but re-seals after withdrawal.

There may be means attached to the seminal fluid collection device to allow for easy withdrawal of same from the female animal. In one 8 * 230467 embodiment there may be a ring attached via a string to the collection device. The string may be held against the side of the tube by attachment means, perhaps an O ring. To remove the seminal fluid collection device, one need only reach into the animal and pull the ring which in turn pulls 5 the string attached to the device allowing ready removal of same.

One possible method of collecting seminal fluid from deer in accordance with the present invention may be as follows.

Firstly female deer may be ovariectomised, that is the deer has its ovaries removed. Removal of the ovaries ensures that the deer has no natural 10 oestrus cycle. The deer then has oestrus artificially induced usually with dosages of progesterone or oestrogen, the timing of the oestrus being more predictably known as there is now no natural cycle to compete with. Ovariectomising is not essential to the present invention but does form part of the preferred process for use of the invention.

The seminal fluid collection device is sterilised and inserted into the female deer. A male deer from which it is desired to collect seminal fluid is allowed to run with the female deer.

The design of the device is such that mating by the male deer is not inhibited and the seminal fluid is collected in the base of the collection 20 device. After mating the collection device may be retrieved from the female deer perhaps by reaching in and pulling a ring attached to the device. Alternatively a hook or forceps may be used.

After removal of the collection device, the seminal fluid is collected, perhaps by pipette, removal of the base of the tube or via an end plug. 9 23046 The whole collection operation is achieved with minimal stress occurring to the deer and minimal danger to humans.

^ Aspects of the present invention will now be discussed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINCxS Figure 1: is a diagrammatic cross section of seminal fluid collection device in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention and Figure 2: illustrates a method of assembling a collection device for sheep, 10 and Figure 3: illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4: illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, and 0 o Figure 5: illustrates yet another embodiment modified to retain air expressed therefrom, and Figure 6: illustrates an alternative sphincter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7: illustrates a threaded mouth for use in one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF TOTS INVENTION With respect to the drawing, there is illustrated a seminal fluid collection device generally indicated by arrow 1 comprising a hollow tube 2, a sphincter 3 and a trap 4. 230467 The tube 2 is made of a clear or translucent plastic which is firm, but not brittle. The base of the tube is a hemisphere, this shape having proved satisfactory in allowing the insertion of the tube into the animal. Other shapes of tube bases are of course envisaged.

The sphincter 3 comprises a cushion 5 which is a split polyurethane foam cylinder covered with a soft pliable plastic or rubber membrane 6.

The sphincter 3 is held into place on a sph;ncter support annulus 7 by elastic O-rings 8 around the membrane 6. The sphincter support annulus 7 in this embodiment is connected by screws 9 to the sides of the tube 2. It is envisaged that in other embodiments there may be other connection means, perhaps barbs in the support annulus 7 engaging with slots in the tube 2.

To enable rapid opening and closing of the sphincter 3, apertures 10 and 11 are provided in the support annulus 7. Aperture 10 opens to the outside of the tube 2 whereas aperture 11 opens to the inside of the tube 2. This allows air to be expressed from and returned to the foam cushion 5.

The trap 4 is essentially T-shaped in section and comprises an inner wall 12 supported from the sides of the tube 2 by a flange 13. The sides of the wall 12 are sloped to guide the penis as well as to trap liquids. O-ring seal 14 helps prevent leakage of fluid inside the tube 2.

Removal of the seminal fluid collection device from the animal may be effected by using a hook or forceps which are shaped so as to engage with the sphincter support annulus.

Once removed from the animal, seminal fluid can be drained from the tube via the end plug 15, or if plug 15 is not provided, via a pipette. 230467 Figure 2 illustrates one possible method of assembling a seminal fluid collection device especially designed for use with sheep. This collection device does not have seminal fluid trap. The following should be read in conjunction with the illustrated steps. a) A condom 20 is laid out on a half cylinder of foam 21 with the foam cylinder 21 being situated in the middle of the condom 20. b) A further half cylinder of foam 22 is placed on top of the foam cylinder 21 and condom 20. c) The open end of the condom 20 is folded back around the foam cylinders 21 and 22. d) The condom 20 and foam cylinders 21 and 22 are placed within a hard plastic tube 23. The plastic tube 23 has a ridge 24 at the mouth thereof. A piece of string 25 is attached to the tube 23 by threading the string 25 through apertures (not clearly shown) in tube 23 and tying knots 26.

Approximately one centimetre is cut off from the end of the condom 20 along the dotted line indicated by numeral 27. e) The cut end of the condom 20 is stretched and folded down the outside of the tube 23. f) The string 25 is turned backwards towards the mouth of the tube 23 so that a small loop protrudes about 1cm past the end of the mouth. This is secured with an elastic O ring 28 situated between the knots 26 and the ridge 24. 12 23046 g) A piercing device such as a nail is heated and two holes 29 are made in the end face of the condom near the edge of the tube 23.

Another condom (not shown) may be placed on the outside of the tube to prevent the string and sphincter apparatus being removed from the tube 5 during insertion.

Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein there is a seminal fluid trap formed by a thin film 30 placed within a tube 31, a foam cylinder 32 and a hard plastic cylinder 33. The hard plastic cylinder 33 is attached to the inner wall of the tube 31 and an 0 ring 34 10 seals the thin film 30 against the tube 31. Attached to the inner walls of the hard cylinder 33 is a foam cylinder 32. The foam cylinder 32 acts to soak up any urine entering the tube 31 and is a softer surface for the male than the hard seminal fluid trap described in Figure 1. The film 30 has a circular aperture of approximately 20mm in diameter although it should 15 be appreciated that other diameter sizes may be suitable. During penetration of the tube by the male, the film 30 is torn and the seminal fluid deposited in the end of tube 31. The shape of the foam cylinder 32 and the residual part of the film 30 keep the seminal fluid within the rear of the tube 31.

Figure 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention and includes a foam cylinder 40 and a hard plastic cylinder 41 similar to that described in Figure 3. This embodiment differs in that a rigid plastic cone 42 is secured to the inner walls of the tube 43.

The diameter of the cone 42 decreases towards, and approaches within 25 about 5mm of the end of the tube 43. This ensures that the male does not fully penetrate into the area at the end of the tube 43. The cone is held in 13 230467 position by means of a 0 ring and groove arrangement similar to that described for the seminal fluid trap 4 described in Figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention which contains apertures 44 in the outer wall 45 of a seminal fluid collection 5 device 46. With a standard collection device penetration by the male during mating causes air to be expressed from the seminal fluid collection device. Upon withdrawal of the male, a vacuum is caused within the device and it is possible for fluid external to the device to be drawn into same. With the provision of the apertures 44 and the surrounding flexible 10 sheath 47 air can be expressed between the walls 45 and the sheath 47 during penetration so that upon withdrawal by the male, said air can fill the vacuum within the collection device.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternative sphincter device whereby the foam half-cylinders 50 are attached to a base 51. A slit 52 in the base 51 corresponds 15 to the flat surfaces of the foam half cylinders 50. In use, the foam cylinders 50 function similarly to those in embodiments discussed previously. The base 51 however acts to fold over the outside of the collection device possibly providing a better seal.

Figure 7 illustrates a threaded mouth 53 which is believed to remove 20 potential irritation to the female. This may be achieved by avoiding use of a ridge on the tube 54 by a recess 55 and lip 56 on the mouth 53. The string 57 can be threaded through the recess 55 so the string knots 58 are flush with or recessed from the outer wall of the tube 54 and the lip 56.

Aspects of the present invention have been discussed by way of example 25 only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be 14 230467 made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

230467 WHAT WK CI AIM IS-

1. A method of collecting seminal fluid from a male non-human animal characterised by the steps of: a) inserting a seminal fluid collection device into the reproductive area of a female animal, and b) allowing the female animal and a male animal to mate, and c) removing the seminal fluid collection device from the female animal after mating in order to collect the semen therefrom.

2. A method of collecting seminal fluid from a male non-human animal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the female animal has been ovariectomised and artificially brought into oestrus.

3. A seminal fluid collection device capable of insertion into the reproductive area of a female animal, said device acting to collect seminal fluid introduced by a male animal mating the female animal wherein the device is a tube closed at one end and open at the other end and there is a closure device at the open end of the collection device, said closure device allowing the penetration of the collection device by the male and substantially closing the open end of the device upon withdrawal by the male.

4. A seminal fluid collection device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the closure device is made from a resilient material.

5. A seminal fluid collection device as claimed in either claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the closure device is in the form of a foam sphincter. 16 . ~^c;9$>r 230467

A seminal fluid collection device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the closure device is covered with a substantially fluid impervious film.

A seminal fluid collection device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the collection device includes a seminal fluid trap.

A seminal fluid collection device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the seminal fluid trap is comprised of a substantially ring-like extension which has sides that extend towards a closed end of the collection device wherein there is space between the sides and an inner surface of the tube which can act to trap seminal fluid between said sides and the inner surface.

A seminal fluid collection device substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

A method of manufacturing a seminal fluid collection device characterised by the steps of: a. surrounding a section of a tube of substantially fluid impervious film with solid resilient foam, and b. folding an open end of the tube over the foam, and c. placing the foam and film within a substantially rigid tube, and

^ ^ * * V A* 17 5r 3 0 4 6 7 d. folding the other open end of the film down the outside of the tube, the arrangement and construction being such that the foam defines a closure which opens on penetration of the device bv the male and closes on withdrawal by the male. 1L A method of manufacture of a seminal fluid collection device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the substantially fluid impervious film is a condom.

12. A method of manufacture of a seminal fluid collection device as claimed in either claim 10 or 11 wherein the foam is in the form of two half cylinders.

13. A method of manufacture of a seminal fluid collection device as claimed in either claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the foam is in the form of a 'top hat* configuration.

14. A method of manufacture of a seminal fluid collection device substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, ^

15. A method of collecting seminal fluid from a male non-human animal substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. W HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF NEW ZEALAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE by their Attorneys JAMES & WELLS IS