The Response of Ram Spermatozoa to Preparations of Egg Yolk in Semen Diluents During Storage At 5 or ?196°C

Abstract

Egg yolk dispersed at levels between 0�1 and 3� 75% (v/v) in a diluent used for the preservation of ram spermatozoa at 5�C was shown to affect the structure and survival of spermatozoa.

The Influence of some Fractions of Egg Yolk on the Survival of Ram Spermatozoa at 5oC

“…Centrifugation of the egg yolk diluent precipitated an inactive fraction comprising approximately 25 % of the total yolk solids (Watson and Martin 1973). This estimate is similar to the value of 23 % for the egg yolk granules, which contain 70 % lipovitellins, 16 % phosvitin, and 12 % low-density lipoprotein (Burley and Cook 1961).…”

“…In fact, dialysis reduced activity in both the non-dialysable and the dialysable fractions (expt 1). This experiment, together with those employing ultrafiltration, indicated that substances of high molecular weight in egg yolk are protective and, taken in conjunction with data previously reported (Watson and Martin 1973), constitute strong evidence that the proteins of egg yolk are involved.…”

“…(2) All samples were resuspended in diluent free of egg yolk after storage at 5°C and incubated at 37°C whilst scores of survival were made (Watson and Martin 1973). Thus pH was in the range 6·8-7·0 when the samples were being examined;…”

“…The method of collection of semen, the composition of diluents and preparative procedures used in these experiments have been reported (Watson and Martin 1973). Semen was diluted 20-fold in all experiments.…”

“…In an earlier paper (Watson and Martin 1973), evidence was presented which suggested that proteins in egg yolk protect ram spermatozoa against the detrimental effects of prolonged storage at soc. This paper presents further data on the molecular size of the active substances and their chromatographic behaviour.…”