Semen plasma proteins prevent cold-shock membrane damage to ram spermatozoa

Although the effect of semen plasma on the function of spermatozoa has been widely studied, results are contradictory. We showed that semen plasma pro teins are adsorbed onto the cold-shocked ram sperm surface, and that this a dsorption is able to reverse the membrane alterations induced by cold-shock . In the present study we evaluate whether the addition of semen plasma pro teins before the cold-shock would prevent membrane damage and maintain ram sperm viability.