The use of a specialized breeding technique to boost the number of milking cows by
thousands is generating debate in California’s dairy industry.
Some say it doesn’t make sense to produce more milk as farmers struggle with low prices,
high debt and an oversupply. But supporters of the technology say it could be a valuable tool
for efficiently raising more cows – and ultimately ramping up production when demand rises.
In the central San Joaquin Valley, the heart of the nation’s dairy industry, the slumping dairy
economy has hit farmers hard. Many dairy farmers are losing money, while others have left the
industry.
At issue is the use of a breeding technique called sexed semen that can produce more heifers
– females – than bulls.
Normal breeding practices generally produce about an equal number of female and male
offspring. Using sexed semen, about 90 percent of pregnancies result in females.

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