Extension of Motile Life Span of Spermatozoa of the Domestic Fowl by Amino Acids and Proteins

Abstract

Glycine, when added to saline diluents at concentrations between 0.003 and 0.133 molar, extends the life span of spermatozoa of the domestic fowl as measured by persistence of motility at 22°C. Glycine was relatively more effective on dilute than on concentrated semen suspensions. Certain egg-white proteins had a similar effect on the life span of sperm. Conalbumin and a derived protein, hydroxylamidoovomucoid, were more effective than other proteins from egg white. Purification of the saline diluent alone served to prolong the life span of spermatozoa and correspondingly reduce the effects of glycine and proteins.