research studies » completed studies
Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.
Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.
Category
D05ZO-624: Influence of Extender and Packaging on Post-Thaw Survival of Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa
principal investigator: Larry JB Minter, student, North Carolina State University
Project Mentor: Carlos R.F. Pinto, MedVet, PhD
completed
Year: 1 of 1. $0
Cryopreservation or freezing of germplasm (genetic material such as eggs or sperm) will play a critical role in sustaining the future of threatened animal populations. This project tested the post-thaw effect of two cryprotective extenders (materials that can affect the survival of the frozen material) Test Yolk Bufer and Lactose-EDTA (LE), and two packaging techniques, straws and vials. The findings suggest that using LE as an extender and a cryo-vial packaging technique resulted in the best and most useful sperm.
Larry says, "My involvement in this project further solidified my interest in pursuing a career where I will be able to utilize assisted reproductive technieqes to support the conservation of endangered species, particularly regarding small populations management within zoological institutions."
