Sperm Sexing in Selected Animals and Humans: Methods, Applications, and Future Prospects

BACKGROUND: Sperm sexing is a technique that enables the selection of offspring sex by sorting spermatozoa based on their sex chromosomes. This technology has gained increasing attention due to its potential applications in both animal breeding and human-assisted reproduction. APPLICATIONS: In livestock production, sperm sexing offers substantial economic and genetic benefits, including increased milk production in dairy cattle, improved meat yields in beef cattle, and the prevention of sex-linked genetic diseases. In human reproduction, sex selection techniques may support family balancing and reduce the risk of transmitting hereditary disorders. Commonly used methods, such as flow cytometry and density gradient centrifugation, have been progressively refined to enhance sorting efficiency and accuracy. CHALLENGES: Despite its advantages, sperm sexing presents technical limitations and raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding its societal implications and the welfare of embryos selected through assisted reproductive technologies. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: This review summarizes current sperm sexing methods and their applications in animals and humans, highlights existing challenges, and discusses future directions for technological advancement. The development of safer, more effective, and ethically acceptable approaches may further expand the role of sperm sexing in sustainable animal production and personalized reproductive medicine.