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To evaluate the variability of semen analysis, five replicates of 10 different bovine frozen semen batches were coded with different identification numbers and submitted to various laboratories for evaluation. Three studies were conducted: study I included eight laboratories in semen processing centers in the United States; study II included one laboratory in one semen processing center and five veterinary university laboratories in the United States; and study III included five veterinary university laboratories in Brazil. Evaluation methodology, sample classification criteria, and reporting format varied considerably among laboratories. There were laboratory effects (P < 0.05) on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology results in all studies. When Bland–Altman plots were evaluated, differences in sperm concentration were approximately between −5 and +5 × 10 6 sperm/mL in study I, when the same method of evaluation was used by all laboratories but ranged between −30 and +30 × 10 6 sperm/mL in studies II and III. Differences in the proportions of motile sperm were approximately −30% to +30%, and differences in the proportion of normal sperm were −15% to +15% in studies I and II; these differences were −15% to +15% and −10% to +10%, respectively, in study III. Mean absolute (one tail) proportional differences in estimates across all laboratories ranged from 9% to 31%, 16% to 37%, and 9% to 14% for sperm concentration, motile sperm, and normal sperm across studies; much larger (48%–86%) differences were observed for sperm abnormality categories. Intralaboratory and interlaboratory precision varied considerably across laboratories and seemed to be at least in part related to methods used for evaluation; precision was better when the NucleoCounter was used for evaluation of sperm concentration, whereas the use of computer-assisted sperm analysis for evaluation of sperm motility resulted in greater precision in some but not all laboratories. None of the laboratories that classified samples as satisfactory or unsatisfactory achieved complete consistency for all replicates within all batches. In addition, consistent classification among laboratories was observed for just three batches in studies II and III. These observations put the reliability of semen analysis in check and make it very difficult, if not impossible, to meaningfully interpret evaluation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hormonal and antimicrobial therapies are essential to regulate and maintain healthy reproduction in domestic animals. The appropriate and legal use of these compounds is ultimately the responsibility of the veterinarian and other users, with a primary mission to directly protect and promote the health of animals, and indirectly the health of people. The appropriate use of these products is defined by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 United States of America § 301 et seq and implementing regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. In the past, use of a drug in an animal for an unapproved use violated this Act. However, passage of the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act 1994 legalized the extra-label use of certain animal and human drugs in veterinary practice for treating diseases. This manuscript reviews currently approved hormonal and antimicrobial drugs for use in theriogenology. Considering the ever increasing knowledge in the area of veterinary reproduction, particularly in the treatment and control of reproduction using antimicrobials and hormones, it would be beneficial to widen the therapeutic options in these categories. The potential for widening the therapeutic options is also discussed in this review, by providing a non-exhaustive but essential list of potential new drugs for use in clinical animal reproduction (theriogenology). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents highlights of the Society for Theriogenology conference and symposia held on August 4-7, 2004 in Lexington, Kentucky. Program; Awards; Business report; Officials; Contact information.

The article reports on the internship programs offered by educational institutions in the U.S. and Canada in 2012. It notes the emergency and critical care from the Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital (PCVRH) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It mentions the dairy food safety and security fellowship program provided at the University of California's School of Veterinary Medicine. It cites the applications seek by the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) for graduate studies in theriogenology.

The article highlights several continuing educational opportunities for veterinarians in the U.S. The University of Missouri is accepting applications for postgraduate training in comparative medicine and biodefense. Nonprofit research institute Jackson Laboratory provides a unique research environment with resources for training in mouse models of development and disease. The University of Pennsylvania is offering a two-year residency in large animal theriogenology.

Presents the names of the seven diplomates welcomed by the American College of Theriogenologists following successful completion of the certification of examination held in Lexington, Kentucky in conjunction with the Society for Theriogenology annual meeting in August 2004.

Presents the activities of the American College of Theriogenologists business meeting held on August 5. 2004 in Lexington, Kentucky. Awardees; Business report; Officials; Contact information.