Prime Bovine Genetics
January 2014
Welcome Message
Welcome to the latest edition of Prime Bovine Genetics eNewsletter. We hope you will find this
eNewsletter informative and relevant. We will ensure that you are up to date on the latest
news about sexed semen.
Sexed semen is a genuine boon to the industry and serves as a real route to a reliable and a profitable
dairy.
Prime Bovine Genetics is proud to announce its affiliation with the Centre for Sexed Semen.
The Centre of Sexed Semen is India’s first organsied sexed semen information hub servicing the needs
of the premium dairy sector and a single point resource to information on sexed semen, including the
news on the latest research, farmer feedback and policy initiatives. Prime Bovine Genetics would like
to thank the Centre of Sexed Semen for sharing valuable information related to sexed semen.
Prime Bovine Genetics wishes to improve your herd and provide the route to rural prosperity and a
profitable dairy for small and progressive farmers through the use of sexed semen for AI, that
guarantees 95% female calves.
In the month of December and January, PBG seniors have presented the "Sexed Semen Model" to
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal government officials. Most governments are keen on
promoting the use of sexed semen as a tool for addressing pedigree and rural poverty.
Prime Bovine Genetics team will be shortly presenting to officials in the following states, Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh.
Many thanks for your time.
H. S. Grewal
Sexed Semen Around The Globe
Real Buzz with Heifer After Heifer Arriving from Sexed Semen Trial – ICBF Boss
Calves are starting to hit the ground in herds that participated in last year’s sexed semen trial and,
according to ICBF CEO Sean Coughlan, there is a real buzz out there with heifer after heifer arriving.
Coughlan, who was speaking at a recent meeting of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association Cork Club,
said the ICBF was very pleased with the sexed frozen results in general.
In his presentation, he noted a wide range of views at farm level on the trial. However there is a
strong view emerging that ongoing research is needed and one year is not enough to assess the
potential of the technology.
He cited the trial has thrown up real challenges for AI companies in terms of their business.
Particularly due to less dairy semen being needed and the potential for low conception rates with
sexed semen.
Coughlan highlighted that the trail clearly outlined that the technology won’t be suitable for everyone.
As strong technical performance at farm level is a pre-requisite of success using sexed semen.
Coughlan confirmed to attendees at the meeting that there won’t be a lab in Ireland this spring,
however he said there will be a stock of trial semen from last year and from other sources. He outlined
that the ICBF is looking to set up a longer-term arrangement in conjunction with AI companies,
Teagasc Research and the wider agri-industry from 2015 onwards.
The trial, which was established to access the potential of sexed semen in Ireland for dairy cows and
heifers, was carried out in spring 2013. It involved industry partnerships and funding. In total 15,000
inseminations were carried out on 392 farm’s by 100 AI technicians.
He outlined that results so far indicate that frozen-thawed sexed semen has performed far better than
expected, with a drop of only 7 per cent (49 per cent vs 42 per cent) in conception rates compared
with conventional semen.
However results from fresh sexed semen were disappointing though, with conception rates around 1215 per cent lower than those achieved with conventional semen.
He noted results were improved the longer the cows were after calving at insemination and the
greater the animal’s body condition score.
By Lisa Deeney on February 7, 2014.
Source: www.primebovinegenetics.com/real-buzz-heifer-heifer-arriving-sexed-semen-trial-icbfboss.html
--------------------Sexed Semen: “Best Practice” for Breeding Dairy Replacement Heifers
Irrespective of economic conditions, dairy producers need to find cost effective alternatives to current
technologies referred to as “best practices” in production and management. Sexed semen should be
adopted as the new “best practice,” as it is a more cost effective technology than conventional AI.
There is currently a gender difference of $300 or greater for producing a heifer calf compared to a bull
calf in the dairy industry. With this value difference, the additional revenue generated from a higher
percentage of heifer calves offsets the higher cost of sexed semen compared to conventional semen,
making it a more profitable breeding alternative.
Economic and Cash Flow Advantage
The economic advantage of the sexed semen breeding system is measured by calculating added
revenue and cost. The additional revenue generated by producing a larger percentage of highervalued heifers is compared to the added cost of sexed semen to calculate return on investment. The
breeding system itself does not change. Therefore, the only cost difference lies in semen. Sexed
semen has an approximate conception rate of 85% of the conventional semen rate, since there are
fewer sperm cells in the sexed semen straw. With multiple breedings, sexed semen will approach
conventional semen pregnancy levels. Sexed semen is also roughly 90% accurate for the gender
selected.
Production Benefits which Make Sexed Semen Profitable
When dairymen produce quality replacement females, their aim is to achieve that goal with the best
genetics possible. In most operations, the very best genetics come from heifers. Utilizing female sexed
semen enables dairymen to produce heifers with a 90% degree of accuracy, or purity, in gender
selection. Combining this 90% level of accuracy with the “new and improved” genetics of the dairy
heifers within the herd ensures the replacement females are created from the best genetics possible.
In doing so, the overall performance of the herd improves. Additionally, as the market for dairy heifers
improves, the gender difference will continue to favor female sexed semen. With an increased number
of heifers, dairymen will have a better selection from which to choose their “keeping” heifers. They
would not have to keep heifers produced from average or below average cows. The additional
advantage of lower birth weight in heifers reduces calving difficulty, labor costs associated with it, and
potential death loss. The survival rate is important due to missed sales opportunities for calves not
needed as replacements. In a “big picture” point of view, fewer costly replacement heifers are
required to maintain the herd when there is a low calf loss. Some farms will experience facilities
limitations on handling “extra” heifers. When sexed semen produces more heifers than facilities can
accommodate, a market remains for these heifer calves. These heifers have a higher value than the
bull calves conventional semen would have produced. Therefore, cash flow can be improved by
utilizing sexed semen, even when an abundance of heifers are produced.
Summary
As long as a large gender difference between heifer and bull calves exists, sexed semen will be a
highly profitable alternative to conventional AI for breeding replacement heifers. With an increased
percentage of heifers, dairymen will have a better selection for choosing replacement females from
high-performing cows, thereby increasing their pace of genetic improvement. Implementation is
simple and inexpensive, as replacing conventional semen with sexed semen does not require changes
in the dairy production system. As shown, it is a cost effective alternative, irrespective of the overall
economic performance in the dairy sector. Sexed semen is a “Best Production Practice” in the dairy
industry.
Source: www.sexingtechnologies.com/articles/economic-aids
--------------------An Outline of Sexed Semen Trials on Dairy cows
Sexed semen is used on dairy cows to increase the number of dairy heifer calves born, and results in
90 per cent heifers and 10 per cent bull calves, compared to 50 per cent of each from conventional
semen.
There is, however, a reduction in conception rates when using sexed semen. Previous data from the
US and New Zealand suggest a 10-15 per cent drop in conception rate with frozen-thawed sexed
semen compared with conventional, while using fresh sexed semen may only result in a 5 per cent
drop in conception rate.
Teagasc, along with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and partner AI companies, ran a large-scale
sexed semen field trial during spring 2013. The study was designed to verify the conception rates
attainable when using sexed semen under Irish conditions, and enable Teagasc to provide
recommendations for the future use of sexed semen on Irish dairy farms.
More than 15,000 inseminations were carried out on 392 farms as part of the trial, using conventional,
fresh sexed and frozen-thawed sexed semen. A selection of 4,000 animals (cows and heifers) from the
trial was scanned for pregnancy diagnosis earlier in the summer. These preliminary results indicate
that frozen-thawed sexed semen has performed far better than expected, with a drop of only 7 per
cent (49 per cent vs 42 per cent) in conception rates compared with conventional semen.
Conception rates using fresh sexed semen were disappointing though, at around 12-15 per cent lower
than those achieved with conventional semen. The scanning also confirmed that 90% of cows
pregnant to sexed semen inseminations are carrying a heifer calf. The excellent performance of the
frozen-thawed sexed semen has beneficial implications for the potential future use of the technology
in Irish dairy herds.
A more detailed analysis of the preliminary results will be presented at the National Dairy Conference
next Tuesday and full results of the trial will be available in spring 2014 following calving.
By Ian Hutchinson, Teagasc, Moorepark Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.
Source: www.primebovinegenetics.com/an-outline-of-sexed-semen-trials-on-diary-cows.html
--------------------Significant Improvements to the Process of Sexed Semen: Sexing Technologies
Sexing Technologies announces, to dairy producers around the world that significant improvements
have been made to the process of sexing semen.
These improvements have lead to a very significant increase in sexed semen fertility in the field.
Source: www.primebovinegenetics.com/sexing-technologies-announces-fertility-improvement-insexed-semen.html
Sexed Semen Within The Nation
The Centre for Sexed Semen
Prime Bovine Genetics is proud to announce that it is now sponsoring and partnering with the Centre
for Sexed Semen.
The Centre for Sexed Semen is India's first organised sexed semen information hub, servicing the
needs of the premium dairy sector and a single point resource to information on sexed semen,
including the news on the latest research, farmer feedback and policy initiatives.
Legislators, bureaucrats, academics, journalists and farmers will definitely find something of interest
at the Centre for Sexed Semen, which provides impartial information that has been independently
validated. Anything marginal or questionable will always be highlighted as such.
Sexed semen can help dairy farmers develop an optimum herd of bigger, stronger healthier animals
from premium US bulls with the guarantee of 95% female calves.
The Centre for Sexed Semen is headquartered in Delhi with our research team in field, covering all
parts of the country.
The Centre for Sexed Semen is sponsored by Prime Bovine Genetics and is closely associated with
Macro Dairy Ventures Ltd., India's biggest dairy farm operator and the biggest consumer of sexed
semen in India.
To learn more about what the Centre of Sexed Semen does, please visit thier website
www.cforss.com or email at info@cforss.com.
--------------------The National Livestock Championship 2014 Mela
Prime Bovine Genetics along with the Centre for Sexed Semen, actively participated in the National
Livestock Championship 2014 Mela.
This event was duly organised by department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab, from Jan 8-12, 2014 at
Guru Gobind Singh Stadium at Shri Mukatsar Sahib, Punjab. The event included Livestock
Championship, where huge variety of animals participated from all states and winners of each
category were awarded cash prizes and trophies in breed competitions of Livestock breed, milk yield
and races.
The four days of this mega event also included display of Martial Arts on horseback by Nihang Singhs,
Trick riding by Police/school children and folk dances showcasing Punjab culture and heritage.
This grand event is an annual event for the last five years to promote livestock breeding, sale and
tourism in Punjab state in a big way.
The event also included showcasing activities of national research institutes, universities industries
related with animal husbandry, pharmaceutical companies and display of elite animals.
Prime Bovine Genetics, in collaboration with the Centre for Sexed Semen exhibited at the event to
provide information on sexed semen and create awareness about this imperative technology.
Both, Prime Bovine Genetics and the Centre for Sexed Semen received immense response in terms of
queries and interest in sexed semen from thousands of visitors.
To view more pictures, please click here.
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Punjab and Sexed Semen
Punjab Livestock Development Board (PLDB) had imported 5,000 Sex Semen Straws from Sexing
Technologies through Macro Dairy Ventures Limited in 2012. These straws were distributed by the
government to Punjab dairy farmers at a subsidised price of Rs. 600 per straw.
Punjab Livestock Development Board (PLDB), Government of Punjab PLDB and the Punjab based dairy
farmers have made use of the sexed semen technology and are fully satisfied with the results.
After the success ratio in 2012, Punjab Livestock Development Board (PLDB) has placed an additional
order of 25,000 sexed semen straws with Prime Bovine Genetics. PLDB plans to sell this stock to
Punjab dairy farmers at a subsidised rate which will be highly beneficial for their prosperity.
--------------------Success Story: Sexed Semen a Blessing for Punjab Farmer
“I am very happy with the use of sexed semen in my herd. Last year in 2012 I got my 5 cows
inseminated by sexed semen and 4 of them got pregnant. Later in Dec 2012 I got all 4 female calves
of the calving from the sexed semen. My herd has got 4 female calves now, with the blessing of sexed
semen, otherwise I would normally have just 2 female calves. I am waiting for Punjab government to
get more sexed semen so that I can use it in my dairy and expand my dairy and dairy profits faster.”
Mr. Sarwan Singh, Village Kakar Tareem, Ajnala Tehsil, Amritsar
CONTACT:
Mob - +91 84379 00102, Tel – 011 41688777
Email - info@primebovinegenetics.com, Web - www.primebovinegenetics.com