Abstract

The invention encompasses methods for reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic heart disease in livestock.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

Abstract

The invention consists of compositions and methods using low density lipoprotein to reduce agglutination and improve the health of sex-sorted sperm cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12Q 1/6841 - In situ hybridisation
• C12N 5/00 - Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor

Abstract

The invention includes a method of screening a biological sample for contamination by sequencing a first biological sample at a first depth to generate a first nucleotide sequence; determining map coordinates for one or more homozygous loci in the first nucleotide sequence; sequencing a second biological sample at a second depth to generate a second nucleotide sequence, wherein the second depth is lower than the first depth; determining loci in the second nucleotide sequence at the determined map coordinates; and comparing the one or more homozygous loci in the first nucleotide sequence with the determined loci in the second nucleotide sequence.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/6869 - Methods for sequencing
• G16B 30/00 - ICT specially adapted for sequence analysis involving nucleotides or amino acids
• G16B 30/10 - Sequence alignment; Homology search
• G16B 20/20 - Allele or variant detection, e.g. single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] detection

Abstract

The invention includes a method of evaluating a bovine embryo by fertilizing an egg obtained from a first bovine heterozygote of a recessive lethal haplotype with sperm cells obtained from a second bovine heterozygote of the recessive lethal haplotype; producing the embryo from the fertilized egg, wherein the embryo is homozygous for the lethal haplotype; establishing a cell culture from the embryo; collecting a plurality of cultured cells; and obtaining omics data, comprising one or more features, from the plurality of cultured cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 67/027 - New breeds of vertebrates
• A01K 67/02 - Breeding vertebrates
• A61D 19/04 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo transplantation
• A01K 67/00 - Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New breeds of animals
• C12N 15/00 - Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
• C12N 15/877 - Techniques for producing new mammalian cloned embryos
• C12N 5/02 - Propagation of single cells or cells in suspension; Maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor

Abstract

A discrimination system that forms a fluid column and interrogates objects within the fluid column with an excitation source. An optical arrangement collects output electromagnetic radiation emanating from the excited objects disposed within the fluid column and directs the output electromagnetic radiation to a detector. An analyzer reduces the positional dependency of the detected intensity by normalizing the value based on the position of each object.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation
• C12Q 1/02 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving viable microorganisms
• G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
• G01N 21/63 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited

Abstract

The invention provides serialized artificial insemination straws, as well as systems and methods for authentication of the serialized artificial insemination straws.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Abstract

The invention encompasses methods for reducing the proportion of sperm cells with abnormal morphology, and unviable sperm cells, in a sperm cell population.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12N 5/071 - Vertebrate cells or tissues, e.g. human cells or tissues
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12Q 1/02 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving viable microorganisms
• C12Q 3/00 - Condition-responsive control processes
• G01N 1/30 - Staining; Impregnating
• G01N 15/00 - Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
• G01N 15/10 - Investigating individual particles
• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation
• G01N 21/64 - Fluorescence; Phosphorescence

Abstract

The invention comprises depletive methods of sex-sorting sperm at high event rates, while simultaneously achieving high technical yields.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/071 - Vertebrate cells or tissues, e.g. human cells or tissues
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

Abstract

An optical arrangement receives output light emanating from an object disposed within a fluid column that crosses an optical refraction boundary of the fluid column between the object and the optical arrangement. The optical arrangement modifies the output light such that the modified output light has an intensity that is more uniform than the output light.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
• G01N 15/10 - Investigating individual particles
• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation
• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated

Abstract

The invention encompasses improved catheters comprised of multiple tubular bodies and methods of using them in artificial insemination.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61D 19/02 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination
• A61D 19/04 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo transplantation
• A61M 25/00 - Catheters; Hollow probes

Abstract

The invention consists of methods and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of a DNA aberration by analyzing fluorescence emission characteristics in sperm cells or sperm nuclei, which generally consists of entraining sperm cells or sperm nuclei stained with a DNA selective dye in sheath fluid; exposing the entrained sperm cells or sperm nuclei to electromagnetic radiation; determining a forward fluorescence characteristic and a side fluorescence characteristic of individual events associated with the exposed sperm cells or sperm nuclei; and gating the individual events based on the forward fluorescence characteristic and the side fluorescence characteristic with a criterion.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation
• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• B01L 3/14 - Test tubes
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• A61D 19/02 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination

Abstract

The invention encompasses a rapid and safe preparation method of sperm nuclei, improved sperm nuclei and a method of using the improved sperm nuclei to calibrate a flow cytometer with higher accuracy.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts
• C12N 5/02 - Propagation of single cells or cells in suspension; Maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
• C12N 5/07 - Animal cells or tissues
• C12N 5/071 - Vertebrate cells or tissues, e.g. human cells or tissues
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers

Abstract

The invention encompasses methods of increasing the rate of genetic progress or generating inbred lines in a non-human mammalian species comprising the use of gametes derived from embryos of the non-human mammalian species.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 67/00 - Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New breeds of animals
• A01K 67/02 - Breeding vertebrates
• A01K 67/027 - New breeds of vertebrates
• A61D 19/00 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
• A61D 19/04 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo transplantation

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to analytical instruments and related methods incorporating beam shaping optics for differentiating very bright and closely related signals over a wide range of operating conditions with an improved and uniform performance.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• G01N 15/10 - Investigating individual particles

Abstract

The invention encompasses a method of estimating a distribution or a standard deviation of breeding values or predicted transmitting abilities of gametes from an individual using population-wide estimates of linkage disequilibrium for one or more genetic markers or genes, so as to more efficiently produce offspring having breeding values or predicted transmitting abilities that equal or exceed a desired breeding value or predicted transmitting ability.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 67/02 - Breeding vertebrates
• A61K 35/52 - Sperm; Prostate; Seminal fluid; Leydig cells of testes
• A61K 35/54 - Ovaries; Ova; Ovules; Embryos; Foetal cells; Germ cells
• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to processes, systems, and compositions useful in manipulating a ratio of viable X chromosome bearing sperm to viable Y chromosome bearing sperm in at least one sperm population and useful for preserving the resulting manipulated sperm population. In some embodiments a cryoprotectant may be incorporated into various medias used in manipulating the sperm sample, such as in a staining media, a sheath fluid, and a collection media.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 35/52 - Sperm; Prostate; Seminal fluid; Leydig cells of testes
• A61D 19/00 - Instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
• G01N 1/30 - Staining; Impregnating

Abstract

An animal lift consisting of a lift mechanism, a vertical mast housing at least a portion of the lift mechanism, a horizontal shaft rotatably coupled to the lift mechanism about a longitudinal axis of rotation of the shaft, and a cradle coupled to the shaft, the cradle constructed of a horizontal support member having a surface for engaging the sternum or underbelly of an animal along the animal's longitudinal axis from head to tail and a pair of vertical side walls.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/08 - Arrangements for simultaneously releasing several animals
• A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
• A01K 15/00 - Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
• A01K 15/04 - Devices for impeding movement; Devices for impeding passage through fencing
• A22B 1/00 - Apparatus for fettering animals to be slaughtered
• A22B 5/00 - Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
• A22B 5/06 - Slaughtering stands or spreaders for cattle

Abstract

The invention encompasses methods for increasing genetic progress in livestock, and for genetic dissemination, including the use of amniocentesis to obtain fetal amniocytes for use in genomic evaluation and cloning.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
• A01K 67/00 - Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New breeds of animals
• G06F 19/18 - for functional genomics or proteomics, e.g. genotype-phenotype associations, linkage disequilibrium, population genetics, binding site identification, mutagenesis, genotyping or genome annotation, protein-protein interactions or protein-nucleic acid interactions

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising magnetic particles, the methods of using these compositions in processing animal sperm, the resulting sperm and embryo products, and the methods of use of these compositions to increase the efficiency, efficacy and/or speed of cell processing and artificial insemination techniques.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 15/00 - Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
• G01N 33/50 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising low sugar media, the methods of using these compositions to reduce trauma and stress on processed animal sperm, the resulting sperm and embryo products, and the methods of use of these products to increase the quality, quantity and viability of progeny and improved rates of births in animals.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 35/52 - Sperm; Prostate; Seminal fluid; Leydig cells of testes
• A61K 35/54 - Ovaries; Ova; Ovules; Embryos; Foetal cells; Germ cells

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a system, device, and method for sorting sperm cells in a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into microfluidic chips and into sorting systems for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as, for determining sperm orientation and measuring relative DNA content.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01L 3/02 - Burettes; Pipettes
• A61B 17/43 - Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for artificial insemination

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of increasing genetic merit of swine using sex sorted semen by establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line of swine, 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.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 35/52 - Sperm; Prostate; Seminal fluid; Leydig cells of testes
• A61K 35/54 - Ovaries; Ova; Ovules; Embryos; Foetal cells; Germ cells
• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

A container suitable for storing biological material which is laser etched with a two-dimensional bar code and methods for producing the same. The container can be in the form of a straw having a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm or can be in the form of another container that holds multiple straws. The laser etched mark can be in the form of a two-dimensional bar code may be located on an exterior surface of the container, and when the container is a straw, it remains unwarped and impermeable to fluids.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

This disclosure relates to cell sorting methods, and particularly cell sorting methods that improve the efficiency or productivity of sorting in a particle sorting instrument utilizing a measured parameter of sorting efficiency. In one embodiment, minimum productivity and minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the sorting efficiency. While in another embodiment, a minimum sorting efficiency and a minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the productivity of a sort.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

Methods for processing and sorting sperm are disclosed. Portions of sperm sorting or staining processes may include standardizing sperm samples by adjusting the concentration of the sperm sample to a predetermined concentration and adjusting the pH of the sample to a predetermined value. Sperm may also be stained in a single staining buffer having a DNA selective dye and a quenching dye.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

Cell sorting methods that improve sorting efficiency and productivity by elevating sorting pressures and incorporate certain steps to help the cells better survive such elevated pressures. In the case of sperm, sorting the steps of standardizing sperm samples, staining sperm samples in a single step, calibrating a flow cytometer to place sperm in the leading edge of droplets, and changing a catch fluid distance may be incorporated individually, or in combination to help sperm better survive the sex sorting process.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/42 - Apparatus for the treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic wave
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a nozzle assembly may include the step of over molding a nozzle housing, or a portion of a nozzle housing, onto at least one nozzle component, such as an injection tube. Nozzle assemblies and flow cytometers incorporating nozzle assemblies may include any combination of straight smooth injection tubes, improved features for securing a nozzle assembly, improved features for debubbling a nozzle assembly, and aggressive orienting geometries. A method of sorting cells may include the step of magnetically coupling a nozzle assembly with a flow cytometer.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers

Abstract

A nozzle tip formed from a cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis and a frustoconical body adjoining the cylindrical body on the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body may be in fluid communication with the frustoconical body. The frustoconical body may end in a flat surface with a nozzle exit orifice which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. There may be a cutout at the edge of the frustoconical body and the flat surface. The flow cytometer system may also include a source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam incident upon the fluid stream and the particles and a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the particles within the fluid stream in response to the beam.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• G01N 15/14 - Electro-optical investigation

Abstract

A method for magnetic cellular manipulation may include contacting a composition with a biological sample to form a mixture. The composition may include a plurality of particles. Each particle in the plurality of particles may include a magnetic substrate. The magnetic substrate may be characterized by a magnetic susceptibility greater than zero. The composition may also include a chargeable silicon-containing compound. The chargeable silicon-containing compound may coat at least a portion of the magnetic substrate. The biological sample may include cells and/or cellular structures. The method may also include applying a magnetic field to the mixture to manipulate the composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03C 1/00 - Magnetic separation

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of increasing the genetic progress of a line, breed or herd of swine through the use of sex-selected sperm cells in artificial insemination techniques. The invention also encompasses methods of artificially inseminating a swine via deep intrauterine catheter or via a laparoscopic procedure, which allow the use of reduced doses of sex-selected sperm cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 67/027 - New breeds of vertebrates
• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12N 5/07 - Animal cells or tissues

Abstract

A method of sex sorting sperm is disclosed. The sperm may be stained with a DNA selective fluorescent dye, which fluoresces when excited, a dead quenching dye, which selectively quenches fluorescence emitted by the DNA selective fluorescent dye within the membrane of compromised sperm, and a split enhancing dye. The stained sperm may then sorted into one or more gender enriched subpopulations of viable sperm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/64 - Fluorescence; Phosphorescence

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 67/02 - Breeding vertebrates
• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts
• G01N 1/30 - Staining; Impregnating

Abstract

Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 27/52 - Projection printing apparatus, e.g. enlarger, copying camera - Details
• G03B 17/24 - APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR - Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor with means for separately producing marks on the film, e.g. title, time of exposure
• B41J 15/14 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles characterised by being applied to printers having transversely-moving carriages and detached from the carriage

Abstract

A method of liquid nitrogen surface vitrification requiring an embryo washed in a rinsing medium, then incubated in a base medium and incubated in a hold medium before being washed in a vitrification medium and produced into a vitrification droplet (270). For forming the droplet, vitrification medium (210), an intermediary fluid such as air, followed by vitrification medium containing at least one embryo (250) are aspirated into the channel. The vitrification droplet consequently can contain an air bubble (220). The vitrification droplet can be produced from an instrument with a channel and dropped directly into liquid phase nitrogen producing a vitrified droplet. The vitrified droplet can be stored in cryo-vessels, and warmed for revitalization of biological function of vitrified biological cell mass or tissues, such as oocytes and/or embryos.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01N 1/02 - Preservation of living parts

Abstract

Methods and systems for physically separating helper embryos from desired embryos in a group culturing technique in order to maintain the pedigree and genetic information of the desired embryos from different species, including cattle and human, and to provide the developmental benefits of group culturing. The separation of the groups of embryos can be the result of embedding one group of embryos in a gel or solid, or the groups can be physically separated by a membrane or other structure.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/073 - Embryonic cells or tissues; Foetal cells or tissues

Abstract

A method and system for processing reproductive cell samples and for sorting sperm with reduced levels and occurrences of DNA fragmentation compared to conventional sorting and processing methods, and for using reproductive cell and sperm cell samples with low levels of DNA fragmentation to improve viability of insemination samples fertility and success rates of assisted reproductive procedures, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic injection, and other related techniques.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12N 5/02 - Propagation of single cells or cells in suspension; Maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
• C12Q 1/02 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving viable microorganisms
• G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers

Abstract

A method and system for sorting sperm samples according to different levels of DNA fragmentation and methods of using populations with low levels of DNA fragmentation to improve fertility and success rates of assisted reproductive procedures, including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic injection, and other related techniques.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 5/076 - Sperm cells; Spermatogonia
• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters

Abstract

Generally, a computer implemented remote monitoring system which generates a viewable reduced byte data representation for each one of a plurality of analyzed instrument signals. Specifically, a flow cytometer remote monitoring system which generates a viewable reduced byte data representation for each one of a plurality analyzed flow cytometer signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/00 - Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring