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Agricultural News

Breeding Plans Made Easier with Free Estrus-Synchronization Planner

When it comes to artificial insemination, there are many options for today's cattle herd. Protocols can be confusing, but animal scientist Sandy Johnson says that they don't have to be. She is part of the multi-university beef reproductive task force, a group that created a free estrus-synchronization planner to help.


"They need to think about how much heat detection they want to do and, then, based on the amount of heat detection either all heat detection, some heat detection or no heat detection, we have systems for them to select from that have different lengths and other options. But, essentially, we have those three different categories. Decide how much heat detection you want to do, have a short list to pick from, and apply it."


The group aims to help producers develop a plan that's easy to follow.


"They call and say, 'I did the wrong thing on the wrong day,' or 'I gave product A instead of product B and now what can I do?' So, we hope by using the synchronization planner that, one , we get the right things done on the right day to minimize some of those questions and problems, but we know we can always have human error and, as those situations arise, we'll certainly help you try to troubleshoot those," Johnson says.


If you're trying A-I for the first time, she has a few tips: Be sure females are in good body condition at breeding, follow the calendar, and find a mentor to help.


"Understand that our synchronization programs these days can really provide some excellent results. Don't be afraid to try fixed-time A-I. It's uncomfortable for a lot of people used to breeding on heat to breed a cow they didn't see stand, but our experience has shown that we can still get excellent results. Apply the protocol as described. Breed them. Go on your way. Don't sweat it."


The free planner is available under the "resources" at www.beefrepro.unl.edu .