Effect of Some Hydrogen Ion Buffers on Storage and Freezing of Turkey Spermatozoa

The effect of 7 hydrogen ion buffers, titrated with 4 bases, i.e., NaOH (Na), 3 NaOH:1 KOH (NaK1), 1 NaOH:1 KOH (NaK2), and Tris (T) plus three conventional buffers, i.e., Tris HCl, phosphate and citrate on turkey spermatozoa were studied. Parameters for assessing damage or lack of damage were motility and GOT (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase) release into the extracellular medium. Motility and GOT were determined immediately (initial) after collection, after slow freeze at 9°C. per minute, after 3 hours storage at 23°C., after 24 hours storage at 5°C. In addition GOT was determined after plunging directly into liquid nitrogen (–196°C.). All hydrogen ion buffers were superior to the conventional buffers (Tris HCl, phosphate, and citrate) for maintaining motility. The lower ionic strength buffers, namely Tricine, Hepes and Tes, were superior for freezing, whereas Tricine and Hepes were not good for storage at 23°C. and 5°C. Tes NaK2 appears to be superior or equal to all other buffers in maintaining motility in all treatments. Tris is unsuitable for use as a titration base for hydrogen ion buffers.