Sexed semen: current state-of-the-art in small ruminants

The rising global demand for animal products, driven by population growth and limited agricultural land, necessitates more sustainable and efficient livestock production systems. Flow cytometric sperm sex-sorting remains the only reliable technology available to control offspring sex ratios, thereby enhancing productivity in food-producing mammals. While the technology was originally developed and widely adopted in cattle, its application in small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats, remains comparatively limited and is largely confined to research and early-stage commercial use. This review examines the use of sperm sex-sorting in small ruminants, summarizing outcomes from experimental and field trials. Special attention is given to biological and technical constraints affecting performance, including sperm sensitivity to sorting and cryopreservation, fertility of sexed versus conventional semen, and logistical and economic considerations for implementation. Understanding these factors is essential for advancing the commercial adoption of sexed semen and optimizing reproductive efficiency in small ruminant production systems.