What is sexed semen?

Semen having sperms to produce more progenies of a desired sex (with about 80-90% accuracy) is known as sexed semen. Sex sorting technology was developed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) researchers in Livermore, California, and Beltsville, Maryland. The technology was patented as “Beltsville Sperm sexing technology”. The commercialization of sexed semen started in United States in 2001 with a license granted to Sexing Technologies (ST), Texas. At present, ST commercially produces sex sorted semen in many countries of Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan etc.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe to use sexed semen for artificial insemination. However, as sperm concentration in sexed semen straw is far less than the conventional semen straw and the sorting procedure itself damages the sexed sperm, it is reported that the conception rate is 10 to 20 % less with sexed semen as compared to conventional semen. This factor will be more critical under Indian conditions wherein the artificial insemination coverage and the conception rate with artificial insemination are low.

What are the advantages of using sex sorted semen?

·         Producing only female calves helps the farmers to save resources that would have been shared with unwanted males.

·         Production of more female calves: increase supply of replacement heifers

·         Opportunity to sell surplus heifers to other farmers/farms

·         Speed up genetic improvement:

o   By increasing efficiency of progeny testing (PT) programme

o   By increasing efficiency of embryo transfer and IVF programme

·         An economic way to increase herd strength with no risk of introducing diseases by purchasing heifers from outside (improves bio-security).

·         As dead, dying or damaged sperm cells are removed during the sorting process, only viable sperm are available which helps the sexed semen to be successful even at a low concentration (than conventional semen).

·         By producing more female calves using sexed semen, there will be less difficult births compared to male calves (dystocia). This is particularly useful for maiden heifers.

Is it available India? 

Currently no agency is producing sexed semen in India so it has to be imported. Many states/ agencies are using imported sexed semen.

Where can I buy and what is the price?

Sexed semen is not available with all AI Technicians. Approvals from Central Government (DADF) and State Governments (State AH department) would be required to obtain import permit from Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Keeping complete records of its use and progeny born out of imported semen is mandatory for all users. The sexed semen is commercially available mainly from Sexing Technology, USA. However many other breeding companies in USA, Canada and Europe are producing sexed semen commercially using licence from Sexing Technology, USA. 

Price of the sexed semen varies between Rs 1500-4500/- depending upon the breed and pedigree of the bull used for producing the sexed semen and the quantum of purchase.

Is it only for HF or Jersey cows?

Yes, presently it is commercially available only for HF and Jersey breeds. Sexed semen is not available for any other Indian breed of cattle and buffaloes.

Is sexed semen used only for heifer?

Considering the high fertility rate of the heifers, it is recommended that sexed semen should be used only in heifers (especially virgin heifers) for better conception rate. However, it can also be used in cows up to third lactation with excellent reproduction record.