My Journey with HeiferPlus by EMLAB

Have you heard about heifer sexing agents that can be applied using conventional AI straws? I’ve been utilizing a product called HeiferPlus by EMLAB with remarkable success, and I’m eager to share my insights. I’ll cover its ease of use, results, value, and cost-effectiveness.

HeiferPlus is a semen treatment designed to enhance the chances of producing heifer calves (female offspring) by influencing sperm motility. It works by boosting the movement of X-chromosome-bearing sperm (female) while potentially slowing down Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (male). It’s important to note that this is not the same as sexed semen, as HeiferPlus does not involve mechanical sorting through centrifuge methods to eliminate or kill male sperm. While it does not guarantee a heifer calf, studies have indicated that HeiferPlus can lead to a higher proportion of heifer births, with some reports suggesting ratios as high as 80-90%, compared to 97% achieved through mechanical sorting.

Personal Experience and Results

I first learned about and purchased this product while planning to employ small-stature New Zealand grass-fed Jersey bulls for my Jersey program. I aim to keep my genetic options broad rather than limited. The prospect of integrating these small-frame New Zealand bulls, known for their strong natural grazing ability, resonated with my goals of maintaining optimal body condition scores through foraging.

On SustainableGenetics.com, I discovered the HeiferPlus product available in small vials, and my curiosity prompted me to click the ‘add to cart’ button. When it arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about using it. I stored the product in my freezer next to my ziplock stockpile of kefir grains. Every time I opened the freezer, it seemed to taunt me. For two seasons, it tempted me, but I lacked the confidence to try it. Finally, I gathered the courage to take the plunge, fully aware that I could lose a month and a straw if it didn’t work. I was breeding Cassie, one of my 47″ small standard Jerseys, using the least expensive Select Sires American Jersey bull in my tank. Obviously, he’s still a quality bull, as I don’t invest in poor bulls.

With shaking hands and a racing heart, I recalled my training from the Artificial Insemination classes, knowing I was being too rough with the semen straw. Nevertheless, I meticulously followed the well-written instructions and diagrams. I bred Cassie twice: first, 12 hours after standing heat, and then again 9 hours later. It worked, and she settled from those breedings. This was my first sigh of relief, and eventually, I welcomed a heifer, marking complete success.

Time and again, I successfully produced heifers. So far, I’ve achieved a 100% success rate with that first bottle of 10 doses.

Andrea Mahorney

Time and again, I successfully produced heifers. So far, I’ve achieved a 100% success rate with that first bottle of 10 doses. I am convinced! The process became smoother with practice. I’ve since purchased BullPlus vials, aiming to intentionally produce a quality replacement bull in the coming year. As you might know, we need excellent bulls just as much as we need great cows. This allows me to choose when I need those bulls or heifers.

Controversial Results

ResearchGate has reported some controversial findings regarding the impact of HeiferPlus on sex ratios. In summary, HeiferPlus is a semen treatment that seeks to increase the likelihood of producing heifer calves by influencing sperm motility. While it is not sexed semen, it provides a potential method for producers to affect the sex ratio of their calf crop.

In Conclusion

PMJS will reimburse Lifetime Members up to $100 toward the course fee to the A.I. school of your choice.