Preservation of bovine sperm at variable temperatures

Abstract

The effects of extenders, and variable temperatures on progressive motility of bovine spermatozoa were investigated in a series of experiments. Semen obtained from Hereford bulls was extended with Standard Cornell University Extender and with extenders especially designed to alter one or more of the physical and chemical properties. These extended semen samples were stored at 5°, 25°, and 35°C and evaluated every alternate day for motility, pH, and osmotic pressure changes. Motility was rated by a standard method. The pH and osmotic pressure were determined by a Corning pH meter and a Fiske Milk Cryoscope. Results of this investigation show significantly better survival of spermatozoa at 25°C when extended in Standard Cornell University Extender. Higher and lower temperature adversely affect the spermatozoa in this medium. It shows further that spermatozoa extended in modified Cornell University Extender with versene exhibited significantly higher progressive motility at variable temperatures. ...