Effect of pH on the Life-Span and Metabolism of Bovine Sperm Kept at Room Temperatures,

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Abstract
O2 consumption, lactic acid production, motility, pH, and survival rate of bovine spermatozoa suspended in coconut milk diluent (CMC): (1) CMC, consisting of a 1:1 mixture of boiled coconut milk and a 4.32% solution of sodium citrate, and (2) CMCC, consisting of CMC, which contained 100 mg% calcium carbonate, were measured after 3, 76, and 150 hours of storage at room temperatures. With the progression of time, lactic acid accumulated, causing a gradual decline in metabolic activity which was significantly correlated with the increased pH. In a pH range of 5.50-5.80, the sperm appeared to be maximally inhibited, but sustained a comparatively insignificant loss of viability. Resuspending the auto-inhibited spermatozoa in fresh, relatively alkaline coconut milk diluents produced an appreciable resumption of metabolic activity after 6 days of room temperature storage. The evidence strongly suggests that reversible acid inhibition can serve as a means of extending the life span of sperm for several days at room temperatures.