Microbix to commercialise livestock semen sexing technology worldwide

Microbix, a Canadian company in human and veterinary biotechnology, will soon commercialise a livestock semen sexing technology (SST) with a number of worldwide partners.

The technology enables cattle and pig farmers to pre-select the gender of their breeding animals' offspring before conception.

Every sector of commercial animal breeding has a clear preference for one gender over the other, therefore this technology allows livestock producers to maximise productivity, profitability and genetic potential, Microbix said.

The technology does not involve genetic modification or any invasive procedure, and is not subject to any regulatory approval.

Microbix said it is in advanced talks with several global animal health companies to fund the development of its SST products.

The company said it already has agreements with 25 percent of dairy semen collection centres to adopt its SST once commercialised.

Microbix estimates it could generate about US$140 million in revenues through SST, together with its partners, within three years of launch.