Those considering or using Artificial Insemination (AI) should ensure that the breeding season does not become lengthened in attempts to settle cows. Top breeding management is required for successful heat detection and high conception rates with AI.
A suggested practice would be to breed the top end of the herd AI the first 25-30 days of the breeding season and use a clean-up bull or bulls for the remainder of the breeding period.
A sound health program and good nutrition are requirements of any breeding program. They become even more important in an AI program.
Proper handling facilities are essential to an AI program. They can be very simple or elaborate. Anything that can be done to reduce handling stress will greatly increase conception rates.
Success with artificial insemination requires top management. Management must be willing to provide the additional labor which will always be above the requirements for natural mating.
Heat Detection
Individual cow identification visible from a distance and adequate records are essential components of a successful heat detection program.
Table 1: Heat Detection
A higher detection rate of cows in heat has been observed before noon than during the afternoon and evening. Shortly after sunrise a special effort should be made to detect heat.
Heat Detection Aids
1.Kamar Patch - pressure sensitive devices glued to the rump of cows for heat detection.
2.Sterilized Bulls - surgically altered bulls.
3.Teaser Bulls
4.Hopped up Heifers - heifers treated with hormones.
5.Chin Ball Marker - detector animal fitted with this marker.
Insemination Methods
Cleanliness during all insemination procedures is essential and is a critical point for success or failure.
Oestrus Synchronization
Injection of a natural or synthetic prostaglandin will induce heat in sexually mature and cycling females. Cattle which are not reproductively cycling must not be included in an estrus synchronizing program.
Oestrus synchronization with prostaglandins has the potential to improve and increase artificial insemination (AI) programs with cattle.
Controlled breeding programs will reduce time and labor involved with heat detection and shorten both the breeding season and calving season. Total Cost factors would have to be considered.
With good management this program can be successful.
Pregnancy Examination
Pregnancy examination as a routine practice at the end of the breeding season can be an important tool in improving the efficiency within the beef cow herd. Identifying open cows which can be effectively marketed will reduce wintering costs and increase efficiency of production.
Pregnancy examination should take place 6 to 8 weeks after the end of breeding season.
Advantages of early pregnancy diagnosis in beef cattle are:
1.Gives warning of breeding problems (infertility and problem breeders)
2.Improved fertility - effective culling and marketing of problem breeders.
3.Reduced overhead costs - effective use of time, labor, facilities, etc.
4.Guarantee pregnancy in females for sale.
