Effect of Sperm Losses in Semen Collection Equipment on Estimated Sperm Output by Bulls

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Sperm cells were recovered from the rubber surface of artificial vaginas used for collecting 132 samples of bull semen. On the average approximately 1.5 billion residual sperm per collection were obtained by washing the inner liner and cone with saline or water. Coating the surface with silicone did not appreciably decrease the number of sperm retained. This significant retention of sperm indicates that collection equipment of appropriate length should be used to insure that semen is deposited as close to the collection tube as possible. In experiments designed to predict testicular sperm production in comparison with actual sperm output, the losses in collection should be measured and added to the number of sperm obtained in the collection tube to more accurately reflect actual sperm output.