Most cattle producers know that the textbook gestation length of beef cattle is 283 days. Most also realize that biology is variable, and predicting the exact day of natural birth in most mammalian species is very difficult to do. However, some producers seem to forget these biological laws when using new technology in their breeding programs. Many producers associate artificial insemination (AI) with the cow herd behaving in very regimented and predictable ways.
We often recommend implement a timed AI program, in which a large group of heifers is synchronized and inseminated on a single day. Some producers hesitate to implement such a system because they envision the resulting calf crop being born on a single day and creating a problem if the heifers require calving assistance. Fortunately, biological variability takes care of this potential problem.
Artificial insemination in a commercial beef production system has advantages and disadvantages. Implementation of AI helps a producer better manage the calving season. AI bulls typically have superior, more predictable genetic value compared to herd bulls and sire better-performing calves. Individual bulls can be selected for specific matings to improve desired traits in part of the cow herd, or a single bull can be chosen to sire the entire calf crop. This would tend to increase uniformity, thereby increasing overall value of the calf crop. Artificial insemination can also be beneficial to smaller-scale producers where the upkeep and management costs of a herd bull are not economically feasible. Some disadvantages of AI may include the cost of semen or labor. A considerable amount of handling of the cattle is necessary and adequate working facilities are required for artificially inseminating cattle. Finally, if the cows aren't synchronized, the producer must spend considerable time each day detecting cows that are coming into heat and are ready to be bred.
AI might not be the right choice for every producer, but more producers should consider the benefits of an AI program for their replacement heifers. A timed AI program has much lower labor requirements than traditional AI, and it doesn't result in all the calves being born on the same day. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
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