The Effect of Semen Dilution with a Yolk-Containing Extender on the Oxygen Uptake and Motility of Bull Spermatozoa

Abstract

Dilution of semen with egg-yolk-saline-phosphate extender stimulated O2 uptake by bovine spermatozoa at 37[degree]C over that observed in undiluted semen; the stimulation was more sustained with the addition of catalase. Motility of the spermatozoa was depressed by the dilution and it was not improved significantly by the addition of catalase. Under these conditions O2 uptake and motility were essentially independent.