ABSTRACTS
299
the various aspects of the subject and there has been
a great demand for a comprehensive and up-to-date
resumé of information and results so far obtained.
The present communication by Dr Anderson has not
only removed this long-felt want but has also supplied
a timely stimulus to workers on the subject, especially
at the moment when the methods of artificial insemi-
nation may have to be applied extensively in impro-
ving and replenishing the livestock population of the
world so severely depleted by the war.
Literature up to 1943 has been reviewed in the main
text of the publication, which is divided into three
parts, and later information has been embodied in a
supplement. Part I reviews exhaustively literature
dealing with the study of various semen characteris-
tics, such as volume, motility, concentration of
sperms, pH, decline of motility of stored semen,
morphology, effect of exercise on semen, fertility and
the interrelationship between various semen charac-
teristics of different farm animals, the study of
factors affecting semen production, physico-chemical
properties of semen, physiology of spermatozoa,
problems of storage and transport of semen and the
examination of semen. The quality of semen, so far
as its fitness for artificial insemination is concerned,
can be roughly estimated by determining the con-
centration and motility of the sperm, but the precise
evaluation would require a detailed examination of
the semen with regard to appearance, volume,
motility, concentration, pH and pH. change on incuba-
tion, proportion of abnormal spermatozoa, respira-
tion rate, resistance and longevity of sperms and
freedom of semen from bacterial contamination. In
part II is embodied a lively discussion about the uses
and advantages of artificial
, applica-
tion of the method in different countries, its limita-
tions and objections, and the factors affecting the
insemination results. Artificial insemination has the
outstanding advantage over natural mating in that
it provides a means for increased use of sires, for the
evaluation of young sires, for prolonging the period of
use of valuable sires, for overcoming difficulties due
to size difference in males and females, for the main-
tenance of satisfactory conception rate, for increased
use of sires in monogamous species, for hybridization,
for controlling genital diseases and for economic
service particularly to small herds. While discussing
the problem of utilization of artificial insemination
methods for the genetical improvement of stock, the
author has emphasized the importance of providing
suitable environment. He stresses that the successful
utilization of the method would demand energetic,
action-on the part of the government concerned for a
systematic programme of work on a practical and
scientific basis by setting up throughout the country
artificial insemination centres adequately equipped
and staffed with specially trained technicians. Part
III describes in detail the actual technique of semen
collection, the different types of apparatus used for
different species of animals, handling and examina-
tion of semen, preparation of the semen for insemina-
tion, process of insemination and the storage of
semen. Collection of semen may be made with the
help of an artificial vagina or in some species by
massaging the accessory genital organs or by electrical
stimulation in the rectum and the lumbar region.
The insemination is effected by injecting with a
special syringe a small quantity of diluted semen into
the cervix of the female or by depositing the semen
at the bifurcation of the uterine horns. Introduction
of gelatinized sperm capsules into the vagina or the
cervical canal of the female has also been adopted
lately as a successful method of insemination. A
small chapter is included in part III on the manage-
ment of sires for breeding. Part III is particularly
useful to artificial insemination workers, as it gives
most minute details about practical aspects of the
subject.
The publication comprises 150 pages of printed
matter with a large bibliography and is illustrated
with 19 plates and diagrams which should be
extremely useful to practical workers. A copy of
this publication should be an invaluable reference
book for every artificial insemination worker in
English-speaking countries. [ P. B.]
Die Entwicklung des Riemser Adsorbatimpf-
stoffes gegen Maul-und Klauenseuche und seine
Herstelung (The development of Riems foot-
and-mouth disease adsorbate vaccine and its
preparation). O. WALDMANN, G. PYL., K. O.
HOBOHM, and H. MOHLMANN (1941). Zbl. Bakt. I
(Orig.) 148, 1-15
THE adsorbate vaccines are characterized by the
active principle (toxin, anatoxin, virus) being
attached to the surface of a finely divided substance,
thereby suffering a peculiar change in its antigenic
action. The authors review the use of adsorption in
enzymology, diphtheria immunization and the field
of virus diseases.
The results so far obtained in studying the effect of
adsorption on viruses, with particular reference to
their antigenic properties, are summarized as follows :
1. Adsorption has no effect on the virus.
Example : Equine encephalomyelitis (must be
accepted with reserve as it is based on meagre work).
2. Non-infectious or weakly infectious virus sets up
good immunity as adsorbate. Example : fowl-pest
(Nieschulz strain). 3. Fully virulent virus loses its
infectivity through adsorption without losing its
immunizing power. Examples: poliomyelitis and
fowl leucosis. These results are however based on
laboratory experiments and have not been tried out
extensively in practice. The only adsorbate vaccine
against a virus disease which has been so tried out is
the one used in the control of foot-and-mouth disease.