Farmers in India face significant challenges in managing cattle costs, particularly male bulls, which can range from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 monthly. This financial burden often leads to the abandonment of bulls, exacerbating the stray cattle issue. Dairy farmers have a strong preference for female calves, which are essential for milk production. To address these challenges, sexed semen technology has emerged as a solution.
Sexed semen technology is a specialized process employed in artificial insemination. It effectively separates sperm that carry the female (X) chromosome from those carrying the male (Y) chromosome. This technology significantly increases the chances of conceiving female calves, moving beyond the conventional 50% probability of either sex with traditional artificial insemination methods.
In India, the primary methods of sexed semen technology utilize patented approaches from American companies like ABS and Sexing Technologies. These methods involve using a special dye and UV laser or fluorescence to identify X and Y chromosomes. The Y chromosomes can either be inactivated and stored in the straw (ABS method) or separated and discarded using electromagnetic fields (Sexing Technologies method). The resulting semen contains over 90% X-chromosome sperm and is preserved at -196°C for future use.
This technology guarantees a remarkable 90% probability of producing a female calf. However, the actual conception rate is lower than traditional techniques, estimated at around 30%. This discrepancy has led to farmer complaints and project pauses in some regions.
The Union government initiated the adoption of sexed semen technology under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in 2018. The main objectives include enhancing milk production, reducing farmers' costs related to unwanted male calves, and curbing the stray cattle population.
As of early 2025, sexed semen is produced at government semen stations across five states: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, three private semen stations contribute to the production. Notably, the Babugarh Deep Frozen Semen production centre in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, established in 2019, plays a key role.
Costs for sexed semen range between ₹1,000 and ₹2,200 per insemination, depending on the bull's breed and pedigree. State governments provide subsidies; for instance, Uttar Pradesh offers the service to farmers for ₹100 per straw, supported by a ₹666 subsidy from both the Union and State governments. In contrast, conventional semen costs approximately ₹30.
Despite its promise, there are significant concerns regarding sexed semen technology. The low conception rate poses challenges, leading to project suspensions, as seen in Haryana. Additionally, there are worries about potential genetic damage due to dyes used during the sorting process, which may impact the genetic quality of the offspring. Ethical questions also arise from the principle of gender selection, particularly regarding its effects on natural sex ratios.
To address these issues, the Union government has initiated projects in 2024 involving institutions like IITs, LUVAS (Hisar), and ICAR-IVRI. These efforts aim to develop indigenous, "labelled-free" (dye-free) sexed semen technology, with expectations for completion by October 2026.
Q1. What is sexed semen technology?
Answer: Sexed semen technology is a process that separates sperm carrying the female X chromosome from those carrying the male Y chromosome to increase the likelihood of conceiving female calves.
Q2. What are the main benefits of using sexed semen technology in dairy farming?
Answer: The primary benefits include a higher likelihood of producing female calves, reduced costs for farmers in rearing unwanted male calves, and potential increases in overall milk production.
Q3. Why did India adopt sexed semen technology?
Answer: The technology was adopted to boost milk production, reduce farmer expenses associated with male calves, and address the growing issue of stray cattle in the country.
Q4. What are the costs associated with sexed semen technology?
Answer: The cost for sexed semen ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹2,200 per insemination, with state governments providing subsidies to make it more accessible for farmers.
Q5. What are the concerns regarding sexed semen technology?
Answer: Concerns include a low conception rate of around 30%, potential genetic damage from dyes used in sorting, and ethical issues related to gender selection.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of sexed semen technology?
A) Increase male calf production
B) Reduce the cost of dairy farming
C) Increase female calf production
D) Eliminate stray cattle
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which program initiated the adoption of sexed semen technology in India?
A) National Livestock Mission
B) Rashtriya Gokul Mission
C) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
D) Digital India Initiative
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the approximate conception rate using sexed semen technology?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 30%
D) 90%
Correct Answer: C
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