The Autobiography of Methuselah

Preservation of Bull Semen at Sub-Zero Temperatures by N. L. VanDemark W. J. Miller W. C. Kinney Jr. Carlos Rodriguez and M. E. Friedman published by the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station focuses on the research conducted on the freezing of bull semen. The book details the early work on freezing semen the selection of semen for freezing extenders used for freezing bull semen dilution rates glycerol additions freezing rate storage temperature thawing procedures and the effects of freezing procedures on sperm metabolic activity. The authors acknowledge financial assistance from breeding associations for their investigations. The research conducted between 1952 and 1957 at the University of Illinois aimed to perfect the freezing technique for preserving bull semen. The book provides practical freezing procedures based on experiments and findings from other institutions. It discusses the prediction of freezability of semen the effects of dilution rates on sperm survival the importance of glycerol levels and the impact of storage temperature on sperm motility. The book also explores the use of egg yolk-sodium citrate and whole or skim milk extenders for freezing semen. Experiments in the book reveal that a glycerol level of 7 percent in the final mixture is optimal for freezing semen. The book also discusses the effects of freezing rate on sperm survival the comparison of cooling rates in plastic and glass containers and the importance of equilibration time with glycerol. Additionally the book explores the use of sugars like glucose and rhamnose to protect sperm during equilibration and freezing. Overall the book provides comprehensive insights into the preservation of bull semen at sub-zero temperatures offering practical guidelines for the freezing process. The book discusses the effects of storage temperatures on frozen bull sperm particularly focusing on temperatures ranging from -23° to -79° C. The study involved freezing ejaculates and storing them at different temperatures with results showing that lower temperatures preserved motility better. The book also explores the impact of glycerol levels on sperm survival at deep-freeze temperatures with higher glycerol concentrations proving more effective. Thawing methods were also examined with lower temperatures resulting in higher sperm survival rates. The freezing procedures'' effects on metabolic activity were investigated revealing that glycerol additions increased oxygen consumption but reduced motility. The practical freezing procedure was detailed emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and careful handling to achieve satisfactory results. The book provides a comprehensive guide on freezing bull semen highlighting the importance of proper collection dilution glycerolization equilibration freezing and thawing techniques. Additionally temperature conversions from Celsius to Fahrenheit are provided for reference.