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Sperm Stimulation in the Bull through the Subcutaneous Administration of Ascorbic Acid^*

Department of Biochemistry

E. E. Heizer and I. W. Rupel

Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wise.

ABSTRACT

These data indicate several important results: (1) the subcutaneous injection of ascorbic acid resulted in the restoration of the fertilizing capacity of certain impotent bulls; (2) potent bull semen normally contained on the average of 6.19 with a range of 3.0–8.0 mg. of ascorbic acid per 100 cc. of fresh semen; values below 2 mg. were associated with impotency, or poor breeding; (3) high ascorbic acid values, 8.0 mg. or more, on the other hand were associated with bulls with an unreliable breeding record; and (4) the ascorbic acid content of fresh semen, freshly drawn blood plasma and especially the longevity of sperm in yolk-buffer provides a fairly accurate estimate of potency or impotency in the bull.

From these data it is concluded that ascorbic acid is intimately involved in the production of virile sperm in the bull and in some manner it is vitally concerned in the physiology of reproduction in the male bovine. The exact nature of its role in this capacity is not known.

^* Published with the approval of the director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.