Storing sperm for up to 6 weeks

Materials needed

• 49.5mL of Ginsburg's ringer solution (a buffer solution)
• 0.25mL of Gibco antibiotic/antimycotic,
• 0.25mL of Gentamycin sulfate hydrate,
• 1 falcon tube.

Preparation of the storage solution

1. measure out 49.5mL of Ginsburg's ringer solution and pour into a falcon tube.
2. pipette 0.25mL of both the Gibco and Gentamycin solutions into the Ginsburg's solution in the falcon tube.
3. close cap and shake well in order to thoroughly mix solution

Sperm storage

1. after removing the testes from the male stickleback place each testis (or portion of testis) in it's own Eppendorf tube.
2. pipette in enough Ginsburg's solution to fill half the tube.
3. make sure that each testis (or portion of testis) is completely submerged in the solution (it should sink to the bottom).
4. store in fridge
5. replace with fresh Ginsburg's solution every 7-10 days for storage up to 6 weeks.