National Training on Strategic use of cryopreserved semen for Assisted Reproductive Technologies

National Training

on

Strategic use of cryopreserved semen for Assisted Reproductive Technologies

(Sponsored by National Agricultural Innovation Project (ICAR), New Delhi)

Under NAIP project no. C4/C30014 code 01024142

Organised by

January 2-11, 2012

Animal Biochemistry Division

National Dairy Research Institute

(Indian council of Agricultural Research)

Karnal 132001 (Haryana) India

OBJECTIVE: As a part of NAIP objectives, learning and capacity building through both national and international training in frontier areas of agricultural sciences, the main objective of the present national training is to introduce and impart hand on training in area of strategic use of cryopreserved semen to the Scientists, teachers and researchers of ICAR, SAUs and CAUs working in the area of basic animal and allied agricultural sciences under the NAIP project no C4/C30014 entitled "Molecular Basis of Capacitation Like Changes in the Assessment and Prevention of Cryodamage During Cryopreservation of Bovine Spermatozoa (Buffalo and Crossbred Bulls)". Semen cryopreservation is a widely used assisted breeding technique in buffaloes. However, in buffalo the fertility rate using frozen semen remains poorer as compared to fresh semen. Cryopreservation leads to many changes in mammalian spermatozoa which are reflected in diminished post-thaw sperm motility, membrane alterations and reduced sperm viability. The decline in post-thaw motility and viability of spermatozoa subsequently reduces fertility in frozen-thawed semen. There are substantial evidences that cryopreservation promotes capacitation of sperm and these capacitation like changes is a factor associated with reduced longevity of sperm in female reproductive tract. The reduced functional life of sperm in the female reproductive tract is a major barrier in application of cryopreserved buffalo semen. A better understanding of molecular events during cryopreservation of spermatozoa will be useful to improve protocols for semen cryopreservation and improve fertility rates to combat the huge economic losses. The present training aims at imparting training on various aspects of successful semen cryopreservation and its strategic use for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

TOPICS/ ON BENCH PRACTICAL'S TO BE COVERED UNDER THE TRAINING

1) Past, present and future of cryopreserved semen in reproductive technologies

2) Semen handling and Platform tests at semen bank for successful semen cryopreservation

3) In vitro fertility assessment by in vitro capacitation: A practical approach

4) Assessment of post thaw motility, viability membrane integrity and membrane architecture on cryopreservation

5) Phospho-proteome analysis of cryopreserved spermatozoa

6) Analysis of Transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa: potential marker of fertility

7) Apoptotic features during cryopreservation of semen

8) In vitro fertilization using cryopreserved semen

9) Exposure to cutting age molecular techniques like Real time PCR, SDS-PAGE, 2D gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, Mass Spectroscopy, comet assay etc

HOW AND WHO CAN APPLY:

Applications are invited from interested Faculty, Researchers, Teachers, veterinary professionals and  Scientists not below the rank of Scientist of ICAR/Assistant Professor of SAUs and CAUs, working under NARS. The application must reach the Course Director, before December 10, 2011. Intending participants, who anticipate delay in sending their application through proper channel, may send an advanced copy of their application. However it will be their responsibility to bring duly forwarded application or a no objection certificate at the time of joining the course. Format of application may be copied from brochure and used or it can be downloaded from Institute's website (www.ndri.res.in). Trainee should have at least five years of service left before superannuation.

Fifteen participants will be considered for the training and selected participants will be acknowledged by December 12, 2011.

The application may also be sent through mail to Course Director:

drdheer.singh@gmail.com, skatreja@rediffmail.com

CERTIFICATE: A certificate will be awarded to the participant on successful completion of the course.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

The training is sponsored by NAIP so no course fee will be charged for joining the course. The participants will be paid TA for to and fro journey by rail/ bus/public transport by the shortest route as per entitlement class but restricted to II A.C. train fare (on producing ticket/fare document). They should produce a certificate from the parent organization to the effect that they are not being paid TA/DA for this course.

BOARDING AND LODGING:

Accommodation will be arranged free of cost in the institute scientist home/Govt accommodation for the period of their stay during the course. Wholesome food will be provided free of cost to all the outside participants. Local participants will be provided with minimum hospitality of lunch, tea, coffee etc. as per ICAR rules. Due to limited availability of accommodation please do not bring family members with you.

FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER http://www.ndri.res.in/ndri/Design/documents/NAIPBRO_16nov.pdf