AI

[Kellykidz]

We have 3 cows. 2 Dexters and one Lowline, the Dexters are (hopefully) bred and we want to breed the Lowline. We had considered purchasing a Dexter bull but I am not sure I am ready to own a bull. So now we are looking at having her AI. I am looking on the internet at semen and many of them are only available in 5 or 10 straws. I will only want to use this on one cow so hopefully we will not need that many or do we? I have contacted a vet to store the straws while we wait for her to go back into heat. Can anyone give me advice on AI? Will I need 5 straws? When she lived with a bull we never saw her go into heat she just always seemed to have a calf every 10-12 months. Dealers who have Lowline semen?

 

[jhm47]

Most AI companies appreciate it if you buy semen in at least 5 straw minimums. I am very cautious with the semen that I sell, and try to handle it as little as possible. By buying one or two straws, the entire cane must be pulled up out of the tank and this exposes the entire cane to warm air and possibly sunlight. Of course, if you were to purchase 5 straws, it will keep indefinitely as long as it's kept in liquid Nitrogen, so you can use a straw or two each year without worrying about losing any. You might also be able to find another breeder who would like to purchase some of your excess semen.

One thing that has changed in the past decade is the tremendous advances in heat synchronization. You can expect much better results with some of the newer protocols. Your vet should be able to advise you on the procedure.

I know that Genex has at least one Lowline bull available at this time, and you could do a search and likely find many more. Good luck!

 

[Kellykidz]

Most AI companies appreciate it if you buy semen in at least 5 straw minimums. I am very cautious with the semen that I sell, and try to handle it as little as possible. By buying one or two straws, the entire cane must be pulled up out of the tank and this exposes the entire cane to warm air and possibly sunlight. Of course, if you were to purchase 5 straws, it will keep indefinitely as long as it's kept in liquid Nitrogen, so you can use a straw or two each year without worrying about losing any. You might also be able to find another breeder who would like to purchase some of your excess semen.

One thing that has changed in the past decade is the tremendous advances in heat synchronization. You can expect much better results with some of the newer protocols. Your vet should be able to advise you on the procedure.

Thank you JHM! All your information was wonderful. She is in heat today so hopefully this month I will get ready for next month.

Kelly