Progress 03/01/10 to 02/28/15
Outputs
Target Audience: Scientific audiences, international professionals with U.S. agricultural interests, graduate and undergraduate students, and U.S. producers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Three graduate students were trained as a result of this project during this period. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results from two of the graduate students were presented in abstracts, presentations at four scientific meetings, and scientific publications in peer reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Work was published on new methods for evaluating the fertility of cryopreserved boar sperm using in vitro methods. The results showed that multiple traits could help select for and explain in vivo fertility in swine.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Gonzalez-Pena Fundora, D., Knox, R., Pettigrew, J. and Rodriguez-Zas, S.L. 2014. Impact of pig insemination technique and semen preparation on profitability. J. Anim. Sci. 92:72-84.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Knox, R., Salak-Johnson, J., Hopgood, M., Greiner, L. and Connor, J. 2014. Effect of day of mixing gestating sows on measures of reproductive performance and animal welfare. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1698-707.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Daigneault, B.W., McNamara, K.A., Purdy, P.H., Knox, R.V., Krisher, R.L. and Miller, D.J. 2014. Novel and traditional traits of frozen-thawed porcine sperm related to in vitro fertilization success. Theriogenology 82:266-73.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Daigneault, B.W., McNamara, K.A., Purdy, P.H., Knox, R.V., Krisher, R.L. and Miller, D.J. 2015. Post-thaw motility of frozen boar sperm does not predict success with in vitro fertilization. Andrology (In Press).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Gonzalez-Pe�a, D., Knox, R.V., Pettigrew, J., MacNeil, M.D. and Rodriguez-Zas, S.L. 2015. Genetic gain and economic weights in selection for boar fertility traits in a cross-breeding system. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Knox, R.V. and Yantis, B.M. 2014. The effect of numbers of frozen-thawed boar sperm and addition of prostaglandin F2 alpha at insemination on fertility in pigs. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 151:194-200.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Knox, R.V., Ringwelski, J.M., McNamara, K.A., Aardsma, M. and Bojko, M. The effect of extender, method of thawing and duration of storage on in-vitro fertility measures of frozen-thawed boar sperm. Theriogenology (In Press).
|
Progress 02/28/13 to 02/27/14
Outputs
Target Audience: In this past year our target audience has been scientists, pork producers interested in new technologies, foreign producers and veterinarians, exporters, international genetics buyers, and our commercial Industry affiliates. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Opportunities for training and professional development Project team presentation and participation in conferences to share data and insight Graduate student presentation and attendance at meetings Undergraduate research projects How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminatedat producer seminars and scientific conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct induced ovulation with fixed time AI using FTS Develop online education tools and workshop Publish new research work
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Project Goal Accomplishments AIM 1. To develop improved fertility assessment methods for use with cryopreserved boar semen. We have frozen and classified semen, based on post-thaw motility and tested with in-vitro assays, membrane integrity measures, sperm binding to oviduct cells and the zona pellucida, and in-vitro fertilization. Fertility has been assessed with AI at 24 h and 36 h after onset of estrus using different combinations of FTS for the first AI and second AI using the following treatment combinations: 1) p-m; 2) m-p; 3) m-g, and 4) g-m with 60 gilts bred in each combination. AIM 2 To improve/maintain fertility of cryopreserved boar semen when using fewer FTS/AI. We tested use of lower numbers of FTS with hormone addition to semen to aid in fertility. We also tested the effect of AI interval on fertility with FTS. Gilts were assigned at onset of estrus to: 1) AI at 4 h interval (34 and 38 h), 2) AI at 8 h interval (30 and 38 h), or 3) AI at 16 h interval (22 and 38 h). AIM 3 To advance cryopreserved boar sperm use in domestic and international markets we will develop tools to train producers to evaluate semen quality and fertility, cryopreserved semen, and aid in methods for use of frozen boar sperm. We have created a stochastic dynamic model of the U.S. swine value chain from genetic nucleus to commercial herd to highlight phenotypic data generation at the stages along the reproduction value chain relevant to commercial herds to compare three technology scenarios using: 1) natural service, 2) fresh artificial insemination, and 3) frozen artificial insemination, and to conduct sensitivity analysis within the two AI scenarios to elucidate the implications on industry structure, buy-sell arrangements, and market power. We have created models to assess impact of genetic use of superior sires with FTS to evaluate breeding programs that will result in improved production in developing countries through accelerated and permanent improvement of the genetic make-up of their pig populations. We have created a survey to assess producer and industry perceptions and needs for this technology.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Ringwelski JM, Beever JE, and Knox RV. Effect of interval between inseminations when using frozen-thawed boar sperm on fertility and fetal paternity in mature gilts. 2013. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 137: 197-204.
|
Progress 02/29/12 to 02/27/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Members of the target audience include pork producers, international genetics buyers, scientists, and commercial Industry affiliates. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Opportunities included project team presentations and participation in conferences to share data and insight, graduate student presentation and attendance at meetings, and undergraduate research projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated at animal scientific meetings, international swine conferences, using website presentations, and at producer conferences using proceedings and presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We intend to conduct induced ovulation with fixed time AI using FTS, develop online education tools, plan a workshop, complete research studies, and publish our results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For Genetic Evaluation: Significance: Frozen-thawed (FRO) boar semen preparation can intensify the dissemination of top genetics, reduce animal maintenance costs, enable genetics banking, and facilitate biosecurity compared with fresh-refrigerated (FRE) preparation. However, the freezing process can result in lower farrowing rate and litter size. Intrauterine insemination techniques can overcome low semen fertilization and farrowing performance Intrauterine (IUI) and deep intrauterine (DUI) artificial insemination (AI) require lower boar semen counts compared with conventional (CON) AI. Fresh (FRE) or frozen (FRO) semen preparation and AI technique affect boar utilization efficiency and selection pressure, genetic dissemination, and biosecurity. Activities: The main objectives of this project were 1) to compare the effect of FRO and FRE preparations on genetic improvement and profit, and 2) to characterize the combined effect of 3 AI techniques and 2 semen preparations on the net profit of a pig crossbreeding system. The impact of semen preparation and insemination technique on complementary economic indicators was investigated on a simulated 3-tier system. The cross of 2 nucleus breeds A and B (500 sows/breed) generated 200,000 AB sows at the multiplier level. The AB sows were mated to breed C boars (originated from 500 breed C nucleus sows) at the commercial level resulting in 4,500,000 weaned pigs/year. Selection for average daily gain (ADG) was considered. To understand the effect of preparation on genetics and profit, the simulation assumed 2.1 semen doses/estrus, 2.25 farrowings/year, 50 collections/boar/year, 6 FRO time spans (one to 6 semesters), 4 farrowing rates levels (60–90%), 9 litter sizes classes (7–15 pigs alive/litter). Sow stayability ranged from 1 year (nucleus) to 3 years (commercial) and the involuntary culling was approximately 32%. For objective 1, a total of 7 boar:sow ratios for FRE (1:172–1:258) and FRO (1:77–1:115) based on 27 and 12 doses/ejaculate for FRE and FRO, respectively were studied. For objective 2, 3 sperm counts (CON = 3 × 109, IUI = 1 × 109 and DUI = 15 × 107) were studied. More than 379 simulated scenarios were evaluated using the software ZPLAN. Results: Results from the Objective 1 analyses indicated that the average genetic gain for ADG was 19.33g/semester. Line C had the highest ADG of all lines (34% above the mean) and contributed 61% of the total ADG return. Per semester, the profit increased $0.14 and $0.33 per 5% increase in farrowing rate for FRE and FRO semen, respectively. The net profit increased $0.37 and $0.38 per additional piglet in the litter for FRE and FRO, respectively. The use of FRO for 6 semesters resulted in 6% higher genetic gain than the use of FRE from a boar for 2 semesters. Optimal profit was attained when FRO was used for 4 relative to one semester (16.6% difference). The use of FRO in swine production units for 4 semesters at a boar:sow ratio of 1:115 is profitable and accelerates the genetic improvement relative to FRE. Analyses supporting Objective 2 identified a significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in the average net profit was observed in FRO (and FRE) from CON to IUI by 12.6% (4.0%) and to DUI by 17.8% (6%). There was a significant (P< 0.0001) reduction on the average cost in FRO (and FRE) from CON to IUI by 6.6% (3.3%) and to DUI by 9.4% (4.5%). Lower total costs in IUI and DUI were driven by lower fixed costs (60%) across preparations. The variable cost of boar maintenance decreased from CON to IUI and DUI by 66% and 95%, respectively across preparations. The variable cost of sow increased for FRE (and FRO) from CON to IUI by 8.56% (4%) and to DUI by 15% (7%). Synergistic effects of AI technique and semen preparation on the net profit of pig crossbreeding systems (0.94 $/sow for CON, 0.24 $/sow for IUI, 0.70 $/sow for DUI, 0.95 $/sow for FRE, and 0.95 $/sow for FRO) were demonstrated. These results demonstrate the synergistic impact of boar semen preparation and insemination techniques on profit, return, fixed and variable costs. For Aim One:We have frozen and classified semen, based on post-thaw motility and tested with in-vitro assays, membrane integrity measures, sperm binding to oviduct cells and the zona pellucida, and in-vitro fertilization. Fertility has been assessed with AI at 24 h and 36 h after onset of estrus using different combinations of FTS for the first AI and second AI using the following treatment combinations: 1) p-m; 2) m-p; 3) m-g, and 4) g-m with 60 gilts bred in each combination. For Aim Two:We tested use of lower numbers of FTS with hormone addition to semen to aid in fertility. We also tested the effect of AI interval on fertility with FTS. Gilts were assigned at onset of estrus to: 1) AI at 4 h interval (34 and 38 h); 2) AI at 8 h interval (30 and 38 h), or 3) AI at 16 h interval (22 and 38 h). For Aim Three:We have created a stochastic dynamic model of the U.S. swine value chain from genetic nucleus to commercial herd to highlight phenotypic data generation at the stages along the reproduction value chain relevant to commercial herds to compare three technology scenarios using: 1) natural service, 2) fresh artificial insemination, and 3) frozen artificial insemination, and to conduct sensitivity analysis within the two AI scenarios to elucidate the implications on industry structure, buy-sell arrangements, and market power. We have created models to assess impact of genetic use of superior sires with FTS to evaluate breeding programs that will result in improved production in developing countries through accelerated and permanent improvement of the genetic make-up of their pig populations. We have created a survey to assess producer and industry perceptions and needs for this technology.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Bishinga, C. The Information Problem Within Swine Reproductive Value Chains. MS Thesis, University of Illinois. Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Ringwelski, J. The Effect of Interval Between Inseminations and Semen Handling on In Vivo and In Vitro Fertility of Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm. MS Thesis. Department of Animal Sciences. University of Illinois.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Ringwelski, J.M., Beever, J.E. and Knox ,R.V. Effect of Interval Between Inseminations When Using Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm on Fertility and Fetal Paternity in Mature Gilts. 2013. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 137: 197-204.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Bishinga, C.B. and Goldsmith, P. Technological Change, Buy-Sell Arrangements, and Weak Information Markets in the Swine Genetic Value Chains. Presented at IFAMA Symposium, Shanghai, China, June 2012.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Ringwelski, J.M., K.A. McNamara, M.S. Bojko, J.E. Beever and R.V. Knox. The Effect of Insemination Interval Following AI With Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm on Pregnancy Rate, Litter Size, and Fetal Paternity in Mature Gilts. J. Anim. Sci. Suppl. 2. 90:28.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Daigneault, B.W., K.A. McNamara, P.H. Purdy, R.V. Knox, R.L. Krisher and D.J. Miller. 2013. Post-Thaw Motility of Frozen Boar Sperm Does Not Predict Success With In Vitro Fertilization. 46th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Gonzalez-Pena, D., R. Knox, N.V.L. Ser�o, J. Pettigrew and S.L. Rodriguez-Zas. Impact of Pig Insemination Technique and Semen Preparation on Profitability. 2013 ASAS/ADSA Joint Annual Meeting. Poster Presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
McNamara, K.M. and R.V. Knox. Effect of Thawing Temperature and Duration of Thawing on In-Vitro Fertility Measures of Boar Sperm Cryopreserved in 0.5mL Straws. 2012 American Society of Animal Sciences Midwest Meeting.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
McNamara, K.A. and R.V. Knox. 2013. The Effect of Post-Thaw Motility of Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm on Pregnancy Rate and Litter Size in Mature Gilts. Midwest Section American Society of Animal Sciences.
|
Progress 03/01/11 to 02/28/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project Aims: AIM 1. To develop improved fertility assessment methods for use with cryopreserved boar semen. 1.0. Ejaculates from boars in commercial production will be frozen in straws and upon thawing classified into poor (p), moderate (m) or good (g) based on motility. The semen will be assigned for use for in-vitro and in-vivo fertility assays. Assay 1.1 and 1.6 are motility and membrane integrity measures, 1.3 and 1.4 sperm binding, and 1.5 in-vitro fertility. 1.7. In-vivo fertility tests will be performed with frozen-thawed sperm (FTS) in synchronized gilts using treatment with AI at 24 h and 36 h after onset of estrus using different combinations of FTS for the first AI and second AI. The combinations are p-m; 2) m-p; 3) m-g; and 4) g-m. A total of 180 gilts will be mated with 60 gilts in each combination. AIM 2. 2.0 To improve/maintain fertility of cryopreserved boar semen when using fewer FTS/AI. 2.1. Our initial project will involve the use of lower doses of FTS but with hormone addition to semen to aid in fertility. Females will be assigned to treatment to receive 0.5, 1, or 2 billion motile FTS with 0 or 5 mg (1.0 mL) of PGF added into each AI dose at 24 and 36 h after onset of estrus. 2.2. The use of frozen-thawed boar sperm (FTS) for AI in swine is limited due to lower fertility rates. However, improved AI timing can increase pregnancy rate and litter size. This experiment was designed to test the effect of AI interval on fertility with FTS. Gilts were assigned at onset of estrus to: 1) AI at 4 h interval (34 and 38 h); 2) AI at 8 h interval (30 and 38 h); or 3) AI at 16 h interval (22 and 38 h). 2.3 Use of low dose or single AI with FTS with ovulation induction. AIM 3. 3.0 To advance cryopreserved boar sperm use in domestic and international markets we will develop tools to train producers to evaluate semen quality and fertility, cryopreserved semen, and aid in methods for use of frozen boar sperm. 3.1. a. Spreadsheet tools to utilize frozen thawed boar semen. 3.1.b. Business analysis tools for choosing to produce or use FTS. A stochastic dynamic model of the U.S. swine value chain is modeled from genetic nucleus to commercial herd to highlight phenotypic data generation at the stages along the reproduction value chain relevant to commercial herds to compare three technology scenarios: 1) natural service, 2) fresh artificial insemination, and 3) frozen artificial insemination, and to conduct sensitivity analysis within the two AI scenarios to elucidate the implications on industry structure, buy-sell arrangements, and market power. 3.2. Genetic evaluation models will be performed to assess impact of genetic use of superior sires with FTS. The goal of our study is to evaluate breeding programs that will result in improved production in developing countries through accelerated and permanent improvement of the genetic make-up of their pig populations. 3.3. Domestic and global application surveys and models will be created to assess producer and industry perceptions and needs for this technology. 3.4. Education: Online class modules and workshops will be created to educate producers about FTS technology. PARTICIPANTS: R. Knox, D. Miller, S. Rodriguez-Zas, P. Purdy, P. Goldmsith, R. Krisher, advisor C. Schwab (National Swine Registry), Dianelys Gonzalez Pena Fundora, Ph.D. student, Yu Lu, graduate student, Kelli McNamara, graduate student, Jennifer Ringwelski, graduate student, Clement Belanger Bishinga, graduate student, Margaret Bojko, research assistant, and Brad Daignault, graduate student. TARGET AUDIENCES: Pork producers, international genetics buyers, scientists, and commercial industry affiliates. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
AIM 1. 1.1.-1.6. Semen evaluated for post-thaw quality was used in AI trials in replicates after assignment to one of four treatment groups. 1.5 In-vitro assays for IVF using FTS are variable and indicate overall blastocyst development and quality are not related to motility assessment. AIM 2. 2.1. Final pregnancy rate and litter size is affected by dose but not by PGF. AI with 2 billion motile FTS used in an AM/PM schedule can result in acceptable fertility but with no measurable benefit for hormone addition. 2.2. AI intervals with FTS affect pregnancy rate with gilts receiving AI at 8 and 16 h intervals greater than those at 4 h intervals while litter size was not affected. Estrus to ovulation interval influences pregnancy rate but does not influence LS. Estrus detection occurring once daily or at irregularly spaced AM/PM intervals may not allow AI to occur at desired intervals. 2.3. To be performed in 2013. AIM 3. 3.1.a. Business analysis tools for choosing to produce or use FTS 3.1. b. Economic models for use of frozen semen for the swine industry. We use a system dynamics modeling approach to explore the U.S. reproductive value chain's information markets and create a model that includes a nucleus, multiplier, and commercial herd breeding, farrowing, and growth stages. The stylized model focuses on four key performance and commercial herd profitability metrics: litter size, number of pigs born alive, weaning weight, and leanness. 3.2. Genetic evaluation: A basic breeding scheme is being developed and genetic progress evaluated. A grid of input genetic, biological and economic parameters are considered to allow testing the sensitivity of the outputs (number and weight of piglets weaned, number and age at first farrowing of replacement sows produced) to the inputs. Basic input parameters for developing countries are inferred. In the scheme, farms are assumed to produce pigs for harvest and breeding stock. Different breed compositions including purebred and composites will be studied. 3.3. Domestic and global application: We have developed the template for a survey: a needs and opportunities survey. We have conducted a survey for commercial application of FTS and revealed opportunities that must address genetic advancement and fertility for developing practical models for use. Concerns about slowed genetic gains, lowered fertility, and additional costs may limit use of FTS. Advancing FTS technology will require: 1) more efficient production of doses; 2) improved fertility with single sire or pooled matings; 3) education and training; and 4) models for FTS use and economics for use under various scenarios. 3.5. Education Online: class modules and workshops will be created to educate producers about FTS technology. We have outlined our module plan, and are beginning plans for webinars and workshops. Distance educational efforts NSR website international gene transfer in swine http://www.nationalswine.com/Genetic_Tech_pages/Exploring%20Opportuni ties.html.
Publications
- Knox, R.V. 2011. The current value of frozen-thawed boar semen for commercial companies. 2011. Dom. Anim. Reprod. 46 (Suppl 2): 4-6.
- Yantis, B.M. and Knox, R.V. 2011. The effect of prostaglandin addition to low number of frozen-thawed boar sperm on fertility following PG600 induced estrus. Dom. Anim. Reprod. (Suppl. 2) 46:89. 2011.
- Ringwelski, J.M., McNamara, K.A., Bojko, M.S., Beever, J.E. and Knox, R.V. 2012. The effect of insemination interval following AI with frozen-thawed boar sperm on pregnancy rate, litter size, and fetal paternity in mature gilts. J. Anim. Sci. Suppl. 2. 90:28.
|
Progress 03/01/10 to 02/28/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project Aims 1. To develop improved fertility assessment methods for use with cryopreserved boar semen. 2. To improve/maintain fertility of cryopreserved boar semen when using fewer sperm/AI . 3. To advance cryopreserved boar sperm use in domestic and international markets we will develop tools to train producers to evaluate semen quality and fertility, cryopreserved semen, and aid in methods for use of frozen boar sperm. We will develop business analysis tools that include fertility expectations, production costs, and the economics associated with domestic and international marketing or use of frozen semen from genetically valuable sires. AIM 1. To develop improved fertility assessment methods for use with cryopreserved boar semen. We will test standard and novel functional laboratory assays using multivariate analysis in order to predict the actual fertility of frozen boar semen when used for AI in gilts. For this Aim, ejaculates from 18 boars have been frozen and evaluated. This semen has been analyzed to contribute to the post-thaw classification categories. Boar semen was frozen at 1 x 109 total sperm/mL and upon thawing, ejaculates classified into thirds by ranking motility measures at time 0 as Good, Moderate, and Poor. We have performed some of the assays 1-6 for use in predicting the fertility of frozen boar semen. Assay 1 is nearly complete and will be performed in duplicate using CASA and single membrane integrity measures. Assay 2 uses phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure as an indication of membrane asymmetry but was not related to sperm quality. Assay 3 and 4 will be performed in the future to detect alterations in the sperm reservoir and sperm binding to oviducts and competitive zona-binding assay as an indicator of fertility. Assay 5 has been developed to test in-vitro penetration, polyspermic penetration, embryonic cleavage, blastocyst development in culture, grade and stage of blastocyst development and blastocyst total cell number as a measure of embryo viability. Assay 6 is partially completed and includes manual measures of motility, live, and acrosome intact sperm. In-vivo fertility tests results from inseminating 2 billion (3 straws) frozen-thawed sperm into gilts using a double AI after onset of estrus is nearing the start. Gilts will be synchronized and checked for estrus twice daily at 7 am and 4 pm and at onset of estrus, assigned to treatment. Gilts will be AI using 2 billion total sperm cells at 24 h (7 am) and at 36 h (7 pm) after onset of estrus with good, moderate, or poor quality semen. A total of 180 gilts will be mated with 60 gilts in each quality semen class. Pregnancy and number of healthy fetuses will be determined at d 35 to serve as an early indicator of litter size and farrowing rate. Statistical analysis for Aim 1 The goal in this analysis is to determine the assortment of the semen tests that can best predict pregnancy rate and litter size. This will be useful in the ultimate decision of whether to use or discard a semen collection. PARTICIPANTS: 1.R Knox, D. Miller, S. Rodriguez-zas, P. Purdy, S. Clark, and P. Goldmsith, K. Stalder and R. Krisher all worked on the project and participated in the project during the first half of the reporting period. As of November 2010, two personnel changes have occurred. K. Stalder of ISU was replaced by Clint Schwab (of National Swine Registry) as our genetics consultant as Dr. Stalder assumed new duties in teaching and was able to contribute as much time as needed. Dr. Rebecca Krisher accepted a new position and assumed duties outside the University as of August 2010. Dr. Miller has assumed duties of area leadership, but Dr. Krisher has maintained involvement and student advising. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: We have decided to modify the experimental design to allow single females to be inseminated with two different quality semen classifications and will genotype the offspring from the matings to assess the impact of 1) AI one or two; 2)the impact of interval from insemination ovulation; and 3) the effect of sire.
Impacts
Our initial work has been to assemble our team to advance this project. The USDA has hired a technician for sperm freezing, and for assays 1-2, and we have graduate students for aims 3-5, and assay 6. We have frozen 43 ejaculates for this aim and have analyzed the samples using 2 labs and by different assays. The samples have been divided for allocation to in-vivo and in-vitro trials. Industry Survey of Perceptions, Needs and Potential Use of Frozen Semen We have developed the template for the first survey: a needs and opportunities survey. We have also conducted an informal survey of companies on value of frozen semen and created a text document for publication. Economics of Genetic Improvement The process has been initiated to direct the economic modeling for genetic improvement using models for frozen semen. Economic models for use of frozen semen for the swine industry The objective is to determine and then demonstrate the economic impact of the use of cryopreserved semen to the producer and industry. Distance educational efforts Our team will develop educational tools for distance education to minimize costs and provide enhanced access to interested parties, including international audiences where appropriate. We have initiated processes for outreach by creation of: 1. A project website 2. Creation of a webinar and plans for distance education. Our team is experienced in distance and extension education. We have a swine reproductive website (http://www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu/swinerepronet/) which is linked and co-branded (http://uiuc.porkgateway.com/web/guest1/home) with the Pork Information Gateway (PIG, part of eExtension). We will utilize our University of Illinois IT staff for delivery of programs. Workshops We will offer a series of three workshops but these have not been planned as of yet.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
|