WO2012143420A1

WO2012143420A1 - Device and method for obtaining sperm from animals

Info

Publication number: WO2012143420A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/057125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael LIERZ; Daniel Neumann; Ulrich Neumann
Original assignee: Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen
Priority date: 2011-04-19
Filing date: 2012-04-19
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: DE102011018221A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a method for obtaining sperm from animals, in particular from birds such as parrots.

Description

Name of the invention

Apparatus and method for obtaining sperm in animals

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for obtaining sperm in males, preferably in birds, especially parrots such as the spix macaw.

In a variety of animals, it is desirable to recover sperm for subsequent artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. In particular, this is desirable in the context of breeding programs for the conservation of endangered species.

definitions

Glomus seminale: sperm-storing anatomical structures with coil-like entanglement in the sewer area.

In Vitro Fertilization: A method of artificial insemination of one or more oocytes outside the female body.

Kloake: common body exit for the digestive, sexual and excretory organs.

Artificial insemination: Method of mating in animals, in which sperm of one or more male animals is obtained and introduced instrumentally into the reproductive organs of female animals, resulting in the fertilization of one or more ova.

Sperm: Contains sperm or precursor cells of the sperm as well as a secretion fluid.

Coercive measures: All measures to fix an animal or to manipulate an animal. Description of the general field of the invention

In a variety of animals, it is desirable to control or encourage the multiplication of the animals. For example, this allows species conservation programs for particularly rare or valuable species to be successfully carried out. One possibility for controlled proliferation is the performance of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. For this it is absolutely necessary to win sperm in order to carry out the fertilization of the egg cells. For sperm extraction, various methods are known depending on the species and their anatomical conditions.

State of the art

One way to collect sperm is to mechanically or manually stimulate the sex organs of the male animal, which can trigger ejaculation (expulsion of sperm). A special form of this manual stimulation is the stimulation of the sex organs of the male animal by means of a vibrating mechanical device. Another special form is the use of an artificial vagina, as is common, for example, in sperm collection in stallions. Instead of using an artificial vagina, artificial sewers can be used to collect semen from birds, reptiles and amphibians. Another special form of mechanical or manual stimulation is the production of sperm by exerting a pressure on the semen-storing and seminal-discharging structures, for example on the glomus seminale.

Another way of collecting sperm is to stimulate the sexual organs of the male animal by means of electric current, whereby an ejaculation (ejection of sperm) can be triggered. Usually, a device is used for this, in which an electric current flows between two poles and the two poles are placed on the male animal such that the flow of current stimulates the muscle cells of the male reproductive organs to contract. Another way of sperm extraction is the removal of sperm or their precursors directly from the testicles, epididymis or Samenaufbewahrenden or samenableitenden structures such as the Glomus seminale by invasive methods, such as testicular sperm extraction by means of testicular biopsy. This procedure is also performed on dead animals.

Disadvantages of the prior art

In the mechanical or manual stimulation of the sex organs of the male animal, there is the problem in many animal species, such as parrots, that due to the given anatomical conditions, manual stimulation can not be performed at all or only under massive use of coercive measures. Similarly, the use of an artificial vagina or an artificial cloaca due to the given anatomical conditions in many animals, such as parrots is not possible. In addition, the success of mechanical or manual stimulation in the animals in question is essentially dependent on the experience and skill of the person performing it. Therefore, the success rate for manual stimulation is low.

A disadvantage of using a vibrating mechanical device is that the known devices suitable for this purpose are not intended for use in animals and are not adapted to the particular anatomical conditions in the various animal species.

Another disadvantage is that in case of success, the sperm must be collected with a suitable vessel, which also requires skill and experience of the person performing. It is also disadvantageous that when collecting the sperm, this is contaminated, both by the contact of the sperm with the skin and the hair or feathers of the male animal, as well as by the contact of the appropriate vessel for collecting the sperm with the skin and hair or feathers of the male animal. Likewise, it regularly comes to contamination of the sperm through the secretions and excretions of the animal in question, which are also excreted through the cloaca, for example Uric acid. This contamination of the sperm is particularly disadvantageous if the sperm won is not directly fed to a female animal to achieve fertilization of the eggs, but if the sperm won is preserved, stored, transported or frozen.

When stimulating the sex organs of the male animal by means of electrical current, a device is required by means of which an electrical voltage is generated. Although such devices are known, they have the following disadvantages:

The known devices are not adaptable to the particular anatomical conditions in the various animal species.

- The known devices have no control option for the current and can therefore be problematic from the point of view of animal welfare.

- With the known devices, the sperm must be massed out of the cloaca in case of success to be able to catch it with a suitable vessel. This inevitably leads to a contamination of the sperm, for example with bacteria, viruses or excretory secretions, so that the same disadvantages exist with regard to the quality of the sperm, as already mentioned in the disadvantages of manual stimulation.

- The known devices include a network-dependent power supply, which is disadvantageous under practical conditions, because not always a network-dependent power supply is given and because of the many different plug-socket systems are suitable for worldwide use adapter suitable. In addition, the power supply cables interfere with the handling of the animals.

When removing sperm or their precursors directly from the testes or epididymides by means of invasive methods, the following disadvantages exist:

- These are invasive and expensive procedures, where the risk of harm to the male is high.

- In many species, the testes and epididymis are not in an externally visible scrotum (scrotum) but within the abdominal or pelvic cavity. In these animals so is the removal of sperm or their precursors directly from the testes or epididymis possible only with very special and complex procedures.

- When carried out on dead animals, viable sperm can only be obtained until shortly after death, and naturally this procedure can only be performed once in an animal.

task

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device and a method with which a quick, easy, and gentle sperm extraction in animals, preferably in birds, especially in parrots is possible. Here, the sperm should be obtained with the least possible contamination. The device should be designed so that it can be quickly and easily adapted to the different anatomical conditions in the various animal species. Likewise, the device should be able to be operated independently of a mains power supply.

solution

The objects are achieved by a device for obtaining sperm in males and a method for obtaining sperm in males according to the claims and the embodiments.

The apparatus for obtaining sperm in males comprises a probe (12, 100, 105, 104) comprising a current conducting means (101) and a conducting means.

The probe (12,100,105,104) comprises a unilaterally closed tube (100), a

Solid cylinder (104) or a rod with a cross-shaped cross-section (105), so that the probe fits into a cloaca of a male animal.

The current conducting means (101) comprises at least one electrode (4, 101) or wire

(106). The conduit means comprises at least one opening (14, 103) in the probe, at least one groove (102), at least one recess (107), at least one cavity (108) or a combination of several conduit means.

The opening (14, 103) is connected to a cavity (108), a conduit (13), a tube or a capillary.

The apparatus for obtaining sperm in males is performed by a method comprising the following steps

Inserting the probe (12, 100, 105, 104),

- Operating the Stromleitmittels (101)

- catching the sperm

The current-carrying means (101) is powered by electricity, e.g. with power from a battery, mains or (hand) generator.

To catch the sperm, e.g. a vacuum or vacuum used for suction. Alternatively, to collect the sperm, the probe is removed and the sperm is isolated by aspiration.

The device and method is used to obtain sperm in males.

embodiments

Embodiment 1

A schematic embodiment is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

The inventive device consists of an excitation means (1) and a discharge means (1 1) which are interconnected so that from the power source (2) via a power line (5) and the switch with regulation for the current (3) an electrical Current flows to the at least one electrode (4). The at least one electrode (4) is attached to the device so as to be in contact with the cloaca of a male animal so that, upon actuation of the current regulation switch (3) by the now flowing current, the connective tissue is stimulated and an ejaculation is triggered.

At the end of the discharge means (11) the probe (12) is adapted in size and shape to the anatomical conditions of the animal in question so that it can be introduced into the cloaca without risk of injury to the animal concerned. The at least one electrode (4) of the excitation means (1) terminates on the probe (12) of the discharge means (1 1) so that it is in contact with the cloaca of a male animal that upon actuation of the switch with the regulation of the current (3) the now flowing current stimulates the connective tissue and induces ejaculation. Advantageously, the use of two electrodes (4), which are particularly advantageous on opposite sides of the probe (12) are mounted.

At the probe (12) is at least one opening of the line for the sperm (13), while the other opening of the line for the sperm (13) is located on the excitation means (1), whereby the ejaculated sperm sucked out of the cloaca without contamination can be. Advantageously, the opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the excitation means (1) in the form of a Luer-lock connection designed so that a commercial syringe with Luer-lock cone can be easily placed. By withdrawing the plunger of the syringe a metered negative pressure is built up in the line for the sperm (13), whereby the ejaculated sperm from the sewer via the at least one opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the probe (12), the line for the sperm (13) itself and the opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the excitation means (1) can be sucked. Alternatively, the sperm is taken up via a tube or capillary. Embodiment 2:

Preferably, the excitation means (1) is designed as an ergonomic handle and the switch with regulation for the current (3) is positioned on the excitation means (1) so that it is easy and safe to operate, preferably in the direction of the discharge means (11). in the front third of the excitation means (1), so that the current regulation switch (3) can be operated with the thumb while holding the device according to the invention with one hand. Preferably, the switch with regulation for the current (3) is provided with a grid-free slide, so that the current can be continuously regulated and also switched off.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is made of a suitable material, for example made of plastic, so that it is easy to clean and disinfect.

The dimensions of the probe (12) are designed to enter the cloaca of male animals, e.g. Birds fits. For example, the probe 12 for collecting sperm from birds such as parrots (eg spix macaws) has a diameter of 3 to 5 mm and a length of 10 to 15 mm The skilled person is aware of the size of the cloaca of male animals ,

Particularly preferably, the probe can be connected to the rest of the device in a simple manner and separate, for example by a Aufsteckadapter so that in view of the different anatomical conditions in the individual species for each cloaca of a male animal of any species a suitable probe are made can, which is attached to the rest of the inventive device. This Aufsteckadapter must be designed so that the probe (12) is firmly connected to the rest of the device according to the invention and the power line (5) is conductively connected to the electrodes (4).

Preferably, one or more batteries or accumulators are used as the power source (2), which ensure the desired mains-independent power supply with direct current. Optionally, a mains-dependent power supply can be used, in which case a transformer and a rectifier may be necessary. Has proven advantageous depending on the size of the animal, the operation of the device according to the invention with an electrical voltage of zero to 14 volts. Preferably, the probe (12) has a plurality of openings (14) which open into a common conduit for the sperm (13) and which are arranged on the probe (12) so that the ejaculated sperm can be aspirated from all regions of the sewer ,

Preferred for the recovery of sperm from males, e.g. For example, in birds, such as parrots (e.g., spix macaws), the at least one opening (14) of the sperm duct (13) on the probe (12) has a diameter of 1 to 2 mm.

Preferably, the line for the sperm (13) is a tube of a suitable material, for example of plastic, which is easy to clean and disinfect. Particularly preferably, the line for the sperm (13) is attached to the device according to the invention that is easy to solve and thus can be designed as a disposable article. Preferably, the line for the sperm (13) extends inside the excitation means (1) and discharge means (1 1). Likewise, the line for the sperm (13) on the outside of the excitation means (1) and discharge means (1 1) extend.

Preferably, two electrodes (4) are attached to the probe (12), more preferably in the longitudinal direction at the probe tip.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is used for obtaining sperm in animals, preferably in birds such as parrots. The preferred use of the device according to the invention comprises the following steps:

- fixation and immobilization of the animal concerned,

Inserting the device according to the invention with a probe (12) adapted to the anatomical conditions of the cloaca of the animal in question,

- pressing the current regulation switch (3) with continuous regulation of the amperage appropriate for the animal concerned, until the semen is ejaculated into the cloaca,

Sucking the ejaculate out of the cloaca of the animal in question via the at least one opening (14) of the line for the semen (13), the line for the semen (13) itself and the opening (15) of the line for the semen (13) , Explanations to the figures

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention according to claim 1 with the excitation means (1) and the discharge means (1 1) in a plan view. Excitation means (1) and discharge means (1 1) are connected to each other by the power source (2) via a power line (5) (both inside the device and therefore not visible in this view) and the switch with regulation for the current (3) an electric current flows to the at least one electrode (4). The at least one electrode (4) is attached to the device so as to be in contact with the cloaca of the animal in question, so that upon actuation of the current regulation switch (3) by the now flowing current, the connective tissue is stimulated and an ejaculation is triggered.

At the end of the discharge means (11) the probe (12) is adapted in size and shape to the anatomical conditions of the animal in question so that it can be introduced into the cloaca without risk of injury to the animal concerned. The at least one electrode (4) of the excitation means (1) ends at the probe (12) of the discharge means (1 1), that it is in contact with the cloaca of the animal concerned, so that upon actuation of the switch with the regulation for the Amperage (3) is stimulated by the now flowing current the Kloakengewebe and ejaculation is triggered. It is advantageous to use two electrodes (4), which terminate particularly advantageously on the opposite sides of the probe (12).

At the probe (12) is at least one opening (14) of the line for the sperm (13), while the other opening (15) of the line for the sperm (13) is located on the excitation means (1), whereby the ejaculated sperm can be sucked out of the sewer without contamination. Advantageously, the opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the excitation means (1) in the form of a Luer-lock connection designed so that a commercial syringe with Luer-lock cone can be easily placed. By pulling out the plunger of the syringe a metered negative pressure is built up in the line for the sperm (13), whereby the ejaculated sperm from the cloaca via the at least one opening (14) of the line for the sperm (13) on the probe (12) , the conduit for the sperm (13) itself and the opening (15) of the conduit for the sperm (13) at the excitation means (1) can be sucked off. It when the line for the sperm (13) is located inside the device according to the invention and is designed as a hose, channel or longitudinal cavity is particularly advantageous.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention according to claim 1 with the excitation means (1) and the discharge means (1 1) in a longitudinal section. The power source (2) is advantageously housed in the excitation means (1) and designed as a battery or accumulator. The two electrodes (4) are located on the opposite sides of the probe (12) and are connected by the power line (5) to the power source (2). The current regulation switch (3) is positioned on the excitation means (1) so as to be operable during operation of the device. The discharge means (1 1) comprises the internal passage for the sperm (13) with the at least one opening (14) of the line for the sperm (13) on the probe (12) and the opening (15) of the line for the sperm ( 13) on the excitation means (1).

Fig. 3 probe in side view

Fig. 4 probe in cross section

Fig. 5 probe in cross section

Fig. 6 probe in side view

Fig. 7 probe in cross section

List of Reference Stimuli

power source

Switch with current regulation

electrode

power line

deriving means

probe

Head for the semen

at least one opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the probe (12) opening of the line for the sperm (13) on the excitation means (1) closed tube

current carrying

groove

opening

solid cylinders

Cross-shaped cross-section

wire

recess

cavity

Claims

claims

1 . Device for obtaining sperm in males, characterized in that it comprises a probe (12, 100, 105, 104) with a current-carrying means

(101) and a conduit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the probe comprises a unilaterally closed tube (100), a solid cylinder (104) or a rod with a cross-shaped cross section (105), so that the probe fits into a cloaca of a male animal.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the Stromleitmittel (101) comprises at least one electrode (4, 101) or wire (106).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conduit means at least one opening (14,103) in the probe, at least one groove

(102), at least one recess (107), at least one cavity (108) or a combination of a plurality of conduit means.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening (14,103) with a cavity (108), a conduit (13), a hose or a capillary is connected.

6. A method for obtaining sperm in males with a device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the following steps are carried out:

- insertion of the probe (12,100,105,104)

- Operating the Stromleitmittels (101)

- catching the sperm

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that for operating the Stromleitmittels (101), a current is applied.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that for collecting the sperm, a negative pressure or vacuum is used for suction.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that for collecting the sperm, the probe is removed.

10. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a method according to any one of claims 6 to 9 for the recovery of sperm in males.