BEEF SEXATION - Genus UK website

BEEF SEXATION
An on-farm guide to
sexed beef semen
Helping to create your
ideal suckler cow

SEXED BEEF SEMEN
WHAT DOES IT OFFER
INVESTIGATING CALVING
AT TWO YEARS OF AGE
Within recent years, there has been increasing
interest by suckler farmers to breed their
own herd replacements.
This is mainly due to the poor and variable
quality of stock available to purchase and the
bio-security risk associated with purchasing
animals of unknown disease status.
A POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
Replacement heifers are the life blood of every
beef suckler herd, as these animals provide
the opportunity to drive productivity through
genetic improvement, long term. These animals
deserve considerable attention to ensure they
reach their full potential performance and this
can be achieved through the use of quality
genetics via sexed beef semen.
THE BENEFITS OF USING GENUS ABS AI
AND SEXED BEEF SEMEN
• Opportunity to create 90% females from AI
(90% female sperm in each straw).
• Calving ease of heifer calves born from
Genus ABS selected sires with short
gestation length and appropriate calving
ease, both directly and in their daughters.
• Greater opportunity to calve at 24 months,
due to potential calving ease of a heifer
calf.
• Efficiently increases herd size.
• More animals for pregnancy to a terminal
sire.
•
Efficiency must be considered when assessing
suckler cow and heifer performance. Many
farms are now considering the option of
breeding their own replacements.
With the desire to rear and breed your own
heifers, it has to be remembered that the heifers
must calf down at either two or three years of
age if a consistent, single calving period is to be
maintained. Genus ABS sexed beef semen is the
perfect option to help with this process.
CALVING AT TWO YEARS, THE ADVANTAGES
• Improved efficiency of production.
• Reduced investment in resources due
to fewer animals. Land and feed etc,
approximately 15%.
• Faster return on investment, increased
carcass output per ha.
• Genetic progress is more rapid.
• Reduction in green house gas emissions
(10-15%).
KEY PRINCIPLES TO CALVING A TWO YEAR OLD HEIFER...
1 Select heifer calves for Calculate mature cow
breeding from the most weight on farm and
fertile cows in the herd. manage the heifers to
achieve at least 65% of
this mature weight at
the start of the breeding
season.
2 3 Heifers are more likely to be cycling regularly
4
if they have reached 65% of their mature
weight (mature cows weight 650kg, bulling
weight at 14/15 months of 420kg, 90% of
mature weight at calving of 585kg) and are
more likely to give better results with sex
sorted semen and calve sooner in the season.
Select top AI sires from Genus ABS with careful
attention being placed on calving ease, low
birth weight and short gestation length.
Consider using Genus ABS sexed beef semen.
• Breed own heifers and create a closed
herd.
• Reduce disease risk from purchased
females.
• Increases control over replacement costs.
5
Heifers can be synchronised
using many different
programmes, so that
labour requirements
for heat detection and
supervision of calving, is
minimised. Consult with
your veterinary surgeon.
6 Aim to calve down heifers
at least two weeks before
the main herd, to allow
extra attention to be
devoted to them.
7
Consult your vet for suitable synchronisation
programmes, especially if considering
using Genus ABS sexed beef semen (not a
recommended practice with sorted semen).
1 2

the SCIENCE BEHIND
the sorting process
conventional v’s sexed
what’s achievable
Sexed semen goes through a flow cytometry
sorting process to sort X (female) from Y
(male) bearing cells, based on the gender
preference of the beef producer.
The procedure using the flow cytometer was
first studied in the 1980’s. Then in the 1990’s,
the first calf using this procedure was born and
since then, research has been carried out to
increase the efficiencies of the semen sorting
technique.
This opportunity allows producers to select
progeny gender and also allow producers to
choose from the globally recognised Genus ABS
product offering.
HOW THE CYTOMETERS SORT THE SEMEN
The female (X bearing chromosome) is a
heavier, more dense chromosome containing
3-4% more DNA than its male counterpart (Y
bearing chromosome), and this is how the cells
are differentiated from each other.
DIAGRAM ONE:
THE SEMEN SORTING PROCESS
The extra process required to produce
any sexed semen product means that
sperm quality is often compromised
and the chances of a successful
pregnancy therefore reduced.
At Genus ABS you can rest assured
that we have top scientists working to
optimise bull production schedules,
freezing techniques and sperm quality
checks to ensure the best possible chance
of success.
The steps outlined below ensure that the
ABS Sexation system limits any negative
impact associated with sexed semen.
Our approach will give your heifers the
best possible chance of producing your
next generation of heifers.
It must be noted that conception rates to
sexed semen when used on heifers could
be approximately 75-90% of that which
would be achieved with conventional
beef semen. Likewise, there would also
be a reduction in conception rates if
used on cows.
GRAPH ONE:
nUMBER OF HEIFERS EXPECTED IN 20 CALVINGS
ABS SEXATION V’S CONVENTIONAL SEMEN
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
15%
12%
9%
0
GRAPH TWO:
nUMBER OF HEIFERS EXPECTED IN 100 CALVINGS
ABS SEXATION V’S CONVENTIONAL SEMEN
The first step in the procedure is to dilute and stain
the sperm with a fluorescent dye. The sample is
then passed through the cytometer. When the
sperm is passing through the cytometer a laser
beam is placed onto the sperm which in turn
excites the dye stained sperm. Due to the larger
X chromosomes, female sperm emit slightly
more fluorescence than the Y chromosome
bearing sperm. Charged deflector plates then
split the single stream into two streams giving
the desired high purity that you expect:
For example, in a herd achieving an
average conception rate of 70% to
conventional semen, a conception rate
of 53-63% could be achieved by using
sexed semen.
THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF BULL
SELECTION
• All sires must be proven.
6%
3%
0
1. Positively charged particles containing one
sex go one way.
2. Negatively charged and uncharged
particles containing the opposite sex or
multiple sperm go another way (waste).
In a female sorting procedure, unidentified or
multiple sperm and male sperm are discarded.
• All sires must meet the high genetic
standard required by all Genus ABS
products.
• All sires must meet all semen quality
and sorted standards applied by
Genus ABS.
• All sires must be scientifically proven
to give the best possible chance of
pregnancy.
3 4

TESTIMONIALS
STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM
SYNCHRO PROGRAMMES
FOR BEEF HERDS
The Cowan Brothers, Blaencwmpridd, Dyfed...
We were faced with an aging herd and needed to increase the
flow of replacements. Not keen to buy in replacements with
the disease risk being involved, the decision was taken to use
AI and Genus ABS sexed beef semen.
AI and sexed semen has allowed us to select bulls with strong
maternal traits. In the first year we used just conventional
semen, but for the last two years we’ve used sexed semen,
which has significantly increased our chances of getting heifers
from heifers.
The system now, is first service to sexed semen. Last year we
achieved 68% conception rate to sexed semen and this year
it was 72%. Second service is to conventional semen and then
we let the bull sweep up so we have a concentrated breeding
The Cowan Brothers
window of six weeks.
This year overall we got 92% in calf to AI which has tightened our heifer calving period and means we
will have a nice even batch of heifers to rear and calve at 24 months of age.
PROGRAMME ONE:
SUCKLER COW SYNCHRONISATION
Progesterone
device
GnRH PGF 2α GnRH TAI
Week
1
7 days 48 hr 16-24 hr
Schedule for PRID/CIDR Sync Protocol
M T W T F S S
GnRH
Progesterone device
GnRH
Week
1
PROGRAMME TWO:
beef heifer synchronisation
Progesterone
device
PGF 2α
5 days 72 hr
GnRH+
TAI
Schedule for Heifer Program
Progesterone device
M T W T F S S
GnRH
Dougie Graham, Mains of Burnbank, Stirling...
I’ve been using artificial insemination across my herd of 100 pure pedigree Limousin cows for the past
two years and have recently started to use sexed semen on my heifers.
There are a couple of reasons for using AI and sexed semen, which are financial benefits of not having to
buy in an expensive stock bull, and the additional profit as a result of breeding better quality stock. Also,
the extra sales of surplus heifers have made quite an impact with one of my first females from sexed
semen having recently sold in Carlisle at the Red Ladies sale for 7000gns, Burnbank Honey.
To date conception rate results to sexed semen have been more than pleasing, achieving a 93% CR
(15/16) on my first group of heifers. I think more farmers are starting to realise the benefits of artificial
insemination. Sexed semen has a big part to play as it not only enhances the chance of getting a heifer
calf, but you are also getting the opportunity to breed in your ideal cow. There is also the huge potential
benefit of calving ease with a heifer calf, as heifers calving down bull calves are more prone to calving
difficulties. There’s nothing more satisfying than not having to intervene at any calving, nevermind a
heifer, and if we do need to intervene were off to a good start.
Week
2
M T W T F S S
PGF 2α
48 hr
GnRH
TAI
16-24 hr
Note: The majority of animals do NOT show heat
KEY FOR ABOVE SYNCHRO PROGRAMMES:
GnRH - Ovarelin ® , Receptal ® , Fertagyl ®
PGF 2α - Estrumate ® , Lutalyse ® , Enzoprost ®
Progesterone Device - Prid®, Cidr®
All of the above are classified as POM-V.
Week
2
GENUS ABS SEXED BEEF SEMEN ON FARM RESULTS TO DATE
M T W T F S S
GnRH+
PGF 2α
TAI
Note: The majority of animals do NOT show heat
Please note:
These are examples of brands used, other products are available.
Always consult with your vet regarding the use of these products.
They should only be used following veterinary guidance and supervision.
Tom Cox, Bleaklow Charolais, Derbyshire...
Genus ABS sexed beef semen has offered me the
opportunity to retain the best bloodlines in my herd
and increase the speed of my genetic gain.
A high genetic easy calving bull from Genus ABS
became available sexed which I used in my pedigree
Charolais herd with great success, achieving a 78%
conception rate.
Moving forward I would be more than happy to use
sexed semen on my breeding heifers and best cows.
This has allowed me to breed females of a higher
genetic merit and ultimately have more heifer calves
to retain as breeding stock from the best maternal
lines, while still allowing me to retain my high herd
health status.
Tom Cox
Figures below were collected through a Genus
ABS customer survey, January 2013. They show
the conception rate results acheived by using
Genus ABS sexed beef semen.
No. of
inseminations
surveyed
267
No. of
pregnancies
No. not
pregnant
Of the 267 insemination results collected,
the average conception rate to Genus ABS
sexed beef semen was 61%.
The dots plotted on the map indicate
the locations of the farms surveyed.
Conception
rate
162 105 61%
5 6

The best chance
to achiEve pregnancies
HEAT DETECTION
THE BEST PRACTICE
For the best possible results, we recommend
the use of ABS Sexation on heifers. However,
due to the increasing amount of suckler
farmers in the country now interested in
breeding their own replacements, we’ve
had more enquiries than ever with regard
to using sexed beef semen on their main
breeding herd.
Below, John Cook, Genus ABS’ UK Technical
Director, gives his recommendations.
• Stick rigidly to thawing times, temperatures
and handling recommendations.
• ABS Sexation should only be considered for
use on heifers and young cows.
• The group in which the chosen animal is
kept should never be stocked above 100%
and preferably less.
• There should be at least two cycles (heats)
observed prior to planned AI at 18-24 day
intervals on the chosen animal.
• Avoid animals with any incident of
postnatal disease in the current lactation.
Accurate heat detection, correct timing of
insemination and minimal stress at serving
are critical when inseminating with sexed
beef semen.
HEAT OBSERVATION GUIDELINES...
1. Observe animals for standing heat at
least 2-3 times daily, for a minimum of 30
minutes.
2. Observations should preferably take
place outside routine tasks i.e. not during
feeding, bedding or scraping out.
3. Record standing heats accurately to verify
regular oestrus cycle length. Animals with
abnormal cycle lengths will be less fertile.
4. If not confident with the use of AI, then
Genus ABS Technicians are available to
carry out the inseminations within your
herd.
5. Heat detection aids, such as bulling
beacons, will prove useful in identifying
animals in heat.
6. It is recommended that you should only
use sexed beef semen where natural heats
have been observed. However, it can be
used along with a suitable synchronisation
programme if co-ordinated properly with
assistance from your vet.
7. Consult your vet before choosing a
synchronisation programme with the use
of sexed beef semen.
8. Fixed or timed AI should only be used
in conjunction with synchronisation
programmes designed to synchronise
ovulation, contact your vet for advice on
suitable programmes.
• If being used on young cows, the cow
should be between 70-120 days calved at
the time of service.
• There should not be any case of mastitis in
the cows current lactation.
Semen thawer
• The cows fitness should be of a high
current state (ie. good locomotion and
appropriate BCS).
• Dietary changes should be limited in the
six weeks pre and post insemination of the
heifer.
• There should not be any management
group changes six weeks prior to AI and
until confirmed pregnant at 35-45+ days.
• If unsure on AI technique, use a professional
Genus ABS AI Technician.
7
8

HIGH STANDARDS
CRUCIAL TO SUCCESS
The IMPORTANCE OF
ai technique
At Genus ABS, semen quality is a priority,
undergoing a series of rigorous quality
control evaluations.
However, it is important to remember that when
using semen the key to success is to following
basic handling procedures. As with all semen,
correct handling of sexed beef semen will be
vital to success, male or female.
SEMEN HANDLING REMINDERS...
1. Semen transfer – use tweezers or forceps,
never fingers, to handle straws. Make all
semen transfers between nitrogen tanks,
or retrieval of semen from nitrogen tanks,
within 10 seconds. If longer is needed,
lower the canister back into the nitrogen
for at least 10 seconds before trying again.
2. Thawing procedure – thaw semen at
35˚C to 37˚C (95˚F to 97˚F) water for
30 seconds. Fertility comparisons show
an advantage for semen thawed in warm
water.
Semen handling
THE SERVICE PERIOD...
1. Steps should be taken to ensure that
inseminations are as stress free and accurate
as possible.
2. Animals should be suitably restrained so
they cannot move forwards, backwards or
sideward’s. A proper service area or crush
is ideal.
3. Animals put forward for service should be
moved quietly to the service area and kept
in pairs or in small groups, to reduce stress.
4. We strongly advise that insemination of
Genus ABS sexed beef semen is carried out
by a competent DIY Technician or a Genus
ABS Technician.
5. Due to the processing required to sex semen,
sorted semen is more susceptible to damage
than conventional semen, the highest
standards of handling and insemination are
vital to its success.
3. Move the air bubble – gently shake the
straw to move the air bubble towards the
plugged end of the straw before cutting.
Shaking will not damage the straw and if
semen is not moved, 1-5% of the sperm
will be lost.
4. Environmental protection – protect
semen from environmental changes while
loading into the insemination equipment
and transferring to the cow. Failure to
protect sperm can result in lower fertility.
AI gun being loaded
5. Number of units – thaw only one single
unit of semen at a time. With sexed semen
this should be placed in the reproductive
tract as soon as it is practical. The
advantage of thawing in warm water only
exists for a limited period. Inseminator
efficiency and facility design will all have
an impact on preserving the viability
and therefore fertilising capability of the
semen.
9
6. Splitting straws – under no circumstances
should straws of semen be split. While
thawing and handling, standards are
identical to conventional semen, the
margin for error with sorted beef semen
is greatly reduced.
Semen timer
10

BEEF SEXATION
Helping to create your ideal
suckler cow
For more information on sexed beef semen, contact us on:
Tel No: 0870 162 2000
Genus Breeding Ltd, Alpha Building, London Road, Nantwich, CW5 7JW
Tel: 0870 162 2000 Fax: 01270 616702 www.genusbreeding.co.uk
Calls may be monitored for training purposes.