This work deals with the problems of conception, gravidity and abortion in the first part and in the second part than deals with problems of death and dying. It concerns two cut-off points, which are component parts of human life. The first part surveis the biginning of human life and tries to find answers for questions, which have a connection with the conception, artifical insemination, surrogative maternity and abortion. It describes paradoxes, which comes from such situations. It appreciates this paradoxes in the wiev of medicin, ethics, psychology and law. The second part describes the end of the human life in several forms. It broods killing, suicide and euthansia in aspects of the psychology, medicine, law and ethics. In the end it describes the palliative care as an alternativ to euthansia.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of auxiliary tools for the detection of estrus in cows. In experiment 1, we evaluated the efficiency of Estrotect ® in comparison with visual observation in 58 crossbred cows. The animals were divided into two groups: the TAI (n = 21) was subjected to a protocol of a fixed timed insemination (TAI) and 10 days after insemination device was fixed to the animals. In the group PG (n = 37) was administered prostaglandin (Dinoprost Tromethamine, Lutalyse ®, Pfizer) and immediately 25mg/animal/IM pasted adhesive. In the experiment 2, aimed to compare the Estrotect ® with chalk marker in crossbred heifers. After synchronization of estrus with P4 (CIDR) + GnRH - 7 days - PGF2a, heifers were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 56) received the Estrotect ® and Group 2 (n = 56) received in the insertion of the marking tail with the chalk marker. The visual detection of estrus was performed daily in the same way in first experiment, from 07:00 to 08:00 and from 17:00 until 18:00. In experiment 2, the devices were only reached two times a day. After detection were artificially inseminated and diagnosed by ultrasound after 30 days in both estudies. In experiment 1, there was no effect of group (P> 0.05) on the efficiency of visual detection of estrus or auxiliary tool. There was no detectable difference between the efficiency of estrus and the visual detection device (P> 0.05) 92.5%. In experiment 2, not detected a group effect (P> 0.05) in the detection of estrus or the range of CIDR removal to the manifestation of estrus. The heat detection and conception rate was 92.86% (52/56), and 46,15% (24/52) for Estrotect® and 85,71% (48/56), and 58.33% (28/48) to chalk marker. It is concluded that the methods of estrus detection aids are effective and help in improving the efficiency of artificial insemination programs. / Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a eficiência de métodos auxiliares de detecção de estro em fêmeas bovinas. No experimento 1, avaliou-se a eficiência do Estrotect® em comparação com a observação visual em 58 vacas mestiças leiteiras. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo IATF (n= 21) foi submetido a um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e 10 dias após a inseminação foi fixado o dispositivo nos animais. No grupo PG (n=37), foi administrado prostaglandina (Dinoprost Trometamina, Lutalyse®, Pfizer) 25mg/animal/IM e imediatamente colado o adesivo. No experimento 2, objetivou-se comparar o Estrotect® com o Bastão marcador em novilhas mestiças. Após a sincronização do estro com P4 (CIDR) + GnRH 7 dias - PGF2α, as novilhas foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo Estrotect (n = 56): recebeu o Estrotect® e Grupo Bastão marcador (n = 56): recebeu a marcação na inserção da cauda com o Bastão marcador. A detecção visual de estro foi realizada diariamente, apenas no experimento 1, das 07:00h às 08:00h e das 17:00h até 18:00h. No experimento 2 os dispositivos foram apenas checados duas vezes ao dia. Após detecção foram inseminadas artificialmente e diagnosticadas após 30 dias por ultrassonografia nos dois estudos. No experimento 1 não foi detectado efeito de grupo (P>0,05) na eficiência da detecção visual de estro ou do método auxiliar. Não foi detectado diferença entre a eficiência da detecção visual de estro e o dispositivo (P>0,05) 92,5%. No experimento 2, não foi detectado efeito de grupo (P>0,05) na detecção de estro nem no intervalo da retirada do CIDR até a manifestação do estro. A detecção de estro e a taxa de concepção foi de 92,86% (52/56) e 46,15%(24/52) para o Estrotect® e de 85,71% (48/56) e 58,33% (28/48) para o Bastão marcador. Conclui-se que os métodos auxiliares de detecção de estros são eficientes e ajudam na melhoria da eficiência dos programas de inseminação artificial. / Mestre em Ciências Veterinárias

The semen cryopreservation in cryotubes reduces the time needed for filling, freezing and thawing of the samples, while optimizing the procedures for artificial fertilization. However, no study has yet been performed with tambaqui semen in this container. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cryotubes (1.6 and 4.5 mL) and thawing time (60ºC/70s and 60ºC/90 s) on the quality and fertility of tambaqui cryopreserved semen. For that, semen samples were diluted in freezing solution (1:9) composed with 75% glucose 290 mOsm , 10% methylglycol and 5% egg yolk, and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor (in a dry shipper), and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). The semen samples was thawed at 60ºC in bath water during 70s or 90s and the semen quality was evaluated (Total motility - MT; Progressive motility - MP; Curvilinear velocity - VCL; Straight-line velocity - VSL and Average path velocity - VAP). In this study was also determined the time viability of spermatozoa thawed, maintained under refrigeration at 5°C, and assessed over 24 hours. Besides the kinetic parameters were evaluated sperm morphology and membrane integrity of spermatozoa. The fertilizing capacity of semen was evaluated from the samples thawed in the best time. All parameters of sperm kinetic showed higher values when the semen samples were thawed in 90 s compared to 70 s, independently of cryotube type. No significant differences were observed in sperm kinetic parameters after thawing between samples frozen in 1.6 ml and 4.5 mL cryotubes, except for total motility that was higher in 1.6 mL (47 ± 14% ) compared with 4.5 mL cryotubes (40 ± 11%), independently of thawing time. After activation, the spermatozoa significantly reduced the values of kinetic parameters within 37 seconds, except the MT which remained constant during this period. Relying on the sperm parameters evaluated (VCL, VSL, VAP and membrane integrity for both cryotubes and MT, MP and morphology only for 1.6 mL cryotube) the frozen semen maintained the quality during 3h after thawing. The fertilization rate obtained with fresh semen (74±6%) was higher than cryopreserved semen (1.6 mL - 45±9% and 4.5 mL - 41±12%). The two cryotubes did not differ in this parameter. A high correlation (p <0.05) was observed between fertility and sperm kinetics parameters (MT - 89%, MP - 86%; VCL - 79%; VSL - APV and 69% - 78%). It is concluded that 1.6 and 4.5 mL cryotubes can be used in the cryopreservation of tambaqui semen being recommended to be thawed at 60°C for 90s and their use in fertilization procedures within 3 hours after thawing since kept at 5°C. / A criopreservação de sêmen em criotubos reduz o tempo necessário para o envase, congelamento e descongelamento das amostras, além de otimizar os procedimentos de fertilização artificial. No entanto, nenhum estudo ainda foi realizado com o sêmen de tambaqui neste recipiente. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tipo de criotubo (1,6 e 4,5 mL) e do tempo de descongelamento (60ºC/70s e 60ºC/90s) sobre a qualidade e fertilidade do sêmen de tambaqui criopreservado. Para isso, amostras de sêmen foram diluídas em solução de congelamento (1:9 v/v) composta por 75% de glicose 290 mOsm, 10% de metilglicol e 5% de gema de ovo, sendo envasadas em criotubos de 1,6 e 4,5 mL, congeladas em vapor de nitrogênio líquido no botijão dry-shipper (-175ºC) e armazenadas em botijão criogênico a -196°C. Para avaliação do tempo de descongelamento do sêmen, os criotubos foram imersas em água a 60°C durante 70 s ou 90 s e a qualidade espermática imediatamente avaliada (Motilidade total - MT; Motilidade progressiva - MP; Velocidade curvilinear - VCL; Velocidade em linha reta - VSL e Velocidade média da trajetória - VAP). Neste estudo foi determinado também o tempo de viabilidade dos espermatozoides descongelados, mantidos sob refrigeração a 5°C e avaliados durante 24 horas. Além dos parâmetros de cinética espermática foram avaliadas a morfologia e a integridade da membrana plasmática dos espermatozoides. A capacidade de fertilização do sêmen foi avaliada a partir das amostras descongeladas no melhor tempo. Todos os parâmetros de cinética espermática apresentaram valores superiores quando as amostras de sêmen foram descongeladas por 90s em relação ao tempo de 70s, independentemente do tipo de criotubo. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nos parâmetros de cinética espermática pós-descongelamento entre as amostras congeladas nos criotubos de 1,6 e 4,5 mL, com exceção da MT que foi superior nos criotubos de 1,6 mL (47±14%) em comparação com os criotubos de 4,5 mL (40±11%), independentemente do tempo de descongelamento. Após ativação, os espermatozoides reduziram significativamente os valores dos parâmetros de cinética dentro de 37 segundos, exceto a MT que se manteve constante neste período. Baseando-se na maior parte dos parâmetros espermáticos avaliados (VCL, VSL, VAP e Integridade da membrana plásmatica para ambos os criotubos e MT, MP e Morfologia espermática somente para o criotubo de 1,6 mL) o sêmen congelado manteve sua qualidade durante 3h após o descongelamento. A taxa de fertilização obtida com o sêmen in natura (74±6%) foi superior ao sêmen criopreservado (1,6 mL - 45±9% e 4,5 mL - 41±12%). Os dois criotubos não diferiram entre si neste parâmetro. Uma alta correlação significativa (p<0,05) foi observada entre a fertilização e a cinética espermática (MT - 89%; MP - 86%; VCL - 79%; VSL - 69% e VAP - 78%). Conclui-se que os criotubos de 1,6 e 4,5 mL podem ser utilizados na criopreservação do sêmen de tambaqui, sendo recomendado seu descongelamento a 60°C por 90s e seu uso em procedimentos de fertilização dentro de 3 horas após o descongelamento desde que mantido a 5°C.

<p dir="ltr">Nulliparous replacement beef heifers represent an opportunity to improve both genetic potential and lifetime production within the herd. However, advances in reproductive efficiency and synchrony in the herd require heifers to conceive earlier than multiparous cows in order to account for the extended postpartum interval following first-time parturition. Further, those heifers that achieve early calving dates continue to calve early throughout their lifetime. This early calving results in increased weaning weights and better synchrony in subsequent years. One obstacle producers face when breeding nulliparous heifers is the ability to identify which animals have reached puberty at the initiation of the breeding season. This results in the variation observed in synchronization success within a group of heifers. In Chapter 2 our laboratory formulated a study to analyze the efficacy of the 7-d CO-synch + CIDR protocol when utilizing short-term exposure to a progestin (melengestrol acetate, MGA) as a pre-synchronization protocol. Our hypothesis was that the heifers may respond more efficiently to an orally fed progestin as the increase in serum progesterone is less pronounced, when compared to the CIDR. This first study resulted in a protocol application error, in which MGA was fed an extra day (8 vs. 7). This additional day of treatment with MGA following the administration of a prostaglandin eliminated our laboratory’s opportunity to collect meaningful data from this first attempt. Thus, it was pertinent to restart the experiment in an attempt to obtain data for analysis. In order to avoid confounding data, half of the heifers in each treatment received a new treatment, while the other half remained on the treatment assigned during the first attempt. After completing the second round of experiments it was observed that at the first pregnancy check (study day 30), the heifers that were originally assigned to MGA, but were switched to a CIDR for the second attempt numerically outperformed their counterparts in the other three formulated treatment groups. In an attempt to replicate these results, a second study was formulated (Chapter 3), to mimic the timeline from the preliminary study. This resulted in a pre-synchronization treatment protocol prior to the initiation of the breeding season synchronization protocol. Previous studies that have been conducted with similar protocols were designed to provide heifers with a pre-synchronization period that would aid in the attainment of puberty prior to their first attempt at breeding through exposure to progesterone. The purpose of the Chapter 3 experiment was to evaluate the effects of feeding melengestrol acetate (MGA®) as a pre-synchronization for 10 days immediately prior to estrous synchronization and fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI). The ten days were chosen as this was a novel protocol that was the result of the preliminary study and the subsequent restart. Ninety-three crossbred heifers (395.67 ± 5.37 kg) were blocked by BW, genetics, and reproductive tract scores and allotted to 3 treatments. The 3 treatment groups were: 7-day CO-synch + CIDR without pre-synchronization (CON, n=31); 25 mg PGF2α (Lutalyse®) followed immediately by MGA feeding for 7 d prior to the start of the 7-day CO-synch + CIDR program (PRE, n=31); and 25 mg PGF2α followed immediately by MGA feeding for 7d followed 10 d later by the start of the 7-day CO-synch + CIDR program (PRE+10, n=31). The 7-day Co-synch + CIDR protocol in all three treatments was initiated on d 0 by administering a 2 cc IM injection of GnRH (Cystorelin®) and placing a CIDR into the vagina. The CIDRs were removed 7 days later and accompanied by 25 mg IM injection of PGF2α. An injection of GnRH occurred 60-66 hours following PGF2α at FTAI with frozen semen from a single bull. Ten days after FTAI, heifers were exposed to a bull. Estrotect® patches were applied throughout the study to assess estrous behavior. Ovaries were visualized by transrectal ultrasonography 24 hours post-FTAI to determine whether ovulation occurred. Pregnancy was determined on days 40, 64, and 109 post-FTAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture (d -19 and -12, MGA initiation and termination, days 0, 7, and 9) and serum progesterone determined. Performance data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure and conception data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Heifers in the PRE+10 treatment group had higher levels of progesterone (P=0.04) at d 0 compared to PRE heifers. At d 7 (CIDR removal) there was a tendency (P=0.07) for PRE+10 heifers to have higher levels of progesterone than PRE, but did not differ by d 9 (FTAI, P=0.36). FTAI conception rates in heifers in the PRE treatment group (63%) tended (P = 0.09) to be higher compared to the controls (35%), but not different from PRE+10 (43%), with no differences in season-long pregnancy rates (P > 0.15). Pre-synchronization with MGA immediately prior to FTAI synchronization appears to increase conception rates early in the breeding season in beef heifers. In Chapter 4, our laboratory analyzed the efficacy of supplementation strategies post-insemination. Unlike the first two experiments, the third study focused on reproductive failure that occurs after insemination. The overarching goal remained the same, increasing the reproductive efficiency within our nulliparous heifer herd. A common practice for beef producers in the United States is to use estrous synchronization, and immediately turn heifers out to lush spring pasture immediately following FTAI. The fresh forage is high in water content which lowers dry matter intake (DMI) and creates a negative energy balance. Ultimately, this reduced energy intake can result in a reduction in reproductive performance. In the Chapter 4 our laboratory formulated a supplementation strategy utilizing the SmartFeed™ technology to deliver soybean hulls to our treatment group following insemination for 45 days. The utilization of the SmartFeed® technology provided the opportunity to analyze the efficacy of the supplementation strategy using each individual animal as an experimental unit. Sixty-two nulliparous crossbred heifers were fed in drylot to obtain moderate body condition prior to breeding at d 0 via FTAI and trained to utilize the SmartFeed™ system.Heifers were blocked by weight and body condition score to either the soybean hull supplementation group (SOY) or the non-supplemented control group (CON). . Heifers in the treatment group received their supplementation by entering the SmartFeed™ system, allowing for RFID controlled release of 2.27 kg. per head each day for 45 days. Scales located beneath each feed pan sent real time weight data for regulation and analysis on individual animal feeding behavior. On study d 6, a subset of the nulliparous crossbred heifers (n = 12; n = 6/ treatment) were transported by trailer from the Feldun Purdue Agricultural Center to Purdue West Lafayette main campus (approximately 217.74 km.). The subset of heifers had embryos flushed and evaluated for embryo quality and number of live/dead cells. Ultrasonography was utilized to monitor ovarian activity throughout the duration of the study and to determine pregnancy status 30 days after FTAI and 30 days after the 45-day breeding season. Though conception rates were not statistically (P=0.17) different (SOY 16/25; 64% vs. CON 11/25; 44%) when comparing treatment groups, the numerical differences suggest there is potential in pursuing a similar supplementation strategy following breeding in nulliparous beef heifers. The supplementation of SBH resulted in greater weight gain over time (P = 0.04), potentially explaining the numeric improvement in conception rate. The two pre-synchronization studies from Chapters 2 and 3 resulted in numerical improvements in conception rate as a result of exposing replacement heifers to a source of progestin prior to the initiation of their synchronization protocol. The implementation of progesterone priming mitigates the occurrence of short cycles and immature oocyte maturation at the time of ovulation. Based on results from previous studies conducted by our laboratory, the source of progestin greatly determines the timing and concentration of P4 circulating in replacement heifers immediately following treatment. Additionally, the 7 & 7 estrous synchronization protocol has grown in popularity and implementation. This protocol when broken down is very similar to the pre-synchronization protocol our laboratory utilized for the first two studies. Several studies have been conducted to analyze the efficacy of the 7 & 7 and the conception data was comparable to the MGA derived protocol. Thus, one potential direction for the future would be to formulate a research study that compares the two protocols. Since the conception rates were similar, it may be hypothesized that the MGA protocol could be more widely accepted as there is a reduction number of times animals are handled.</p>

My thesis should provide a comprehensive sum up of the life of homoparental families in the Czech Republic. I would like to closely see and monitor functioning of those LGBTI families and to research obstacles that these families must overcome to fully function in the society. In terms of equal and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity I will examine in more details the processes, tools and institutions that provide the same conditions to all families without exception. I am primarily interested in barriers to the full functioning of these families, their access to assisted reproduction, surrogacy for gay families, and the legalization of non-biologic parent relationships to a child in a common household, their rights and duties. From a public policy point of view, I will find out whether these processes are in the accordance to equal and not discrimination treatment for all. By legalization of the partnership between homosexuals in the Czech Republic it has caused the logical development of this status and issues connecting to this law. Today, is often discussed the nature of this relationship and the possibility of its "transformation" into a full family structure ended up by marriage. This development raises a number of theoretical and practical issues. In my work,...

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