Ampoule method

AMPOULE METHOD

Method of freezing

  • This method was developed in USA by Macpherson (1954), Vandemark and Kinney (1954).
  • Immediately after equilibration the semen of o.5-1.0 ml is placed in previously marked glass ampoules
  • These ampoules were sealed over flame leaving 0.5 ml air space
  • The ampoules are placed in ethyl alcohol or acetone bath at 5⁰C
  • Small quantity of solid carbondioxide the temperature was brought from 5⁰C to -15⁰C (at the rate of 1-2⁰C/min).
  • Now more solid carbondioxide is added to bring the temperature to -79⁰C (at the rate of 4-5⁰C/min).
  • Six to eight ampoules are arranged in clips or metal cane and each cane is marked with identification of individual bull.
  • Then the ampoules are stored in solid carbondioxide at -79⁰C or in liquid nitrogen at-196⁰C.

Semen is placed in glass ampoules, sealed, frozen and preserved in liquid Nitrogen.

  • For insemination, the ampoule is thawed in warm water, ampoule is cut, semen is drawn into glass catheter and is used as liquid semen.

Merits

  • Since the semen is sealed inside ampoule, contamination during storage is avoided.
  • Identification of sample is possible as the bull number etc. can be marked on the ampoule.

Demerits

  • As the semen is frozen in a large volume, the freezability and fertility are less.
  • It occupies more space in frozen semen containers.
  • While thawing and insemination, about 8 – 10 per cent semen is lost.
  • Use of glass catheters for A.I. has several drawbacks.

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Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 10:24 AM