jhm47
True BYH Addict
Estrotect patches are the way to go. I use them even on some of the heifers that we synchronize. As to the duration of heat---some heifers are only in heat for 3 - 4 hours. Cows usually are in heat around 12 - 18 hours. Breeding should be done around 8 - 12 hours after the onset of heat.
One method that we use on synched heifers is to use estrotect patches on all of them. Timed breed those that have scratched patches, and give GnRH to the ones that are not scratched. Breed the remainder around 20 hours later. This will increase preg rates by up to 10 - 15%.
As to the length of time that semen is viable in liquid N, it is good as long as it is kept in liquid nitrogen. I have some ampules (the forerunner of the straws that are currently used) from the 1970's that are just as fertile today as they were when collected.
I currently have around 2500 head of cows and heifers scheduled to breed in the May - July timeframe. Expecting to do around 5000 total this summer. Several herds of 700 - 1000+ signed up already. Of course, we try to limit our numbers to less than 400 in one day if possible due to arm fatigue and the time frame that they need to be bred within. The advent of the breeding barns that we utilize has allowed us to breed much faster and obtain better preg rates than were possible earlier.
As to using AI versus a bull--- Using AI when you can use a bull that likely has up to several thousand calves on the ground, versus an unproven bull is a no brainer. I have a customer who used AI the past several years to a PROVEN calving ease bull, and bought a "supposedly calving ease bull" to use as a cleanup bull last year. He had no problem with the AI calves, and had to pull 100+ lb calves from the heifers that were bred by the cleanup bull. Lost several calves, and had to have a vet do a caesarian section on a heifer. The "C" section cost him nearly $700, and he still lost the heifer. He's now convinced that AI is feasible cost wise. Yes, AI is not as convenient as a bull, but when you consider the shortened calving time, the likelihood of less calving difficulty, and the increased genetic value and flexibility, it's a no brainer. I'm also seeing $4000 - $6000 bulls that people have bought that should have been steers. Using a proven bull that one of the AI studs has done extensive research on, and has likely have done genetic tests on for a total fee of around $100 or less is definitely the way to go. Good luck!
One method that we use on synched heifers is to use estrotect patches on all of them. Timed breed those that have scratched patches, and give GnRH to the ones that are not scratched. Breed the remainder around 20 hours later. This will increase preg rates by up to 10 - 15%.
As to the length of time that semen is viable in liquid N, it is good as long as it is kept in liquid nitrogen. I have some ampules (the forerunner of the straws that are currently used) from the 1970's that are just as fertile today as they were when collected.
I currently have around 2500 head of cows and heifers scheduled to breed in the May - July timeframe. Expecting to do around 5000 total this summer. Several herds of 700 - 1000+ signed up already. Of course, we try to limit our numbers to less than 400 in one day if possible due to arm fatigue and the time frame that they need to be bred within. The advent of the breeding barns that we utilize has allowed us to breed much faster and obtain better preg rates than were possible earlier.
As to using AI versus a bull--- Using AI when you can use a bull that likely has up to several thousand calves on the ground, versus an unproven bull is a no brainer. I have a customer who used AI the past several years to a PROVEN calving ease bull, and bought a "supposedly calving ease bull" to use as a cleanup bull last year. He had no problem with the AI calves, and had to pull 100+ lb calves from the heifers that were bred by the cleanup bull. Lost several calves, and had to have a vet do a caesarian section on a heifer. The "C" section cost him nearly $700, and he still lost the heifer. He's now convinced that AI is feasible cost wise. Yes, AI is not as convenient as a bull, but when you consider the shortened calving time, the likelihood of less calving difficulty, and the increased genetic value and flexibility, it's a no brainer. I'm also seeing $4000 - $6000 bulls that people have bought that should have been steers. Using a proven bull that one of the AI studs has done extensive research on, and has likely have done genetic tests on for a total fee of around $100 or less is definitely the way to go. Good luck!
