Conception rate differences in sexed vs. non-sexed semen

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if sexed semen has similar conception rates as non-sexed semen. Eighty-four Angus females from the Angelo State University’s Management, Instruction and Research Center were synchronized at the beginning of this study; however, only 54 showed signs of estrus and were artificially inseminated (10 Heifers and 44 multiparous cows). The 54 females were split randomly into three different treatment groups. Heifers and cows in treatment one were inseminated with Y-bearing sexed semen. Females in treatment two were inseminated with X-bearing sexed semen; while the last treatment was our control which received non-sexed semen. Results in heifers and cows were similar, and no differences were noted among the three treatment groups (P>0.5). Differences might be noted with a larger number of females. Date of parturition was estimated using ultrasound, and is a viable management tool because it is possible to predict, on average, within 9 days of parturition with a 36 day maximum and an exact prediction for the minimum.