The prevention of temperature shock of bull and ram semen

Abstract

The decreased vitality of ram and bull spermatozoa caused by sudden cooling (cold shock) may be largely prevented by the presence of egg yolk in the dlluent. The activity of egg yolk in preventing cold shock lies in the alcohol-soluble, acetone-insoluble fraction. The phospholipid lecithin may be isolated from this and will prevent cold shock in concentrations as low as 0.12 per cent. The protective action of lecithin for ram spermatozoa is greater at pH 6.5 than at a neutral or alkaline pH. © 1954 ASEG.