A comparative utilization of exogenous and endogenous substrates by the spermatozoa of buffaloes from testis and excurrent duct after incubation at 37° C for two hours*

Abstract

The endogenous respiration of the washed buffalo testicular epididymal and vas spermatozoa was studied by estimating their lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol contents. The utilization of exogenous substrates was recorded to be about 50% by the testicular spermatozoa which increased through vas-deferens up to 100%. The endogeouns substrates could be utilized for energy production in the absence of exogenous substrates, The testicular spermatozoan posses the capability of metabolizing the substrates even at the time of spermatogenesis, which went on increasing with the maturation of the spermatozoa from testis through epididymis and vas-deferens.