SORTING OF SPERMATOZOA OF VARIOUS ANIMAL SPECIES – ANALYSIS OF CHARACTERISTICS OF SEPARATION METHODS

This article systematizes data on methods for separating spermatozoa carrying X- and Y-chromosomes in various animal species. A comparative analysis of five techniques is conducted: flow cytometry, density gradient centrifugation, albumin columns, electrophoresis, and microfluidic sorting. Sperm sorting by sex is a pivotal tool in reproductive biotechnology, enabling control over offspring sex to enhance economic efficiency in dairy and meat cattle breeding, pig farming, sheep farming, and conservation of rare species. The biological basis of these technologies is the DNA content difference between X- and Y-spermatozoa (2.8–4.2% depending on the species). Flow cytometry remains the standard due to its 85–95% accuracy, but novel approaches, including immunological and nanotechnological methods, are under active development. The efficiency, advantages, limitations, and prospects of these methods in Ukraine are evaluated.