# Fertilization rate of crossbreeding cattle using sexing and conventional semen in different seasons in South Papua

## TL;DR

This study compares the fertilization rates of crossbreeding cattle using sexed and conventional semen in different seasons in South Papua.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of sexed and conventional semen in different seasons and finds that conventional semen performs better overall.

## Key findings

- Conventional semen showed better fertilization rates in all seasons compared to sexed semen.
- A double dose of sexed semen increased fertilization rates in the summer season.
- Pregnancy detection was possible as early as day 35 with a fetal heartbeat visible.

## Abstract

Fertilization rate of artificially inseminated cows using sexed and conventional semen in different seasons in South Papua.

Eighty crossbred cows aged 4–4.5 years with body condition score 3.8 were divided into groups A (summer = 40 cows) and B (rainy season = 40 cows). Each cow in each season was artificial insemination (AI) using sexed frozen semen and conventional semen. Frozen semen was evaluated for post-thawing motility (PTM), cell membrane integrity, and acrosome damage before synchronization using 5 ml PGF2α plus vitamin E. Using a visual gun, we identified cows in estrus on days 4–7 post-synchronization. Pregnancy of cows was detected using N5Vet ultrasound on days 35 and 55. The interaction between season, semen type, and fertilization level was analyzed using standard error and two-way ANOVA, assisted by SPSS 21 software.

The wet season Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) level averaged 77.12 ± 1.19, and the summer season THI level averaged 82.67 ± 1.25. PTM quality averaged 60%–65%, viability 61%–71%, sperm membrane integrity 62%–65%, and acrosome integrity 88%–91%. Conception rates (CR) value of rainy season (p < 0.05) with summer season. In addition, the services per conception (S/C) value in the rainy season (p > 0.05) is the same as in the summer. This study’s S/C and CR values were within normal limits, and the pregnancy rate reached 65%–86%. Pregnancy detection can be observed on day 35, and the fetal heartbeat is visible.

Post-AI fertilization using conventional semen was better in all seasons. The double dose of sexed semen can increase the fertilization rate in summer.