Motility of Bovine Spermatozoa and Control of Bacteria at 5 and 25° C. in Extenders Containing Sulfanilamide, Penicillin, Streptomycin and Polymyxin

Abstract

The feasibility of storing bovine semen at 25[degree]C for use in artificial insemination to eliminate the expense of refrigeration at 5[degree]C was investigated. Sulfanilamide, penicillin, streptomycin, polymyxin and a combination of these were added to 3.6% citrate-yolk extender. Citrate-yolk extender containing no sulfanilamide or antibiotics served as control. 18 semen samples were stored in each of the 6 extenders at 5[degree]C and at 25[degree]C. Each single antibacterial agent partially inhibited bacterial growth at 5[degree] and 25[degree]C, and the combination completely inhibited it at both temps, in nearly all samples. The % of motile spermatozoa usually was much lower when stored at 25[degree]C than at 5[degree]C except in the combination extender. This result suggests that it should be possible to develop an extender which will not require refrigeration.