Bovine sperm sex-selection technology in Japan

摘要

Background: In Japan, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan started commercially producing sexed bovine semen 10 years ago, and sexed bovine semen is currently used for the artificial insemination (Al) in the farms. In this review, the authors introduce the technology for sperm sexing by flow cytometry, the efforts at commercializing sexed semen in Japan, and recent field data on artificial insemination of the cattle with sexed semen.Methods: In the procedures of the flow cytometric method, X-chromosome-bearing sperm and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm were fluorescently stained, separated from each other by analyzing the difference in the DNA content, and cryopreserved. The authors surveyed the conception rates after Al with these sperm and sex ratios of the offspring with the cooperation from livestock associations, Al technicians, and farmers.Main findings (Results): Although Al with sexed semen was associated with lower conception rates in comparison with Al with conventional semen, the accuracy of sex selection using Al with sexed semen was beyond >90%.Conclusion: Sexed semen produced by flow cytometry has the potential to produce offspring of the preferred sex with high accuracy and reliability. Thus, it is expected that sexed semen is used for Al more frequently in the farms.