Comparative evaluation of performance of calves born through sex-sorted semen and conventional semen in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of sex sorted semen born calves with that of the conventional semen born calves in four veterinary ranges in Sri Lanka. A total of ten Jersey female calves born through sex sorted semen and ten Jersey female calves born through conventional semen were selected. The mean birth weight of calves born through sex sorted semen technology was 35.3 ± 3.6 kg and the conventional calves born was 31.6 ± 2.4 kg respectively. The mean weight gain per day of a sex semen born calf and a conventional semen born calf were 0.47 ± 0.1 kg/day and 0.45 ± 0.08 kg/day respectively. The mean birth weight of sex semen born calves was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the mean birth weight of conventional semen born claves. No significant difference (p > 0.05) observed between mean weight gain per day of two groups of calves. Comparatively high mean birth weight of sex semen born claves may be due to high genetic merit of proven bull used in sex semen processing. Exposing to same management practices may be the cause of same weight gain per day in two groups of calves.