Using sexed semen on my Jersey?

[cjb]

Sorry for the multiple threads here. As I think through this decision, I would truly LOVE to get a heifer out of this Jersey. I assume that, if I used sexed semen, I can only choose a major breed like breeding back to a Jersey. I'm not sure you can even get sexed mini-jersey semen?

The local AI tech told me that their company only suggests using sexed semen on heifers because the reduced mobility of the semen makes a heifers more company space a better environment for settling. In other words, a cow that has had 2-3 calves (like mine), has too much room in there and the sexed semen may never make it to the egg.

Anyone have any idea if this is true? What are the settling rates with sexed semen in a non-heifer? I've read that the rate of getting the desired gender is at or over 90%

[travlnusa]

It is true, your conception rate in cows drops into the 40% range.

[Jay]

Sexed semen is no absolute guarantee you will get a heifer. Just much better odds at getting one.
Worth a try, what have you got to loose over using regular semen??

[sungirl]

No guaratee, but I had good results with it. It is worth a try if you want a heifer so bad.

[Judith]

breed to a bull with a high percentage of daughters. Your chances are better than with the sexed semen. ALL of the holstiens that were bred with sexed semen had bull calves and at a very dear price. We WILL NOT be doing that one again! Live and learn I guess....

[cjb]

Does the ABS site show the % of producing daughters? I couldn't find it.

[Teacupliz]

Do you know if your cow is easy to get bred?
I know I have found with normal semen conception rate is like 70% and still at that rate we had to rebred- even with positive heat dates. Just something to considder,
Maybe try it the first month-
also told- bred early in heat for heifers-
Liz

[beoircaile]

ALL of the holstiens that were bred with sexed semen had bull calves

How long ago was this? That's even outside the normal of expected results. The current sorting techniques are >90% accurate for females. Technology has come a long way in the last few years.

[Judith]

That is the herd that is calving out this spring. I will be able to give more information when calving ends. But so far we have had only bulls from the sexed semen. All of the others (and of course the beef bred 1st year heifers have all produced heifers.) No surprise that the beefies are all heifers, just what you don't need at a commercial dairy.

[DaleK]

I've had 14 Holstein heifers calve so far with sexed semen (Select Sires) and got 15 heifer calves. I wouldn't try it on an older cow, particularly when you aren't used to heat-watching.

[beoircaile]

Just a thought- but are any of your "sorted semen" bull calves out of cows that would make the bulls prospects for the AI industry? Or for sale as breeders?

[cjb]

She is supposed to be very easy to breed. She is definitely VERY easy to tell when she is in heat. I'm still thinking about the whole thing and very torn but I think I have a week or two to decide here.

[beoircaile]

I agree with Judith- with a cow that is 4+ years old, I'd find a bull with a high percentage of daughters- or since she settles easily, maybe a young sire whose sire has a high percentage of daughters.

[Up North]

cjb - I would focus on getting her bred with regular, (Not sorted) semen from a really good bull from the breed of your choice. Still a 50-50 chance of getting a heifer calf in 2009. Do it again in 2010, and 2011. Mathematical probability should result in a heifer calf one of those years.

[Up North]

Originally Posted by Judith

... so far we have had only bulls from the sexed semen.

Judith perhaps after the Lab sorted it they gave you the wrong half!...LOL.

[Judith]

Thank goodness it's not my herd or I would be a hoppin! Anyhow next year they are just going to use sires who seem to have a higher percentage of female calves. Almost everything is a bull this spring anyhow. I really think it has alot to do with the weather, or God just has a really good sense of humor.