The Effect of Agitation upon the Livability of Bovine Spermatozoa

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Since diluted semen samples for use in artificial breeding are often transported for considerable distances, the effect of agitation on the livability of bull spermatozoa was studied. 15 semen samples were obtained from 3 fertile bulls and diluted 1:24 with egg yolk-citrate diluter. Each sample of diluted semen was divided into 4 series of test tubes which received mechanical agitation for 0, 6, 12, and 24 hrs. In addition, each series consisted of 4 test tubes which were approx. 1/4 filled, half filled, 3/4 filled and filled with diluted semen. Livability of the semen samples was detd. by means of motility estimations made before and after agitation and every 2 days during 20 days'' storage at 5 C. Mechanical agitation of the partially filled tubes brought about a significant reduction in spermato-zoan livability which was related directly to the length of the agitation period. Livability also was related directly to the vol. of semen in the test tubes. Optimum livability was obtained in the completely filled tubes. Even in the controls which received no mechanical agitation, a significantly higher level of motility during storage was maintained in the completely filled tubes than in the 1/4 filled tubes. It was observed that irrespective of length of agitation there was an inverse relationship between the amt. of atmospheric O2 in the tubes and spermatozoan livability. Thus, it is possible that excess aeration of the diluted semen also contributed to the decreases in livability obtained. The harmful effect of agitation may be minimized by completely filling the test tubes with diluted semen.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: