Spermatozoa were collected from the rete testis and vas deferens of conscious rams. The endogenous O2 uptake of the spermatozoa was unaffected by .alpha.-chlorohydrin added in vitro, although this compound abolished the stimulation of O2 uptake caused by the addition of glycerol. The metabolism of [14C]glycerol by testicular and epididymal spermatozoa was markedly reduced by .alpha.-chlorohydrin, CO2 production and lactate accumulation being almost totally inhibited. These effects were dependent upon a period of preincubation of the spermatozoa with .alpha.-chlorohydrin alone, since the presence of glycerol protected the spermatozoa from its action. Longer exposure and a higher concentration of .alpha.-chlorohydrin were needed with testicular than with epididymal spermatozoa to achieve a maximal effect. The metabolism of [14C]glucose by both sperm types was also inhibited by .alpha.-chlorohydrin. Spermatozoa of the ram are therefore susceptible to the action of .alpha.-chlorohydrin throughout the epididymis, although more mature spermatozoa are more affected. .alpha.-Chlorohydrin is converted to an intermediate which is the agent responsible for the inhibition of glycolysis in spermatozoa.