Current synchronization and A.I. programs are more convenient and easier to implement than ever before. Whether you are new to A.I. programs or a seasoned veteran, the following steps should be considered in preparing for a successful A.I. program.

1. Evaluate herd health – Ensure herd health and disease prevention with a well-designed prebreeding vaccination protocol.

Vaccinate females with final boosters a minimum of 30 days before the breeding season begins. Animal identification should be clear and easily readable.

2. Proper nutrition is key to a successful A.I. program – Heifers and cows should be on an increasing plane of nutrition for at least 45 days prior to breeding and on an adequate mineral program.

It is important to develop heifers to an ideal breeding condition. Heifers should be 14 to 15 months old and approximately 65 percent of their projected mature bodyweight.

Cows should be in a body condition score of 5 to 6 and a minimum of 45 to 50 days postpartum. Drastic changes to nutrition or activity level should not be made before or after the A.I. date; change of diet within 21 days prior to or after breeding should be gradual.

3. Cattle handling can have a significant impact on the results of your A.I. program – Evaluate your facilities and make sure they are in good repair and set up to ensure a smooth flow of animals through the alleyway.

Facilities don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to be functional. There needs to be enough room to hold the cattle comfortably and proper room to allow sorting and cattle movement.

If a breeding barn is available, it is an excellent tool for breeding cattle in a quiet, low-stress, safe and animal-friendly method.

In a breeding barn, cattle are standing on a natural surface in a dark box where their heads are not secured, so they remain calmer than if confined in a squeeze-chute.

Proper cattle handling and stockmanship are essential to maximize conception and result in less stress for cattle and people.

4. Method of A.I. – If the herd owner is going to do his own A.I., he may elect to use some heat detection in conjunction with a synchronization protocol.

If professional A.I. technician service is required, a timed A.I. synchronization protocol will be the best choice because it condenses the time and labor requirement. Utilizing qualified and experienced A.I. technicians will improve your results and make the project go more smoothly.

A good source of synchronization information and scheduling is available through the Iowa State Synchronization Planner. This free download includes the approved synchronization protocols and allows you to print customized calendars for your specific A.I. program.

It is encouraged that producers prepare a calendar of actions to ensure protocol compliance. Factors that should be considered in determining which synchronization protocol best fits an operation include whether the breeding group is heifers or cows, number of trips through the chute, cost, available labor, time commitment and facilities.

The cost of the various synchronization protocols varies from $4 to $18 per head. If detecting estrus, spend as much time observing the animals as possible. Use estrus detection aids to facilitate visual observation of estrus.

5. If reproductive tract scoring is available in your area, it is an excellent low-cost tool to determine which heifers are good candidates for A.I.

At least 50 percent of heifers should have a reproductive tract score of more than 4 by six to eight weeks prior to the breeding season.

6. Location is not a limiting factor to implementing a successful A.I. program with the effective portable facilities available today.

With a set of portable corrals and a breeding barn, the A.I. project can be taken to the cows.

7. In final preparation for breeding day, make sure semen and supplies are ordered well in advance and the necessary labor is scheduled.

8. If the animals need to be transported after A.I., it should be done within six days of A.I. or 45 days after A.I.

9. Be sure to use high-genetic-value, fertility-tested clean-up sires to maximize overall pregnancy rates in a defined breeding season.

This reduces the number of natural-service sires required and allows producers to improve the genetic merit of their natural-service bull battery.

By following the above guidelines, a producer will maximize the number of pregnancies early in the breeding season while improving the herd’s genetic base.

The result will be increased weaning weights and a high-quality supply of replacement females creating marketing equity in your herd. 

Genex has a free, laminated beef A.I. checklist that producers can hang in their barns and refer to as breeding season approaches; contact them for a copy.

Stan Lock
Large-Herd Development Manager
Genex Cooperative