It’s no secret, cattle numbers are down, and the pressure is on.
Fortunately, there are tools available right now that can put your herd back on the growth path. One of the most powerful is sexed semen
Why Consider Sexed Semen?
Many progressive herds use artificial insemination (A.I.) to accelerate genetic improvement. But few have taken the next step: using sexed (gender-sorted) semen to strategically influence the makeup of their calf crop. With today’s shrinking cow population and demand for quality replacements, this tool deserves a place in your breeding plan. Whether you’re aiming to build your herd with high-quality replacement females or increase the number of terminal steer calves, sexed semen gives you more control.
- Female-sorted semen allows you to concentrate replacement efforts on your best genetics, applying more selection pressure on the dam side. This results in a higher percentage of top-end heifers entering the herd which is ideal for growth or expansion.
- Male-sorted semen is a smart strategy to capitalize on terminal premiums by producing more high-value steer calves.
- Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s sorted semen is highly accurate, producing 90% of the desired gender with excellent fertility, purity and conception rates compared to earlier generations.
BEST PRACTICES FOR SUCCESS WITH SEXED SEMEN
Once you have decided to use sexed semen, your success comes down to smart management. Keep these tips in mind:
- Only consider sexed semen if your A.I. conception rates with conventional semen are 60% or higher.
- Use only on healthy, cycling females in good body condition.
- Mature, cycling beef cows are excellent candidates.
- Only inseminate animals observed in heat.
- Ensure insemination is performed by experienced, proven A.I. technicians.
- Handle semen with care as thawing and handling procedures are critical.
- Stay up to date with the latest research and recommendations from your A.I. provider.
Partnering for Reproductive Results
Work closely with your genetics provider and herd veterinarian to develop and execute a targeted reproductive plan. The Beef Reproduction Task Force’s recommended protocols for the effective use of sexed semen can be found by clicking here.
With the right strategy and support team in place, sexed semen can be a powerful lever to grow your herd, strengthen your genetics and make your operation more resilient, now and into the future.
Talk to your GENEX representative for more information or to place an order for GenChoice™ sexed semen.