GM888 said:
RSL What kind of conception rates do you get with sexed semen compared to not. I was looking at it and a friend told me the fertility rate was not as good. I am interested to know.
Slow to reply... Sorry.
This last year was the first year we have used sexed semen as I could not find it available on a bull I actually wanted to use.
We used a 3 shot CIDR timed AI program and based on our preg check I think we hit about 85% single service AI conception. Because we don't wait to turn bulls out, I won't know 100% for sure until we are done DNA testing the calves (which aren't born yet).
It is a good and fast way to:
1) expand our cowherd
2) create a consistent set of replacement heifers
3) eventually breed fewer/better cows to get our replacements
If it works well, and if we can find the right bull, we might look at sexed male semen as an option once our cowherd size stabilizes. I would take the extra pounds and the price differential on the steer calves. The sexed cost me about $10 more than regular, but I bought enough doses that the volume discount offset the cost of sexing.
I think the biggest difference in conception rates between AI programs has pretty little to do with the semen, and more to do with nutrition, technique, health, handling, etc.
