In order to simply and safely transport a sample of semen, the semen is
mixed and diluted with a dual sugar (sucrose and glucose) extender in a
ratio of up to 10:1 (v/v) by inducting the semen into a semen storage
device, e.g., a large volume syringe, having extender therein and
optionally disposed within a form-fitting, radiation blocking, sleeve. The
semen storage device is placed on a support member located on the floor of
a rigid foamed plastic container. A refrigerant containing a solid foam
coolant is placed in the container at a level that is higher than the
semen sample, and the container is closed using a lid having a central
boss that fits snugly into the mouth of the container. The lid has a
continuous ridge that fits into a recess formed in the upper edge of the
container. The closed container is then placed in a light weight
double-walled cardboard box that exhibits considerable structural
strength, increases the insulation, absorbs ambient moisture and protects
the rigid foamed plastic container during transit. In the case a
thermoregulating plate is disposed between the refrigerant and the semen
sample, a cooling rate achieved by the present invention is no more than
about 0.20.degree. C./min, preferably about 0.10.degree. C./min, and most
preferably about 0.01.degree. C./min, over a temperature range of about
38.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C., preferably from about 15.degree. C.
to about 5.degree. C. The optimum transport temperature of the semen
sample during transport is preferably about 5.degree. C. to about
10.degree. C., most preferably about 7.5.degree. C. to about 8.5.degree.
C. As an alternative to the thermoregulating plate, it is possible to
interpose a bag or container of thermal ballast, e.g., water or a gel-like
fluid, between the semen sample and the refrigerant or dilute the sample
with sufficient extender that the spermatozoa are covered with a layer of
liquid that is sufficiently thick as to protect them from thermal shock.