Central Idea

In the realm of animal husbandry, a phenomenon known as Freemartinism sheds light on the extraordinary diversity found in cattle.

Freemartinism: A Unique Phenomenon

Freemartins are sterile female cattle born exhibiting characteristics of both sexes.
This phenomenon arises when a male and a female twin develop within the same uterus, occurring in approximately 90% of twin pregnancies in cattle.
The exchange of blood between the male and female foetuses during gestation plays a pivotal role in Freemartinism.
Freemartinism is primarily attributed to the sharing of cells carrying the Y chromosome from the male twin with the female twin.
Y chromosome triggers the development of male reproductive organs in the male foetus, while the female foetus, influenced by male hormones, undergoes incomplete development of its reproductive system.
Freemartins possess underdeveloped or non-functional reproductive tracts, rendering them incapable of reproduction.

In agricultural settings, identifying freemartins is crucial to enhance reproductive efficiency in cattle breeding.
Farmers often utilize physical and behavioural traits to identify freemartins, subsequently removing them from the breeding herd.
This culling strategy helps improve the overall breeding program by ensuring that non-reproductive cattle do not contribute to the herd.