Calculation of g Force for Centrifuging Semen

A centrifuge that can be accurately programmed at a specific g force should be used to centrifuge equine semen. Some centrifuges may only vary the revolutions per minute (rpm) or do not provide any information on the actual rotational speed. Newer centrifuges may provide a button to change from rpm to relative centrifugal force (i.e., gravitational force: g force or X g). The formula to convert from rpm to g force is provided in this chapter; however, there are many on-line web calculators that will help perform this calculation. A nomograph may also be used that uses the rotating radius of the centrifuge and revolutions per minute to calculate g force.