Sexed semen

British farmers can get more high genetic merit heifer calves with LIC sexed semen.

A selection of LIC’s top bulls are available in SexedULTRA 4M® semen. We have Jersey, Holstein Friesian and KiwiCross® sexed semen available to dairy farmers in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

This tried and tested technology gives UK dairy farmers a 90% chance of producing a female calf.

As part of a well-managed breeding programme sexed semen can help you:

  • Breed your herd’s next generation from your best cows
  • Get more high genetic merit heifer calves with LIC’s sexed semen bulls
  • Boost genetic gain
  • Reduce surplus male calf numbers
  • Create opportunities from surplus calves
  • Target the market with beef-cross calves
  • Drive more profit to your bottom line
Dairy calves bred from LIC sexed semen breeding programme

Considerations for using sexed semen

There are wider considerations to keep in mind to optimise sexed semen use on farm.

A New Zealand trial showed that frozen sexed semen thawed at room temperature averaged 13% lower conception rates compared to conventional semen.

Europe and US trials showed that frozen sexed semen thawed at 37 degrees Celsius and inseminated 16 hours after a standing heat resulted in a 3% to 6% difference between sexed and conventional semen.*

Execute a well-managed plan to reap the benefits of sexed semen:

  • Mate yearling heifers to sexed semen – they have higher conception rates than milking cows
    –  Choose bulls suitable for yearling mating
    –  Pregnancy scan early to identify cows in-calf to AI bulls
  • Mate heifers 10 days before the main herd
  • Avoid mix-ups by calving cows in-calf to AI bulls separately to cows in-calf to stock bulls
  • Use strict criteria when selecting cows for sexed semen. For example, young, high genetic merit, healthy, early-calved and cycling cows
  • Mate selected cows before your herd’s mating start date. Move the mating start date forward if necessary
  • Ensure herd fertility is high before you consider using sexed semen
  • Be certain cows are on full standing heat before mating with sexed semen. If you’re unsure use a conventional straw
  • Have plenty of stock bulls ready to cover returning cows. For example, two teams of one bull to three non-pregnant cows if using two-year-old bulls, plus spares
  • Follow STgenetics® handling and insemination instructions for SexedULTRA 4M® 

Download handling and insemination instructions

Maximise herd improvement and profits on your farm with targeted use of LIC sexed semen.

*Trial information provided by STgenetics®

Breed more heifer calves with LIC sexed semen

Contact your farm solutions consultant to discuss LIC sexed options for your herd.

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