Factors Influencing Metabolic Activity of Bull Spermatozoa. I. 37, 21, and 5° C

Abstract

The fructose utilization, lactic acid accumulation, and oxygen consumption of unwashed bull spermatozoa diluted with 0.9% NaCl or phosphate diluents were determined at 37, 21, and 5° C. The rate of aerobic fructolysis decreased more in the temperature range of 37 to 21° C. than it did from 21 to 5° C.; whereas, oxygen consumption appeared to fall more rapidly in the lower temperature range. The marked differences shown by the 0.9% NaCl and the phosphate-containing diluent at 37° C. were not observed at either 21 or 5° C. Temperature coefficients (Q10) for spermatozoan aerobic metabolic activity are presented. © 1957, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.