Hemocytometer - Counting of Sperm Cells
	Equipment Needed: 1.   Platelet Unopette, (Becton-Dickinson; B-D: #5855) 2.   Hemocytometer, (Exodus Breeders Supply, Ltd.;  Exodus: #185) Sperm Counting Technique: 1.   Mix raw semen thoroughly. 2.   Fill the Unopette capillary tube in the horizontal position.  It will fill on its own when placed in the semen. 3.   Wipe excess semen off outer sides of capillary tube. 4.   Apply pressure to the Unopette Canister. 5.   Insert capillary tube into the canister. 6.Release pressure on the canister.  The semen will be aspirated from the capillary tube. 7.   Mix diluted semen well. 8.   Put Hemocytometer on flat surface with the cover slip in place. 9.   Fill the Hemocytometer chamber. Place the chamber in a cover petri dish with moistened filter paper for 10 minutes in order for the spermatozoa to settle. 10. The Hemocytometer is divided into nine (9) large squares.  Count all sperm heads in the large center square (1mm X 1mm X 0.1mm). In regard to the heads on the lines of the squares, count only those on the left and top lines of each square.  Do not include those on the right and bottom lines. 11. The number of sperm counted in this large center square multiplied by 106 (1,000,000) is the concentration per ml of raw semen. 12. The concentration of sperm per ml X the total number of ml of raw semen = the total number of sperm in the ejaculate.
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