Sorting Process
Our Sorting Process:
Technique
To obtain sexed semen, pure semen must be sorted by sex (gender). This is done by a patented technique. The X-bearing chromosome sperm cells (female) and Y-bearing chromosome sperm cells (male) are separated. These sub-populations are then frozen for future use in artificial insemination.
The sperm is sorted by identifying the differences between the X- and Y- bearing sperm. In cattle, the X- chromosome (female) contains about 3.8% more DNA than the Y- chromosome. Analyzing these difference in DNA content allows us to sort the X- from the Y- bearing sperm.
Accuracy
The sorting technique is proven to be routinely 93% gender accurate. While there are many variables that determine gender accuracy, our minimum acceptable purity range is never less than 87%.
Results
Millions of animals have been born as a result of the use of sexed sperm. The product is recommended for use in heifers and cows that are cycling normally. Whether the animal actually becomes pregnant (as with conventional semen) depends on many factors, but accurate heat detection is very important.
Flow Cytometry
Recent Publication:
A more elaborate explanation of the sorting process and the techniques used, was recently published in the September 2019 issue of Clinical Theriogenology.
To download this article: Click here
AI Vets
We regularly attend the AI Vets (Artificial Insemination) conferences. If you would like to see our presentations from these events, click on the following links to download our presentation slides:
- Presentation from October 18, 2018 - Click here
- Presentation from October 28, 2016 - Click here