Comparative evaluation of methods of management for optimal performance of artificial insemination employing sex-sorted semen vis-à-vis conventional semen in tropical dairy production

Abstract

Dairy farmers in India have shown interest in sexed semen for increasing milk production and optimizing dairy herd structure. The dairy sector in India includes a variety of operations, ranging from marginal and small-scale farmers to structured enterprises. The application of sex-sorted semen (SSS) in artificial insemination (AI) has the capacity to revolutionise the dairy sector significantly. The primary factors affecting the adoption of SSS are dairy production method and conception rate (CR). We conducted a field AI study examining critical variables to compare management techniques employed in various management systems utilising SSS in Indian dairying. The CR of AI with conventional semen (CS) was recorded at 46.15%, but it was 34.37% with SSS. The structured management system recorded the highest CR (45.2%). Effective heat/estrus detection and timely artificial insemination during mid-estrus were identified as significant factors affecting the CR of SSS in dairy cow. The results of this study will be beneficial for dairy producers in utilising SSS to enhance milk production and animal welfare in India and beyond.