The Frozen Storage of Ram Semen

Abstract

Little research has been conducted with frozen ram semen because of limited artificial insemination in sheep. However, with the possibilities of synchronized estrus and the advent of production and progeny testing, it is possible that artificial insemination will increase. A great saving in reproductive potential could be realized if ram semen were frozen and stored during an entire year. A successful technique for freezing semen could also be a useful tool in genetic research, enabling the use of the semen of ram lambs after slaughter. Frozen ram spermatozoa, to be useful, must survive prolonged frozen storage and be capable of fertilizing ova. The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine the glycerol requirement for freezing semen, (2) to determine the sperm survival effect of adding egg yolk to a milk diluter and (3) to investigate the rate of decline in motility of frozen ram spermatozoa stored at –79 ° C. over a 14-month period.