Practical considerations for implementation of artificial insemination programs for beef cattle

Abstract

The beef industry is increasingly taking advantage of effective methods available to synchronize ovulation in beef females. In addition to wide genetic choices possible with artificial insemination, estrus synchronization consolidates calving, increases calf age at weaning and with each season, increases average days postpartum at the start of breeding season. Variability in artificial insemination pregnancy rates occur from year to year, but should not prompt substantial changes in procedures. Inadequate nutrition limits reproductive success. Skillful managers balance reproductive output and feed expenditures. Adequate weight gain during the third trimester is critical to reproductive performance and timely reminders from a tool called Management Minder can ensure important dates are not missed. The Estrus Synchronization Planner converts a diagram of an estrus synchronization protocol to a calendar with specific dates and times for action. Attention to detail is important from nutritional management and execution of the estrus synchronization protocol to deposition of semen. Economic efficiency of a breeding program increases if number of bulls needed for natural service are reduced following artificial insemination. Balance number of bulls needed post artificial insemination with knowledge and experience of the artificial insemination program and relative risk aversion. Early pregnancy detection allows staging of pregnancies and adds value for marketing, management and assessment of reproductive response. Minimize stress of activity and animal movement to reduce embryonic loss. Estrus synchronization systems can be adapted to a variety of production environments, enabling increased opportunities to pursue value-added genetics.