Control of microflora in stallion semen with a semen extender.

This research article sought to determine whether a semen extender could control the microflora in stallion semen. The experiment involved collecting semen samples from stallions, measuring their bacterial content, then diluting them with sterile saline or a cream-gelatin extender, and measuring the bacterial content again after a period.

Experiment Design and Methodology

• The researchers conducted the experiment using ten ejaculates from each of ten normal stallions. They ensured sterile conditions by using sterile equipment for collection.
• For each ejaculate, the researchers performed a quantitative and qualitative bacterial count within 15 minutes after collection.
• The average bacterial population was then estimated from these counts and found to be approximately 573,000 organisms per milliliter (ml).

Semen Dilution and Microflora Assessment

• After ascertaining the bacterial content in undiluted semen, the semen was then diluted with sterile physiological saline or a cream-gelatin extender in a two-to-one ratio (semen to diluent).
• The bacterial content of the diluted semen was measured within 15 minutes of dilution, and also two hours later at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius).

Findings and Conclusions

• The number of bacteria in the saline-diluted semen increased slightly after two hours. This indicates that the saline solution was not effective at reducing or controlling bacterial growth.
• Contrastingly, a significant reduction in bacterial content was observed with the semen extended with cream-gelatin. The bacteria reduced by 93% within 15 minutes, and there was a 99% reduction after two hours at room temperature.
• The findings suggest that the cream-gelatin extender is effective in controlling and reducing the microflora in stallion semen, making it potentially useful in semen preservation and artificial insemination procedures.