Determinants of investment: sexed semen in dairy cattle
Date
2010
Authors
McCullock, Katelyn, author
Hoag, Dana, advisor
Seidel, George, committee member
Wailes, William, committee member
Parsons, Jay, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The process of sexing semen through flow cytometry has achieved results in several species, including humans. Potentially, the dairy industry has the ability to earn large gains from sexed semen because of the need for all female herds. This research examined key components in the areas of technology, management, and market environment that affect the adoption of sexed semen on a commercial dairy farm. A spreadsheet was built to simulate the interactions among these areas of interest and regression was used to map and simplify the results. Three scenarios were compared on a case farm using sexed semen. Results identify Dairy heifer calf price had the most impact on profitability of this technology. Conception rate and technology variables affecting conception rate also had significant impacts on return on investment.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
Dairy cattle -- Breeding
Dairy farming
Semen