Genetic tech has come a long way from paper pedigrees and guesswork. Today, tools like sexed semen, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and genomic testing are helping ranchers breed better, faster, and more profitably. Industry leaders Frank Padilla, Eric Grant, and Wayne Vanderwert explain how these technologies are reshaping beef production—from improving carcass quality to rapidly accelerating herd improvement.

In today’s issue:

• The three biggest breakthroughs in beef genetics—according to top industry experts

• How sexed semen changed the game (and led to 4.5M Holsteins bred to Angus)

• Why faster genetic progress means more profitable, more adaptable herds

• And much more…

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BEST LINKS

Our Favorite Finds

• World's first somatic cell-cloned dzo born in China's Xizang (Global Times)
  China has officially approved a new feed protein made by bio-engineering industrial CO₂ emissions into yeast, offering a high-efficiency, land-saving alternative to traditional feed—potentially transforming sustainable livestock nutrition.

• Effect of Broccoli Extract Supplement on Carcass Traits and Lipid Metabolism in Holstein steers (Frontiers in Genetics)
  Researchers have developed a new gene-editing method in cattle that enhances traits like feed efficiency and disease resistance by precisely targeting multiple genes simultaneously. This breakthrough combines cutting-edge CRISPR tools with genomic selection to accelerate breed improvements—potentially boosting productivity and reducing environmental impact in beef and dairy herds.

• Supporting Cattlemen in the High Country (Snowy River Mail)
  Australian support programs are helping high-country cattle producers navigate the challenges of rugged terrain, harsh weather, and remote logistics by providing tailored grants, training, and tech resources—strengthening resilience and sustainability in mountain grazing operations.

• ‘I do believe we can still get to a net zero position’: MLA chief (Beef Central)
  Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) plans to keep pushing toward a net-zero carbon goal, focusing on reducing methane through genetics, feed supplements, soil carbon measurement, and pasture management—while also exploring opportunities for carbon credits to benefit producers.

• CAF promotes sustainable development in Paraguay’s agriculture sector at the Horizonte Rural conference. (Noticias Ambientales)
  At the Horizonte Rural Conference, CAF and Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture launched initiatives to boost sustainable, climate-smart farming—especially for family-owned operations—by offering tailored financing, technical support, and inclusive programs for rural women and youth. The effort aims to strengthen agricultural resilience, productivity, and food security across Paraguay.

• Cow waste being mulled as hydrogen fuel (Sarawak Tribune)
  Sarawak is piloting a circular green initiative that converts cow dung's methane into hydrogen fuel, aiming to monetize livestock waste and support sustainable energy production as part of a broader low-carbon strategy.

• Artificial Intelligence in Livestock Farming Market Trends Highlight Surge in Real-Time Animal Behavior Monitoring (OpenPR)
  The global AI-in-livestock farming market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 26%, reaching as much as $7.3 billion by 2029—driven by solutions like real-time behavior monitoring, health tracking, feed optimization, and smart fencing—with North America leading and Asia-Pacific rapidly catching up.

• Technology is Driving Sustainable Shift in Agriculture: UAG (Mexico Business News)
  The Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) emphasizes that integrating advanced technologies—such as precision agriculture, AI, drones, and smart irrigation—into livestock operations can enhance sustainability, efficiency, and food security. These innovations support traditional ranching practices by providing real-time data on soil moisture, animal health, and resource needs, enabling proactive management in the face of climate variability and rising global food demand.

IN SIMPLE TERMS

What is sexed semen?

Think of sexed semen as genetic GPS for your breeding program—it helps you navigate directly to the type of calves you want rather than leaving things to chance. Instead of the traditional 50-50 coin flip between heifer and bull calves, sexed semen technology lets you stack the deck in your favor, delivering roughly 90% of the gender you're targeting.

How It Actually Works

Scientists use sophisticated equipment to sort sperm cells based on their genetic cargo. Sperm carrying an X chromosome will produce heifers, while those with a Y chromosome create bull calves. Using flow cytometry technology, technicians can separate these sperm with remarkable precision, then package them for artificial insemination just like conventional semen.

Why This Matters for Your Operation

The real power of sexed semen lies in strategic herd management. Running a cow-calf operation and want to expand your breeding herd? Use X-sorted semen on your best cows to generate replacement heifers with superior genetics. Focused on feeder cattle production? Y-sorted semen helps you produce more steers, which typically bring higher market prices than heifers.

Dairy operations have embraced this technology most aggressively—as industry expert Eric Grant noted, sexed semen has resulted in 4.5 million Holstein cows being bred to Angus bulls, creating valuable crossbred cattle while ensuring dairy herds get the replacement heifers they need.

The Trade-offs

Sexed semen typically costs 2-3 times more than conventional semen and often shows slightly lower conception rates. The sorting process can stress sperm cells, requiring more precise timing and optimal cow conditions for best results. However, many ranchers find the increased control over their breeding program justifies the additional investment.

Making It Work for You

Success with sexed semen depends on using it strategically. Reserve it for your highest-value matings—your best cows bred to your most elite bulls where the resulting offspring will have maximum genetic and economic impact. For routine breeding, conventional semen often makes more financial sense.

This technology represents exactly what industry veteran Frank Padilla highlighted in recent discussions: modern tools that allow ranchers to "make change so much faster" than traditional breeding methods ever allowed.

DEEP DIVE

Companies Providing Sexed Semen for Beef Cattle

Several leading genetics and artificial insemination companies offer sexed semen specifically for beef cattle, enabling producers to select for desired calf sex and improve herd management.

Major Providers

ABS Global

• Offers Sexcel® sexed genetics for beef and dairy cattle.

• Provides advanced synchronization and AI programs for maximizing conception rates

Select Sires

• Supplies gender SELECTED™ sexed semen for beef breeds.

• Continuously updates its catalog with conception data and removes underperforming bulls

Genex

• Provides a broad portfolio of beef bull semen, including sexed options, with a focus on herd improvement and fertility

Alta Genetics

• Offers sexed semen for both beef and dairy cattle, emphasizing genetic gain and reproductive efficiency

Cattle Visions

• Multi-breed distributor with a wide selection of beef bull semen, including sexed semen options

SEK Genetics

• One of the largest and most diverse semen inventories for beef cattle, including sexed semen and custom AI services

Semex

• Provides SexedULTRA™ sexed semen for beef and dairy cattle, supporting herd genetic management

International and Regional Providers

Genus ABS India

• Offers sexed genetics for beef and dairy breeds in India and globally

Elitest (France)

• Cooperative providing artificial insemination and sexed semen for beef and dairy cattle in Europe

Summary Table

Key Points

• These companies supply sexed semen for a variety of beef breeds, supporting both commercial and seedstock producers.

• Sexed semen is widely used to increase the number of replacement heifers or steer calves, depending on herd goals.

• Most providers offer additional reproductive services, such as AI synchronization, embryo transfer, and genetic testing.

For specific breed availability, pricing, and ordering, it is best to consult the individual company websites or local representatives.

WRAPPING UP

Outro

Thanks for joining us this week as we dive into how sexed semen and other cutting-edge genetic tools are changing the game for cattle ranchers. Embracing these technologies can give your herd a competitive edge by improving breeding precision, boosting profitability, and helping your operation adapt to future challenges.

We’re trying to decide between CRISPR and drones for next week’s issue…stay tuned.

BeefTech.News – Keeping you ahead of the herd.

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