The Effect of Penicillin upon the Livability, Glycolysis, and Bacterial Content of Bovine Semen

One of the most important problems in the artificial breeding of dairy cattle at the present time is the control of the bacterial flora of diluted bull semen. While present-day techniques in the collection of bull semen under routine artificial breeding conditions tend to reduce bacterial contamination, it is still impossible to obtain semen which is absolutely free of bacteria. Unless adequate precautions are taken in the preparation and handling of the diluted semen, further contamination may occur. In addition, both undiluted and diluted semen serve as excellent media for bacterial growth.