Dairy farmers are increasingly using sexed semen
There is a clear trend in the Dutch dairy farming: more and more dairy farmers are choosing to use sexed semen for the insemination of their cows. This technique in which the sperm is separated into male and female, offers a 90 % chance of producing offspring of the desired gender. In dairy farming the choice always lays with selecting female calves, as they become the future dairy cows.
Trend in Dairy Farming
An increasing number of dairy farmers in both the Netherlands and Belgium are opting for sexed semen. Recent figures show that the use of sexed straws among dairy farmers in these countries is on the rise. This trend is driven by the need for more efficient farm management and higher profits. Source: Nieuweoogst
Sexed Semen: Efficient and Reliable for Dairy Farmers
Sexed semen allows dairy farmers to control the sex of their calves, enabling more targeted breeding. By inseminating your best cows with sexed female semen, you can retain specific animals for the further development of your herd. At the same time, this creates opportunities to inseminate other cows with, for example, Belgian Blue, resulting in higher calf prices. This innovative technology enables better alignment with breeding goals, leading to a more efficient herd replacement strategy.
Technological Advancements
Due to advancements in sperm separating technology, the fertilization success rate of sexed semen has significantly improved in recent years. Thanks to modern techniques, dead sperm cells are now effectively removed, greatly enhancing the quality of sexed semen. As a result, dairy farmers can achieve their desired outcomes more easily, making sexed semen a reliable and attractive choice for dairy farmers. Source: Melkveebedrijf.nl
Proper Technique and Equipment
When using sexed semen, it is crucial to apply the correct techniques and tools. Unlike conventional semen, which is thawed at 30-35°C, sexed semen must be thawed at 36-37°C. Maintaining this temperature precisely until the moment of insemination is essential to preserve sperm quality and maximize fertilization success. Additionally, research shows that the highest fertilization rates occur when insemination takes place 12 to 24 hours after the onset of estrus, as sexed semen has a shorter lifespan than conventional semen. Source: PMC8405645 – PubMed Central
Why Choose Sexed Straws?
- More Femele Offspring: The probability of heifer calves is significantly increased, which is crucial for selective breeding with the best cows.
- Higher Milk Production: Female offspring contribute more quickly to increased milk production, improving farm efficiency.
- Easier Calving: Since sexed semen is primarily used for breeding heifers, the likelihood of difficult and complicated births decreases. This benefits the health of both the cow and the calf and reduces the risk of complications.
- Reliable Results: Thanks to technological improvements, fertilization rates with sexed semen are now equal to or even better than those of conventional semen.
- Additional Revenue: Heifers can serve as an extra source of income, further strengthening farm profitability.
