Electrolyte Composition and Freezing Point Depression of Turkey Seminal Fluid

ARTIFICIAL insemination of turkeys has become an accepted practice. However, there are still many problems which must be answered before this practice can be as successful as that attained by the dairy industry. No reports have been found concerning the electrolyte composition and osmotic tension of turkey seminal fluid. Since such information is fundamental for the formulation of a satisfactory diluent, the study reported is an attempt to supply this information. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten males of each of three varieties of turkey (Bronze, Large Whites, and Small Whites) were selected for source of semen. All males were ejaculated at one month intervals from January through April. Immediately after collection of a pooled sample the sperm were centrifuged down and the seminal fluid decanted. Dilutions for sodium and potassium analysis were made immediately. The remaining seminal fluid was frozen and held until freezing point determinations could be made. Each pooled …