Objective:
ARS¿ National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) and the Cooperator (Langston University, Department of Animal Science, LU) desire to enter into this Cooperative Agreement for the purpose of developing the NAGP Caprine germplasm collection by performing research to improve post-thaw semen viability. Such an effort is consistent with the goals of the NAGP and the LU. Taking such steps is critical in developing a collection of caprine germplasm.

Approach:
Developing a national collection of caprine germplasm will require the collection of semen samples from numerous bucks owned by individuals throughout the United States and shipping the material to the National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) laboratory in Fort Collins, CO for cryopreservation, evaluation, and storage. Suitable methodologies need to be developed to enhance the ability of the NAGP to accomplish these tasks. Therefore, semen samples from Langston University (LU) bucks will be used to determine which cryopreservation methods and extenders will result in the best post-thaw sperm quality for use under the NAGP collection and shipping conditions.