Transitory acidification of semen as a potential method for the inactivation of some pathogenic microorganisms. Effect on fertilization and development of ova in superovulated heifers.
The fertilizing capacity of transitorily acidified semen was investigated with respect to using acidification as a method for destroying or inactivating acid labile pathogenic microorganisms in semen prior to freezing. Ejaculates diluted 1:1 with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were acidified to pH 5.0 for 2 or 5 minutes before being returned to their original pH. They were then frozen by commercial methods and used to artificially inseminate superovulated heifers. A total 739 ova and embryos was collected from 119 inseminated donors. The fertilization rate was 88%, and 78% of the embryos were of transferable quality. Semen acidification had no apparent effect on the post-thaw percentage of intact acrosomes.
Bielanski
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Agriculture Canada, Animal Diseases Research Institute, NEPEAN, P.O.Box 11300, Station H, Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2H 8P9.
Eastman
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Hare
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