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Effects of Continuous and Alternating Storage Temperatures of –79 and –196° C. on Motility of Frozen Bull Semen¹

Department of Animal Industries, University of Connecticut, Storrs

ABSTRACT

Since the possibilities of frozen semen were noted (11), consideration has been given to bull semen stored in dry ice-alcohol (1,4,7,8), mechanical refrigeration (2,5) and, more recently, in liquefied gases at approximately –196° C. (3, 6, 9, 10). Motility studies have indicated that liquid nitrogen is a superior refrigerant as compared to dry ice-alcohol (3, 6, 9, 10). The purpose of this study was to further compare the effects on motility of continuous liquid nitrogen storage at approximately –196° C. to those of conventional dry ice-alcohol storage, approximately –79° C., and to determine the effects on motility of alternating these storage conditions. The latter objective could have considerable practical importance in the exchange of frozen semen between artificial breeding organizations employing different methods of storage.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

This study was conducted utilizing semen collected from bulls routinely used at the Connecticut Artificial Breeding Association (CABA). A total of 17 ejaculates were obtained by an artificial vagina from four Guernsey, five Holstein, and three Jersey bulls. Immediately after collection, a hemocytometer count was made and the semen extended to contain, after glycerolation, approximately 30 million progressively motile sperm cells per milliliter of semen.

¹ Supported in part by grants-in-aid from Chas. H. Hood Dairy Foundation, National Association of Artificial Breeders, and New England Artificial Breeding Council. Portions of this paper were presented at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Eastern Division of the American Dairy Science Association, September 21, 1959, at West Springfield, Massachusetts.