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CREATE Laboratory

The objective for the CREATE laboratory is to transfer, adapt, and/or modify current Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), i.e., semen evaluation and cryopreservation; embryo recovery, culture, and transfer; oocyte (ovum) harvesting, culture, and maturation; in vitro fertilization (IVF); gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT); zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT); and research into the production of transgenic animals, for multi-species application in research and clinical service.

A. Instrumentation

  • Kryo-10 Cryopreservation System
    Semen, oocyte, and embryo cryopreservation; design and flexibility applicable to all species.
  • Nikon TE-300 Inverted Phase Contrast with Hoffman Modulation of Optics and Illumination Micromanipulation System
    For oocyte and embryo manipulations, IVF, ICSI.
  • Large Capacity Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank
    Storage of oocytes, embryos, and semen.
  • Basic Laboratory Support Equipment:
    Refrigerated benchtop centrifuge, -70oC freezer, explosion-proof refrigerator, environmental chamber/incubator, C02 water-jacketed incubator, purified air filtration clean bench, sterile hood.
  • Phantom for Stallion Semen Collection
    Housed at VTH, VMRCVM, Blacksburg.
  • Storz Laparoscope
    Rigid 33cm, 10mm dia. With 175W xenon light source and videorecording attachment; for small animal and small domestic ruminant oocyte recoveries, embryo transfer, and intrauterine inseminations.
  • Macintosh 8600/300 computer with IBM-PC compatibility card, 2.4 GB hard drive, and Apple 16-inch color monitor
    For semen inventory system maintenance, research data storage and analysis.
  • HTM Ivos Photomotility Analyzer
    Computer Assisted Motility Analyzer
  • Epics V Flow Cytometer
    Flow Cytometry Resource Laboratory at VMRCVM; used for sperm function and fertility analyses.
  • Olympus BX-51 Compound Microscope
    Brightfield, phase contrast, Differential Interference Contrast optics, ultraviolet illumination and Spot RT digital camera.

B. Technical Expertise

Resource expertise offered in CREATE include, but are not limited to:

  • Sperm cryopreservation/Semen freezing
  • Embryo transfer (ET)/Embryo freezing (equine)
  • Transcervical insemination in the dog
  • Oocyte recovery and in vitro maturation (IVM)
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT)

While the focus of CREATE is to enhance animal reproductive efficiency in all domestic animal species, the primary focus is on canine, feline, equine, bovine, and small ruminant species.

C. Using the CREATE Laboratory

Persons wishing to use the CREATE lab should contact Dr. Beverly Purswell, CREATE Lab Coordinator, at 231-4621. Limited technical support precludes extensive research development by technicians. Assistance is provided for procedures that have been developed and proven.


D. Projects Currently in Progress

  • Evaluation of Platelet activating factor in stallion spermatozoa
  • Comparison of different glycerol concentrations in canine semen freezing extenders
  • Comparison of glucose vs xylose in canine semen freezing extenders
  • Comparison of three methods for determination of stallion spermatozoal concentration.
  • Canine and equine sperm cryopreservation
  • Effect of hypothyroidism in canine reproduction
  • Contraceptive vaccines in feral cats
  • Effect of lufenuron on equine endometrium
  • Generation of prion gene knockout cattle

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