The reproductive success of bovine sperm after sex‑sorting: a meta‑analysis

Reese, Sven ; Pirez, Miguel Camara; Steele, Heather; Kölle, Sabine (30. August 2021): The reproductive success of bovine sperm after sex‑sorting: a meta‑analysis. In: scientific reports, Vol. 11, No. 17366

Abstract

In the three decades since its inception, the sex-sorting technology has progressed significantly. However, field studies report conflicting findings regarding reproductive outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis of all trials published between 1999 and 2021. Non-return rates after 24 or 60 d (NRR 24/60), pregnancy, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates were compared after AI with sex-sorted vs non-sorted sperm. Additionally, the impact of recent developments in the sex-sorting technology was assessed. Of 860 studies found, 45 studies (72 trials) provided extractable data and were included. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis provided evidence that the NRR 24/60 was diminished by 13%, pregnancy rates were reduced by 23% (25% cows, 21% heifers) and calving rates were reduced by 24% when using sex-sorted sperm. Enhancing the dosage to 4 million sex-sorted sperm/straw (including recent improvements, high vs low dose) as well as using fresh sex-sorted sperm (sorted vs non-sorted) increased pregnancy rate ratios by 7 percentage points. The refinement of the sex-sorting technology after 2015 resulted in a lowered reduction of pregnancy and calving rate of 19% and 23%, respectively. Whereas abortion rates were similar, the stillbirth of male calves was increased by 6.3%.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Faculties: Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine > Department of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine > Department of Veterinary Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Anatomie, Histologie und Embryologie
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health; 600 Technology > 630 Agriculture
• ISSN: 2045-2322