ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

1
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

• IS AI FOR YOU?
• PUREBRED
• COMMERCIAL

2
ADVANTAGES

• Use Superior Sires
• Improve Genetics---in 3 generations 87 traced to
  sires used
• Uniformity of calf crop
• Improve Economic Traits
• ---Weaning weight, ADG, Calving Ease, Carcass
  Quality, Maternal Ability

• Shorten Calving Season
• Progeny Predictability with EPDs
• Easier Marketing
• Better Prices
• Improve Replacement Heifers
• Facilitates Crossbreeding

3
Disadvantages

• Requires Training----manual dexterity skills
• Facilities----working pens and chute (covered)
• Time
• Extra Labor
• Equipment Costs

• Lower Conception
• Does not eliminate the need for a bull
• Practice once per year
• Only as good as the technician

4
How Do I Get Started?

• Do it yourself
• Hire a Pro

5
Do it yourself

• Costs
• AI School 285.00
• Semen Tank 545.00
• Liquid Nitrogen (annual) 72.00
• AI Kit 195.00
• Semen (30 x 15) 450.00
• Total 1547.00

6
Hire a Pro

• Assists with synchronizing herd
• AI on timed insemination
• 12.50/hd x 30 375.00
• 15.00 x 30 straws 450.00
• Total 825.00

7
Three Competency Factors

• Heat Detection
• Semen Handling
• Inseminating the Cow

8
Equation of Reproduction

• A x B x C x D Pregnant
• A Detected in heat and inseminated ()
• B Inseminator efficiency ()
• C Fertility level of herd ()
• D Semen fertility level ()

9
Equation of Reproduction

• A x B x C x D Pregnancy
• Herd 1
• A95
• B100
• C90
• D95
• .95 x 1.00 x .90 x .95 81.2 Pregnant

10
Equation of Reproduction

• A x B x C x D Pregnant
• Herd 2
• A60
• B100
• C90
• D95
• .60 x 1.00 x .90 x .95 51.3 Pregnant

11
Cost Cutting Ideas

• Co-op with other cattlemen
• Share the cost of equipment and LN
• Share portable chute and scales
• Partnership on bulls
• Pool calves
• Video marketing
• Internet marketing

12
You make the call!

• If you plan to stay in the cattle business and
  become a progressive breeder by producing good
  predictable cattle that will draw a premium
  price, then you should definitely utilize
  Artificial Insemination in your herd.