The protection of ram and bull spermatozoa by the low density lipoprotein fraction of egg yolk during storage at 5°C and deep-freezing

Abstract

1. 1.|LDF protected ram and bull spermatozoa in the same manner as egg yolk during chilling and storage at 5°C and during freezing and thawing. 2. 2.|Fresh LDF diluted to the same volume as the yolk from which it was derived had approximately 50% of the potency of whole egg yolk in the storage experiments. 3. 3.|Freeze-dried LDF was less potent than fresh LDF. 4. 4.|After freezing, thawing and incubation for 4 hr at 37°C bull spermatozoa with LDF had a higher viability and less acrosome damage than those with egg yolk. 5. 5.|Ram spermatozoa showed greater acrosome damage after freezing and thawing with LDF compared with those with egg yolk. © 1976.