Sperm Sexing and its Utility in Commercial Cattle Production: A Review

Selection of offspring of a desired sex is one of the determining factors to increase the genetic progress and farmer´s profitability in either beef or dairy cattle. In fact, the sex-sorted semen technique has been applied worldwide combined with artificial insemination (AI) upon estrus detection. Sex-sorted semen is not genetically engineered or modified. It is a natural product based on the principle of difference in DNA content between X and Y spermatozoa where X spermatozoa contains more DNA. Sperm sexing through use of flowcytometry ensures promising results in the production of calves of desired sex, replacement and extension of herd quickly, selective culling, reducing dystokia by preventing production of male calves, production of superior bulls, lowering the cost of progeny testing programs and embryo transfer and enhances the value of genetic markers. Despite significant advances in sex-sorting semen using flow cytometry, lower fertility, conception rate and embryo transfer rate occurs when compared to the rates obtained with non sex-sorted semen. The aim of this review is to elucidate an understanding regarding the utility of sex-sorted semen.