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

EQUILIBRATION OF SEMEN

Equilibration or pre-freeze storage of semen. It is done at cold handling cabinet at 5^oC.

• This is the pre-freeze storage period of spermatozoa in the diluent at +5°C.
• This equilibration period is given for the glycerol to bring about its beneficial action on the spermatozoa.
• The equilibration is done in cold handling cabinet (CHC) box.
• The straws are placed over freezing racks and kept inside the CHC box.
• Normally equilibration period of 4 hours for cattle bull semen and 3 hours for buffalo bull semen is sufficient.

Equilibration period - Cattle semen- 4 hours; buffalo semen - 3 hours.

• At the end of equilibration period the pre-freeze motility is recorded.
• Samples showing more than 60-70 per cent motility are taken, for ‘Test freezing’.

Test freezing is done at the end of equilibration period. Samples with 60-70% motility in test freezing will be taken for final freezing in bio-freezer.

• Test freezing is done for 2-3 straws for each sample, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour and plunged in liquid nitrogen.
• After few minutes the revival rate is determined and satisfactory samples are taken up for filling and further processing.

(Click here for video demonstration)

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