About the Technology

• Sexed semen technology is a reproductive biotechnology used in cattle breeding to predetermine the sex of offspring. 
• By separating X-chromosome-bearing sperm (which produce female calves) from Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (which produce male calves), increase the likelihood of producing calves of the desired sex, typically favoring females for dairy production.​
• This helps increase cattle productivity, reduce unnecessary expenditure for farmers, and lower the number of stray cattle.

How does it work?

• The Sexed semen technologies work by following a basic method of separating the X and Y chromosomes present in the sperm and use a special dye that colours or stains the chromosomes, which is then subjected to a UV (ultraviolet) laser beam. 
• The dye and the blue fluorescence highlights the chromosomes so scientists can differentiate and sort them. 
• The Y chromosomes are then inactivated and collected in the straw along with the active X.
• The chromosomes are passed through an electromagnetic field and are separated using variations in their surface charges. 
• The inactivated Y chromosomes are then discarded which results in a semen, which contains over 90 per cent more X chromosome-based sperms, is collected in a straw, stored at -196°C and then used for artificial insemination as and when required.

Issues involved

• Damage to DNA: Scientists have raised concerns that the use of dye could potentially damage the DNA, and thus in the long run the technology could harm the genetics of the animal.
• Conception failure. While sex-sorted semen guarantees a 90 percent chance of delivering female calves, the conception rate with the technology is just around 30 percent which is 10-15 percent lower than  conventional artificial insemination.
  • Sexed semen contains 2 million sperms per dose compared to conventional semen that contains 20 million sperms.
  • Sex-sorting is a time-consuming process, as the semen stays in the machine at room temperature for around two hours, which can reduce sperm vitality.
• Biodiversity Concerns: The preference for producing more female calves and fewer bulls may lead to genetic uniformity.  This may lead to a systematic extinction of the bull by impacting its diversity. 
  • The country now has roughly one male cattle for every 13 female cattle, as per the 20th Livestock Census released in 2019. 

Suggested Measures

• Diverse Bull Usage: Experts recommend using a variety of bulls in breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity.
• Promote Indigenous Breeds: Giving preference to indigenous cattle over crossbreeds or exotic ones can help preserve biodiversity.