Jake's thread on number of bull calves vs heifer calves got me wondering, along with the many times that folks have brought up the sexed semen questions in various different AI threads. Does anyone used Sexed semen quite often, or at least on a few of their best cows every year? Maybe CP and others know of some breeders that use it quite frequently?
Our best cow has had two bull calves so far in her young life, but I really want to get at least a few heifers out of her, preferably sooner then later. So we AI'd her in December with sexed semen to VAR Reserve and she took first try. I'm very anxious to get that calf on the ground and see it/her develop. I find myself wondering, especially with a smaller but growing herd, is it worth the lower conception rate to "aim" for more planned heifer pregnancies out of our best. The cost difference is obvious, but IMO, doesn't matter considering how high reg. Angus females are going for at Production sales (at least around here).
I guess I can ask my technician in May how much sexed semen he sells, too :idea: :idea:
Our best cow has had two bull calves so far in her young life, but I really want to get at least a few heifers out of her, preferably sooner then later. So we AI'd her in December with sexed semen to VAR Reserve and she took first try. I'm very anxious to get that calf on the ground and see it/her develop. I find myself wondering, especially with a smaller but growing herd, is it worth the lower conception rate to "aim" for more planned heifer pregnancies out of our best. The cost difference is obvious, but IMO, doesn't matter considering how high reg. Angus females are going for at Production sales (at least around here).
I guess I can ask my technician in May how much sexed semen he sells, too :idea: :idea: