VGO 511: Veterinary Andrology and Reproductive Techniques (1+1)

CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXTENDER (CUE)

Foote et al. (1958) at Cornell University developed the following dilutor for the preservation of semen at room temperature (20-24^oC).

S.No.	Components	Quantity
1	Sodium bicarbonate	0.210 per cent
2	Sodium citrate	1.450 per cent
3	Potassium chloride	0.040 per cent
4	Glucose	0.300 per cent
5	Glycine	0.909 per cent

• To this citric acid 0.12% and 2 mg of catalase per 100 ml of dilutor was added. Antibiotics are also added to control the bacteria.
• Reaction of citric acid and bicarbonate releases CO₂ which helps in prolonging sperm life.
• Small quantity of CO₂ is also produced by spermatozoa from the breakdown of glycine via glyoxylate mechanism, and glyoxylate itself is an effective inhibitor of respiration.
• Thus, in medium to which glycine and citric acid are added in addition to bicarbonate, there is no need to infuse extra CO₂.
• The gas generated in the medium is sufficient to curtail respiration of spermatozoa and immobilize them temporarily.
• Addition of catalase at room temperature preservation was necessary to act on hydrogen peroxide produced by spermatozoa from amino acids.
• Semen can be preserved for 3-6 days with 70-80% fertility on non return basis.

CU extender can be used to preserve semen for 3-6 days at room temperature.

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