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 First, N. L. Articles by Williams, J. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by First, N. L. Articles by Williams, J. A.

The Frozen Storage of Ram Semen¹

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Abstract

Little research has been conducted with frozen ram semen because of limited artificial insemination in sheep. However, with the possibilities of synchronized estrus and the advent of production and progeny testing, it is possible that artificial insemination will increase. A great saving in reproductive potential could be realized if ram semen were frozen and stored during an entire year. A successful technique for freezing semen could also be a useful tool in genetic research, enabling the use of the semen of ram lambs after slaughter. Frozen ram spermatozoa, to be useful, must survive prolonged frozen storage and be capable of fertilizing ova.

The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine the glycerol requirement for freezing semen, (2) to determine the sperm survival effect of adding egg yolk to a milk diluter and (3) to investigate the rate of decline in motility of frozen ram spermatozoa stored at –79 ° C. over a 14-month period.

¹ Published with the Approval of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station Under Journal No. 2645.

² Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Wisconsin, Madison 6, Wisconsin.

³ Present address: Director of Short Courses, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

⁴ Department of Animal Husbandry.

⁵ Department of Animal Pathology.