Sexed Semen: A Boon for Indian Dairy Farming

Abstract

The sexed semen technology is a breakthrough technology for sorting of X and Y bearing chromosome to produce progeny of a desired sex with 80–90% accuracy. Among several methods of sorting X and Y bearing semen, flow cytometry is the best method, as it doesn’t changes more sperm morphology. The sexed semen technology has several advantages like production of more female calves and more milk, lowered risk of dystocia, increased efficiency of progeny testing (PT), embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization program. However, involvement of high cost and reduced conception rate with sexed semen are the major hurdles in adoption of this technology. In India, first male calf named Shreyas was born on 1st January, 2011 using sexed semen. After that predetermined sex of female as well as male calves were born. Sexed semen with proper management practices on dairy farms will help to grow herd internally with improved traits of female calves. Thus, with more organized dairy farming, the demand for sexed semen is expected to rise in near future.

Keywords: Sexed semen, flow cytometry, X and Y chromosome, sperm sexing, dairy

Cite this Article

Talokar Amol J, Rajalaxmi Behera, Laishram Arjun Singh et al. Sexed Semen: A Boon for Indian Dairy Farming. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2017; 6(1): 10–16p.