The Effect of the Liquid Nitrogen Level on the Temperature in a Semen Storage Tank

Abstract

The temperature in a liquid nitrogen storage tank is critical to maintain the viability of bovine semen stored within the tank. The objective was to determine the relationship of the temperature gradient in the neck of a tank to the level of liquid nitrogen in the tank. Using an electronic thermometer, temperature was measured at three locations: a) 2 cm below the top of the neck, b) 7 cm below the top of the neck (and below the frost line), and c) 2 cm above the level of liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen volume in the tank was incrementally decreased from 18 L to 6 L.