MANAGING AN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROGRAM

To successfully manage an AI program we need to aim at influencing -

1. The Submission rate - the percentage of cows in a herd which are actually inseminated; and
2. The Conception rate - the percentage of cows conceiving to this insemination.

Just as the old adage of "positon, position, position" applies to Real Estate, people must associate the success of an AI program with NUTRITION, NUTRITION, NUTRITION.

The oestrus cycle which is responsible for getting a cow back in calf is way down the list when it comes to the way nutrients are partitioned towards the various bodily functions. Oestrus runs distantly behind body maintenance, growth, lactation and pregnancy.

Poor nutritional status has a very negative impact on reproduction. It leads to (i) Poor condition of animals, and (ii) Longer past-partum anoestrus.

Conversely there is a very positive relationship between (i) Condition score at the time of joining and conception rate, and (ii) Condition score at calving and the time from calving to the first post-partum heat.

Calve your cows in reasonable condition and after calving when ready to join, have them in positive energy balance on a rising plane of nutrition. If this cannot be achieved on pasture alone then supplementary feed them.

Heifers should be managed between weaning and joining so that they present in forward body condition whilst reaching a minimum target weight of 350kg. Mature cows, calved at least 50 days, in good condition are suitable. First calvers do not perform well in AI programs, and it is best to use a bull for this group.

SYNCHRONISATION

Synchronisation programs facilitate compact oestrus activity and subsequent AI periods.
There are many synchronization protocols utilized in the beef industry. An effective & commonly used program is the CIDR & PROSTAGLANDIN (PG) protocol. Sample program -

Round 1
DAY 0                        INSERT CIDR & Inject Cidirol(Cows 2ml, Heifers 1ml)
DAY 6                        INJECT (PG)
DAY 8                        REMOVE CIDR & APPLY HEAT DETECTOR
DAY 9                        START HEAT DETECTION
DAY 10 –12               HEAT DETECT & AI

Round 2                     Optional
DAY 24                      REINSERT CIDR
DAY 31                      REMOVE CIDR & APPLY HEAT DETECTOR
DAY 32 – 34              HEAT DETECT & AI

HEAT DETECTION

Heat detection is a very important factor affecting conception rate. Apply the following rules;
(i) At least twice a day (am and pm) heat detection which lasts at least 30 minutes per session.
(ii) Employ the same person to heat detect so they become familiar with the behaviour of individual animals within a group.
(iii) Apply heat detectors.
(iv) Use large easy to read ear tags.
(v) Record the number of the animal when first seen in heat and not at subsequent intervals.
(vi) Be able to recognise the signs of the onset of oestrus.
      * The most obvious a female stands to be mounted.
      * The heat detector is positively triggered.
      * Cows bellowing, frequently urinating, withholding milk and prowling fences.
      * Animals verging on standing heat will congregate with and mount other animals which are obviously in season.
      More Heat Detection Tips

BACK UP BULLS

The conception rate to AI is on average 60 – 70%. A bull is needed to back up the AI program to get those animals not conceiving to AI, pregnant.

CATTLE HANDLING

Aim to minimise the stress on cows, by focussing on low stress cattle handling and good cattle husbandry. You will need -

An adequate labour force
Well designed and maintained yards that facilitate easy handling and insemination
A good crush or head bail for the safety of operators and animals
Ample shelter and water
The pairing of cows and calves in the yard minimises stress.

AI TECHNIQUE

Employ a qualified experienced technician.

Inseminate twice per day. Apply the general rule - cows observed in heat in the morning are inseminated that afternoon and those in heat in the afternoon are inseminated the following morning.

COST

Approx $26 per cow*
* Based on >100 animals inseminated. Cost of semen is additional.

AI fee - $8 per insemination
KAMAR Heat Detector - $1.70 each
Prostaglandin – $2.20 per 2ml injection
CIDR B - $13.50 each
CIDIROL – 85 cents per ml
(CIDR’s may be carefully washed & reused once)

David Plant, Southern Cross Genetics

Notes provided by David Plant
Southern Cross Genetics
(pictured)