HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Johnson, P. E. Articles by Almquist, J. O. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Johnson, P. E. Articles by Almquist, J. O.

Diluters for Bovine Semen. VIII. The Effects of Alterations of Some Physical Factors of a Milk Diluter on the Livability of Bull Spermatozoa^{1, 2,}

Dairy Breeding Research Center, Department of Dairy Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

ABSTRACT

The effects of alterations in the pH, osmotic pressure, and electrolyte concentration of a cysteine-treated nonfat dry milk solids diluter on the livability of bull spermatozoa have been investigated. There were no differences in livability between the two osmotic pressure levels studied (approximately –0.50° C. and –0.70° C.) and no appreciable differences among the pH levels studied (6.2, 6.6, and 7.0). The addition of either 5.0 or 10.0 ml. of 0.5 N NaCl solution to 100 ml. of diluter resulted in significantly improved livability. A highly significant interaction between pH and electrolyte concentration indicated that higher pH levels require higher levels of electrolytes. Neither the pH nor the osmotic pressure of the diluter changed appreciably during a 12-day storage period. It was concluded that no improvement in spermatozoan livability can be expected by alteration of the pH, osmotic pressure, or buffering capacity of the diluter employed but that the addition of 0.5 N NaCl results in slightly improved livability.

¹ Authorized for publication on June 28, 1955, as Paper No. 1993 in the journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The data contained in this paper are part of a thesis submitted by the senior author to the Graduate School of The Pennsylvania State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.