The Effects of Egg Yolk on the Various Physical and Chemical Factors Detrimental to Spermatozoan Viability

Abstract

Stallion spermatozoa have little or no inherent resistance to adverse conditions, whereas they are capable of acquiring resistance to these same adverse conditions in the presence of the spermatozoan resistance factor or factors in egg yolk. Since stallion spermatozoa are extremely susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental changes and yet are capable of acquiring resistance to these environmental changes in the presence of the spermatozoan resistance factor, it is evident that these cells are well suited for the detection of the spermatozoan resistance factor and for studies on factors influencing spermatozoan survival. These studies with stallion spermatozoa show that the spermatozoan resistance factor, present in egg yolk (possibly in union with other physical or chemical properties of egg yolk) not only protects spermatozoa from drastic temperature changes; but, in addition, protects them from many types of adverse environmental conditions such as changes in pH and osmotic pressure, and the presence or accumulation of harmful substances.