Effect of carbon dioxide on fertility of cock semen incubated in vitro at 41 C

Abstract

The effect of various atmospheric CO2 concentrations on fertility of cock semen incubated in minimum essential medium (MEM) for 6 hr in vitro at 41 C was evaluated. Fertility following intravaginal insemination was 54, 87, and 78% for semen incubated in .03, 10, and 15% by volume CO2, respectively. No differences in hatchability of fertile eggs were observed between the semen treatments. Oxygen consumption values monitored at the beginning and end of the holding period were similar for semen incubated in 10% atmospheric CO2 but decreased for semen incubated in .03 and 15% CO2.