Sexed semen technology
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2023-07-06 17:34 Updated: 2024-05-30 15:28
Compilers: ONGPO LEPCHA
Reviewers: William Critchley, Rima Mekdaschi Studer, Joana Eichenberger
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Bhutan
- Region/ State/ Province: Trongsa
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Tshangkha, Tangsibji
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Sexed semen technology produces gender-selected semen for artificially insemination of dairy cows. It ensures a higher proportion of female calves (more than 90%) which will ultimately contribute to the enhancement of milk production in the herd.
Detailed description of the Technology
The Artificial Insemination (AI) program, initiated in 1987, has helped AI evolve into a widespread practice for dairy farms across Bhutan, with increasing accessibility due to improved road and transportation networks. The surge in demand for dairy products has positioned AI technology as key in transforming dairy farms from subsistence to market-oriented production systems.
A recent addition to the programme is the use of sexed semen, meaning sorting of semen before artificial insemination. Semen sorting involves categorizing bull semen based on the X and Y chromosomes, thus granting dairy land users control over calf gender. This empowers them to engage in selective breeding, enhancing desired traits and overall quality of dairy production.
Several key activities are integral to this technology:
•Rigorous selection of bulls with desirable traits related to milk production and overall health.
•Collection and preservation of semen from selected bulls.
•Semen sorting technology to separate X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm.
•Artificial insemination of dairy cows by extension agents who use sorted semen.
The benefits are multiple because achieving a higher proportion of heifer calves helps dairy land users to enhance breeding strategies and maintain desired traits within the herd. Economic benefits follow through increased dairy production and improved cattle health.
Land users express satisfaction with the technology and its impact. However, some households report problems with conception rates after AI with sexed semen. Despite these drawbacks, the overall benefits to dairy land users and the industry outweigh the limitations.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Tshangkha, Tangsibji, Trongsa, Bhutan.
- 🗓 2023-07-07
- 📷 Damcho Zam
- 📍 Tshangkha, Tangsibji, Trongsa, Bhutan.
- 🗓 2023-08-07
- 📷 Damcho Zam