Fertility Outcomes of Sexed Semen Artificial Insemination under Field Conditions in Dairy Cattle and Buffalo in Smallholder Farming Systems in India

Abstract

Sexed semen technology has emerged as an important reproductive tool for improving genetic progress and herd structure in dairy production systems. Field performance of sexed semen artificial insemination was evaluated in cattle (n = 840) and buffalo (n = 319) under smallholder dairy systems in Bareilly district, India. Pregnancy diagnosis at 80–90 days post-insemination revealed an overall conception rate of 46.7% in cattle (392/840) and 44.3% in buffalo (141/319), indicating moderate yet field-relevant fertility outcomes. In cattle, breed exerted a highly significant effect on conception (χ² = 21.07, df = 2, p < 0.0001), with indigenous animals showing superior fertility (52.1%; 294/564) compared to crossbred (37.3%; 59/158) and exotic animals (33.1%; 39/118). Odds ratio analysis confirmed higher likelihood of conception in indigenous cattle relative to crossbred (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.28–2.62). Parity-wise analysis demonstrated peak fertility in mid parity animals (50.6%; 160/316), followed by heifers (46.0%; 23/50), early parity (44.7%; 168/376) and high parity animals (41.8%; 41/98). Interaction analysis highlighted the highest conception in indigenous mid parity animals (62.2%), indicating a strong combined effect of genetic adaptability and physiological maturity. Buffalo exhibited comparable conception; however, absence of detailed subgroup data restricted further evaluation. In conclusion, sexed semen represents a practical and effective reproductive strategy under smallholder dairy systems, enabling acceptable fertility outcomes while facilitating genetic improvement and targeted female calf production, with optimal results achieved in indigenous cattle and mid parity animals under field conditions. However, lack of calf sex ratio data at the time of analysis, incomplete recording of breed and parity in buffalo, variability in smallholder management practices and farmer-based estrus detection, absence of quantitative assessment of body condition, nutrition and environmental stress, and restriction to a specific geographical region may limit comprehensive evaluation and broader applicability of the findings.