Effect of Delay in Diluting and Cooling on Keeping Quality of Bull Semen

Abstract

42 ejaculates from 6 different bulls were used in an expt. to determine if the amt. of time required to collect semen and get it to the laboratory before dilution and beginning of cooling would affect the keeping qualitites of the semen. Using motility ratings from microscopic examinations made after 24 and 72 hrs. of storage before and after incubation and methylene-blue reduction tests as criteria of semen quality, it was found that the immediate processing of semen following collection was desirable for the maintenance of desirable characteristics of semen. Delay in either the diluting or the start of the cooling process tended to lower ratings made of the semen.