Integrative model to optimize the artificial insemination dose – CALL 2023

The research topic is related to the optimization of the use of inseminating dose in farm animals. Veterinarians apply assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for different reasons depending on the objectives followed (selection, therapy). The most important ART in domestic animals is represented today by the artificial insemination (A.I.). The pressure of genetic selection and the successful application of AI are not yet totally developed and many efforts are considered to increase the pregnancy rate. The RT will be looking for the application of diagnostic tools available to identify the optimal timing of A.I. using minimal inseminating doses. Other than the gold standard method Ultrasonography (B-mode and Doppler), thermography (as not invasive method to identify the ovulation times), semen analysis (Computer assisted sperm analysis and cytofluorimetric assessment), seminal plasma and natural fluids compositions (biochemical compounds) and semen filtering (colloidal filtering) are the main diagnostic tools integrated in the innovative approach to obtain a higher reproductive efficiency in domestic animals (Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, Camelids, Equine, small animals). The same approach is considerable also in the case of breed/species preservation when they are endangered.

Five publications related to the Research Topic for the candidate interview: 

  1. Andersson M, Taponen J, Koskinen E, Dahlbom M. 2004. Effect of insemination with doses of 2 or 15 millions frozen-thawed spermatozoa and semen deposition site on pregnancy rate in dairy cows. Theriogenology, 61:1583-1588.
  2. Bodmer M, Janett F, Hässig M, Den-Daas N, Reichert P, Thun R. 2005. Fertility in heifers and cows after low dose insemination with sex-sorted and non- sorted sperm under field conditions. Theriogenology, 64:1647-1655.
  3. S. Verberckmoes et al. 2005 Low dose insemination in cattle with the Ghent device Theriogenology 64:1716–1728
  4. A Gaviraghi, R Puglisi, D Balduzzi, A Severgnini, V Bornaghi, G Bongioni, A Frana, L M Gandini, A Lukaj, C Bonacina, A Galli.2013 Minimum number of spermatozoa per dose in Mediterranean Italian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using sexed frozen semen and conventional artificial insemination. Theriogenology. 79(8):1171-6.
  5. Sathe SR (2018) Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination Technique in Small Ruminants—A Procedure Review. Front. Vet. Sci. 5:266. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00266

Contact person

Prof. Calogero Stelletta

Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (https://www.maps.unipd.it/)
University of Padova
tel.: +39 049 8272949
e-mail: calogero.stelletta@unipd.it