System for collecting animal semen and method for collecting animal semen using such a system
A single, elastically deformable artificial vagina integrated with a standard laboratory tube simplifies and economizes semen collection by reducing volume loss and enhancing processing efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- IMV TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing animal semen collection systems, particularly for bovine semen, require multiple containers for different processing steps, leading to potential losses of harvested semen volume and inefficiencies in handling and storage.
A single collection system comprising an artificial vagina with a standard laboratory tube that is partially elastically deformable, allowing direct integration with a collection tube for seamless processing steps such as pre-dilution, dilution, centrifugation, and storage, minimizing transfers and losses.
The system reduces semen volume loss by enabling all processing steps in a single container, maximizing the production of straws filled with semen, especially valuable from younger animals with smaller ejaculate volumes.
Smart Images
Figure FR2025051195_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Title: "Animal semen collection system and method for collecting animal semen using such a system"
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003]
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of animal semen collection, in particular bovine semen, and more specifically to systems for collecting this semen and to methods of collecting this semen using such collection systems.
[0004] STATE OF THE ART
[0005]
[0002] Animal semen collection systems, particularly bovine semen collection systems, are already known, consisting of an artificial vagina to be mounted on the animal's penis to stimulate it and a collection tube fixed on a cone of the artificial vagina and designed to collect the animal semen.
[0006]
[0003] Once collected in the collection tube, the animal semen is analyzed in a specific room often called a laboratory, then it is pre-diluted (first dilution) and then diluted (second dilution), before being stored, for example by cryogenics, in unitary packaging called straws.
[0007]
[0004] European patent EP 2 921 134 describes a system for collecting animal semen, particularly bovine semen, comprising a container configured to be mounted on one end of an artificial vagina. The container has an internal space configured to collect the semen and to include, prior to semen collection, a medium for the first dilution of the semen.
[0008]
[0005] The system further comprises a collection device configured to be at least partially inserted into the container and to be attached to the artificial vagina. The collection device is interposed between the artificial vagina and the container. The collection device includes a semen flow channel extending into the internal space of the container and a semen discharge orifice opening into the internal space of the container.
[0009]
[0006] The collection system is configured to prevent, at least in large part, the first dilution medium from flowing into the flow channel of the collection device.
[0010]
[0007] Such a collection system allows the animal semen to be put directly and immediately in contact with the first dilution medium during semen collection, before proceeding with the analyses.
[0011]
[0008] Furthermore, the collection system is configured so that this contact is made without risk of the first dilution medium rising, at least in large part, to the artificial vagina where it would not allow it to perform its function of first dilution of the semen.
[0009] This collection system therefore allows its user, often called the collector, to easily mount the artificial vagina together with this system onto the penis of the animal, in a position where the artificial vagina and therefore the collection system are upside down, without risk of the first dilution medium escaping from the container.
[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013]
[0010] The invention relates to a collection system aimed at further improving the performance of known systems for collecting animal semen, particularly bovine semen, in an even simpler, more convenient and economical way.
[0014]
[0011] The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a system for collecting animal semen, in particular bovine semen, comprising an artificial vagina extending generally longitudinally and having an internal space configured to collect animal semen, a first enlarged end and a second thinned end opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, and a collection tube having an introduction opening and configured to be partially inserted by its introduction opening into the artificial vagina at the level of its second thinned end, characterized in that the second thinned end of the artificial vagina has a thinned internal diameter of between approximately 27 mm and approximately 28 mm, in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the thinned internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second thinned end,and in that the artificial vagina is at least partially elastically deformable at its second tapered end so that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube.
[0015]
[0012] In the collection system according to the invention, the artificial vagina is thus configured to be assembled with a collection tube of a standard, or even normalised, type.
[0016]
[0013] In other words, it is possible to use a single collection container, formed by such a tube, from the collection of animal semen and then during post-collection processing steps.
[0017]
[0014] In particular, this same collection tube can be used to pre-dilute the harvested seed, and / or to dilute the harvested and / or pre-diluted seed, and / or to centrifuge the harvested and / or diluted seed, and / or to store this seed.
[0018]
[0015] More generally, using only a single container for at least some of the aforementioned post-collection processing steps eliminates the need for transfers from one container to another, thus limiting potential losses of harvested seed volume.
[0016] Furthermore, once processed, the seed is generally stored in straws containing a specific volume of that seed. Limiting the loss of harvested seed volume therefore allows for the production of a larger quantity of straws.
[0019]
[0017] This is all the more important as the harvested semen can have considerable economic value, depending on the genetic data of the animal whose semen is harvested.
[0020]
[0018] Furthermore, based on this same genetic data, there is a tendency to collect semen from younger animals, which produce smaller volumes of ejaculate, and whose production still needs to be maximized in terms of the number of doses and therefore straws to be filled.
[0021]
[0019] It should be noted that the standard external diameter of the collection tube is only slightly greater than the thinned internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second end.
[0022]
[0020] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the collection system according to the invention are presented below.
[0023]
[0021] The artificial vagina can be made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone.
[0024]
[0022] The second tapered end of the artificial vagina has a tapered internal diameter of 27.4 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
[0025]
[0023] The artificial vagina has at its second tapered end a first peripheral ridge and the second tapered end of the artificial vagina has a tapered external diameter of between approximately 35 mm and approximately 40 mm.
[0026]
[0024] The second tapered end of the artificial vagina may have a tapered external diameter of 37.9 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
[0027]
[0025] The first enlarged end has an enlarged internal diameter of between approximately 65 mm and approximately 75 mm.
[0028]
[0026] The first enlarged end may have an enlarged internal diameter of 70 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0029]
[0027] The artificial vagina has at its first enlarged end a second peripheral ridge and the first enlarged end of the artificial vagina has an enlarged external diameter of between approximately 70 mm and approximately 85 mm.
[0030]
[0028] The first enlarged end may have an enlarged external diameter of 78 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0031]
[0029] The artificial vagina is provided with a first cylindrical section extending from the first enlarged end, a second frustoconical section extending from the first cylindrical section, and a third cylindrical section extending from the second frustoconical section to the second thinned end.
[0030] The first cylindrical section has a first length of between approximately 20 mm and approximately 25 mm.
[0032]
[0031] The first cylindrical section may have a first length equal to 27.5 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 mm.
[0033]
[0032] The second frustoconical section has a second length of between approximately 200 mm and approximately 250 mm.
[0034]
[0033] The second frustoconical section may have a second length equal to approximately 225 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0035]
[0034] The third cylindrical section has a third length of between approximately 80 mm and approximately 85 mm.
[0036]
[0035] The third cylindrical section may have a first section of about 60 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1.5 mm and a second section of about 22 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 mm.
[0037]
[0036] The first section extends from the second truncated conical segment and the second section extends from the first section to the second thinned end.
[0038]
[0037] The artificial vagina may have a total length of between approximately 300 mm and 350 mm, and for example equal to approximately 335 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm, and a variable thickness of between approximately 1 mm and 3 mm.
[0039]
[0038] For example, the first cylindrical section may have a first thickness of about 1.2 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm, the second frustoconical section may have a second thickness of about 1.3 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm, the third cylindrical section may have, on its first section, a third thickness of about 1.3 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm and, on its second section, a fourth thickness of about 2 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm.
[0040]
[0039] The collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter of between approximately 29 mm and approximately 32 mm.
[0041]
[0040] The collection tube has a receiving volume of between approximately 5 ml and approximately 100 ml.
[0042]
[0041] The collection tube may have a standard external diameter of approximately 30.5 mm and a receiving volume of approximately 50 ml.
[0043]
[0042] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an artificial vagina configured to equip a collection system further comprising a collection tube having an introduction opening, the artificial vagina extending globally longitudinally and having an internal space configured to collect animal semen, a first enlarged end and a second thinned end opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, the artificial vagina being configured to receive at the level of the second thinned end, partially inserted, the collection tube by its introduction opening, characterized in that the second thinned end of the artificial vagina has a thinned internal diameter of between about 27 mm and about 28 mm,in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the tapered internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second tapered end, and in that the artificial vagina is at least partially elastically deformable at its second tapered end such that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube.
[0044]
[0043] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a method for collecting animal semen, in particular bovine semen, using a collection system comprising an artificial vagina extending generally longitudinally and having an internal space configured to collect animal semen, a first enlarged end and a second thinned end opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, and a collection tube having an introduction opening and configured to be partially inserted by its introduction opening into the artificial vagina at the level of its second thinned end, characterized in that the second thinned end of the artificial vagina has a thinned internal diameter of between approximately 27 mm and approximately 28 mm,in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the tapered internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second tapered end, and in that the artificial vagina is at least partially elastically deformable at its second tapered end such that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube; the method comprising a step of assembling the collection tube into the artificial vagina at its second tapered end and a step of installing the collection system on an animal or mannequin.
[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0046]
[0044] The invention, according to an example of embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, given by way of example and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings.
[0047]
[0045] Figure 1 schematically represents in longitudinal section a collection system according to the invention, comprising an artificial vagina and a standard type collection tube.
[0048]
[0046] Figure 2 is an isolated view of the artificial vagina.
[0049]
[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial vagina identified as lll-lll in Figure 2.
[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a system for collecting 1 animal semen 5, in particular bovine, comprising an artificial vagina 2 and a collection tube 3.
[0051]
[0049] Such a collection system 1 can be used to collect semen from animals such as male bovines, which semen can then be processed, for example pre-diluted, diluted, and / or centrifuged, then possibly sorted, then packaged into straws, frozen, and / or stored before being used to artificially inseminate other animals such as female bovines.
[0052]
[0050] The artificial vagina 2 is configured to be mounted by a first enlarged end 6 directly on the penis of the animal, or on a mannequin, to stimulate it, while the collection tube 3 is here directly fixed on a second thinned end 7 of the artificial vagina 2, which second thinned end 7 is opposed to the first enlarged end 6, to collect the animal semen 5.
[0053]
[0051] The artificial vagina 2 extends globally longitudinally and has an internal space 8 defined between the first enlarged end 6 and the second thinned end 7 and configured to collect animal semen 5.
[0054]
[0052] The collection tube 3 is a standard laboratory tube having an inlet opening 9 and having a standard external diameter, between about 29 mm and about 32 mm, at the level of its inlet opening 9, and having a bottom 10 delimiting, with the inlet opening 9, a receiving volume between about 5 ml and about 100 ml.
[0055]
[0053] The collection tube 3 is configured to be partially inserted through its introduction opening 9 into the artificial vagina 2 at its second tapered end 7.
[0056]
[0054] In the illustrated example, the collection tube 3 has in particular a standard external diameter of approximately 30.5 mm and a receiving volume of approximately 50 ml.
[0057]
[0055] Figures 2 and 3 show the artificial vagina 2 in more detail.
[0058]
[0056] The artificial vagina 2 is made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone.
[0059]
[0057] The artificial vagina 2 is thus at least partially elastically deformable.
[0060]
[0058] The artificial vagina 2 is provided with a first cylindrical section 15 extending from the first enlarged end 6, a second truncated conical section 16 extending from the first cylindrical section 15, and a third cylindrical section 17 extending from the second truncated conical section 16 to the second thinned end 7.
[0061]
[0059] The first cylindrical section 15 has a first length P1 of between approximately 20 mm and approximately 25 mm.
[0062]
[0060] In the illustrated example, the first cylindrical section 15 has a first length P1 equal to 27.5 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 mm.
[0063]
[0061] The second frustoconical section 16 has a second length P2 of between approximately 200 mm and approximately 250 mm.
[0062] In the illustrated example, the second frustoconical section 16 has a second length P2 of approximately 225 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0064]
[0063] The third cylindrical section 17 has a third length P3 between approximately 80 mm and approximately 85 mm.
[0065]
[0064] In the illustrated example, the third cylindrical section 17 has a first section 18 of approximately 60 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1.5 mm and a second section 19 of approximately 22 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 mm.
[0066]
[0065] The first section 18 extends from the second truncated conical section 16 and the second section 19 extends from the first section 18 to the second thinned end 7.
[0067]
[0066] The second tapered end 7 of the artificial vagina 2 has a tapered internal diameter Dia between approximately 27 mm and approximately 28 mm.
[0068]
[0067] In the illustrated example, the second tapered end 7 of the artificial vagina 2 has a tapered internal diameter Dia equal to 27.4 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
[0069]
[0068] It will be noted that the standard external diameter of the collection tube 3 is slightly greater than the thinned internal diameter Dia of the artificial vagina 2 at its second thinned end 7, which can be elastically deformed for the partial insertion of the collection tube 3, so that the internal space 8 of the artificial vagina 2 opens directly into the introduction opening 9 of the collection tube 3.
[0070]
[0069] The artificial vagina 2 has at its second thinned end 7 a first peripheral ridge 20 and the second thinned end 7 has an external thinned diameter Dea between about 35 mm and about 40 mm.
[0071]
[0070] In the illustrated example, the second tapered end 7 of the artificial vagina 2 has a tapered external diameter Dea equal to 37.9 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
[0072]
[0071] The first enlarged end 6 has an enlarged internal diameter Die of between approximately 65 mm and approximately 75 mm.
[0073]
[0072] In the illustrated example, the first enlarged end 6 has an enlarged internal diameter Die equal to 70 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0074]
[0073] The artificial vagina 2 has at its first enlarged end 6 a second peripheral ridge 21 and the first enlarged end 6 has an enlarged external diameter Dee between about 70 mm and about 85 mm.
[0075]
[0074] In the illustrated example, the first enlarged end 6 has an enlarged external diameter Dee of 78 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm.
[0075] The artificial vagina 2 can have a total length Lt of between about 300 mm and 350 mm, and for example here equal to about 335 mm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm, and a variable thickness of between about 1 mm and 3 mm.
[0076]
[0076] For example, the first cylindrical section 15 has a first thickness of approximately 1.2 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm, the second truncated conical section 17 has a second thickness of approximately 1.3 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm, the third cylindrical section 17 has, on its first section 18, a third thickness of approximately 1.3 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm and, on its second section 19, a fourth thickness of approximately 2 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 mm.
[0077]
[0077] To proceed with the collection of bovine semen 5 using the collection system 1, the method includes a step of assembling the collection tube 3 in the artificial vagina 2 by elastic deformation at its second thinned end 6, and a step of installing the collection system 1 directly on the animal or via the mannequin.
[0078]
[0078] It will be noted that the collection tube 3 can for example be inserted into the artificial vagina 2 to be gripped at least by the second section 19 of the third cylindrical section 17 of the artificial vagina 2.
[0079]
[0079] It should also be noted that the assembly of the collection tube 3 onto the artificial vagina 2 is particularly simple and quick.
[0080]
[0080] Thus, the collection tube 3 can be easily replaced if necessary, for example when semen collection is done by collecting several fractions of ejaculate.
[0081]
[0081] In the collection system 1 as described above, the artificial vagina 2 is thus configured to be assembled with a collection tube 3 of a standard, or even normalized, type.
[0082]
[0082] In other words, it is possible to use a single collection container, formed by such a collection tube 3, from the collection of the animal semen 5 and then during post-collection processing steps.
[0083]
[0083] In particular, this same collection tube 3 can be used to pre-dilute the harvested seed, and / or to dilute the harvested and / or pre-diluted seed, and / or to centrifuge the harvested and / or diluted seed, and / or to store this seed.
[0084]
[0084] More generally, using only one container at least for some of the aforementioned post-collection processing steps eliminates transfers from one container to another, and thus limits potential losses of harvested seed volume.
[0085]
[0085] Furthermore, once processed, the seed is generally stored in straws containing a specific volume of such seed. Limiting the loss of the harvested seed volume therefore makes it possible to produce a larger quantity of straws.
[0086] This is all the more important as the harvested semen can have considerable economic value, depending on the genetic data of the animal whose semen is harvested.
[0086]
[0087] Furthermore, based on this same genetic data, there is a trend towards collecting semen from younger animals, which produce smaller volumes of ejaculate, and whose production still needs to be maximized in terms of the number of doses and therefore the number of straws to fill.
[0087]
[0088] It should be noted that the dimensional values given above may be slightly different, particularly with regard to the lengths and thicknesses of the different parts of the artificial vagina 2, as long as its thinned internal diameter Dia remains within the range described and claimed and is slightly less than the external diameter of the harvesting tube 3.
[0088]
[0089] More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.
Claims
Demands 1. Animal semen collection system, in particular bovine semen, comprising an artificial vagina (2) extending globally longitudinally and having an internal space (8) configured to collect animal semen (5), a first enlarged end (6) and a second thinned end (7) opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, and a collection tube (3) having an introduction opening (9) and configured to be partially inserted by its introduction opening into the artificial vagina at the level of its second thinned end, characterized in that the second thinned end of the artificial vagina has a thinned internal diameter (Dia) of between about 27 mm and about 28 mm and in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the thinned internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second thinned end;so that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube.
2. Collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tapered end (7) of the artificial vagina (2) has a tapered internal diameter (Dia) of 27.4 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
3. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the artificial vagina (2) has at its second tapered end (7) a first peripheral ridge (20) and the second tapered end of the artificial vagina has a tapered external diameter (Dea) between about 35 mm and about 40 mm.
4. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first enlarged end (6) has an enlarged internal diameter (Die) of between about 65 mm and about 75 mm.
5. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the artificial vagina (2) has at its first enlarged end (6) a second peripheral ridge (21) and the first enlarged end of the artificial vagina has an enlarged external diameter (Dee) of between about 70 mm and about 85 mm.
6. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the artificial vagina (2) is provided with a first cylindrical section (15) extending from the first enlarged end (6), a second frustoconical section (16) extending from the first cylindrical section, and a third cylindrical section (17) extending from the second frustoconical section to the second thinned end (7).
7. Collection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first cylindrical section (15) has a first length (P1) of between approximately 20 mm and approximately 25 mm, the second frustoconical section (16) has a second length (P2) of between approximately 200 mm and approximately 250 mm, and the third cylindrical section (17) has a third length (P3) of between approximately 80 mm and approximately 85 mm.
8. Collection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the third cylindrical section (17) has a first section (18) of about 60 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1.5 mm and a second section (19) of about 22 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 mm, with the first section extending from the second frustoconical section (16) and the second section extending from the first section to the second thinned end (7).
9. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the artificial vagina (2) has a total length (Lt) of between about 300 mm and 350 mm, and for example equal to about 335 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 mm, and a variable thickness of between about 1 mm and 3 mm.
10. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the collection tube (3) has a standard external diameter of between about 29 mm and about 32 mm.
11. Collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the collection tube (3) has a receiving volume of between about 5 ml and about 100 ml.
12. Collection system according to claim 11, characterized in that the collection tube (3) has a receiving volume of approximately 50 ml.
13. Artificial vagina configured to equip a collection system (1) comprising a collection tube (3) having an introduction opening (9), the artificial vagina (2) extending globally longitudinally and having an internal space (8) configured to collect animal semen (5), a first enlarged end (6) and a second tapered end (7) opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, the artificial vagina being configured to receive at the second tapered end, partially inserted, the collection tube by its introduction opening, characterized in that the second tapered end of the artificial vagina has a tapered internal diameter (Dia) of between approximately 27 mm and approximately 28 mm, in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the tapered internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second tapered end,and in that the artificial vagina is at least partially elastically deformable at its second tapered end so that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube.
14. Method for collecting animal semen, in particular bovine semen, using a collection system (1) comprising an artificial vagina (2) extending generally longitudinally and having an internal space (8) configured to collect animal semen (5), a first enlarged end (6) and a second tapered end (7) opposite the first enlarged end and which delimit the internal space, and a collection tube (3) having an introduction opening (9) and configured to be partially inserted by its introduction opening into the artificial vagina at its second tapered end, characterized in that the second tapered end of the artificial vagina has a tapered internal diameter (Dia) of between approximately 27 mm and approximately 28 mm, in that the collection tube is a standard laboratory tube having a standard external diameter greater than the tapered internal diameter of the artificial vagina at its second tapered end,and in that the artificial vagina is at least partially elastically deformable at its second tapered end so that the internal space of the artificial vagina opens directly into the insertion opening of the collection tube; the method comprising a step of assembling the collection tube into the artificial vagina at its second tapered end and a step of installing the collection system on an animal or a mannequin.