Effect of physical parameters on ram spermatozoal motility

G.C.; Upreti, J. Oliver, R. Munday, J.F. Smith

AgResearch, Ruakura Agriculture Centre, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1992, 52: 251-254

Spermatozoal motility is known to be influenced both by the diluent used and by the physical parameters involved in the processing of semen. We have evaluated the effect of cooling and dilution on ram spermatozoal motility in a defined semen diluent. The results indicated that ram semen is best stored at 15 C, this temperature being reached by cooling at a rate not greater than 3 C per minute. Time (up to 60 minutes from semen collection) and extent of dilution (500 or 800 x 10 6 spermatozoa per mil) were found to have no effect upon maintenance of spermatozoal motility.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Ram; spermatozoa; motility; cooling; dilution.

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Last Updated 25-01-1997