Practical considerations for implementation of artificial insemination programs for beef cattle

The beef industry is increasingly taking advantage of effective methods available to synchronize ovulation in beef females. In addition to wide genetic choices possible with artificial insemination, estrus synchronization consolidates calving, increases calf age at weaning and with each season, increases average days postpartum at the start of breeding season. Variability in artificial insemination pregnancy rates occur from year to year, but should not prompt substantial changes in procedures. Inadequate nutrition limits reproductive success. Skillful managers balance reproductive output and feed expenditures. Adequate weight gain during the third trimester is critical to reproductive performance and timely reminders from a tool called Management Minder can ensure important dates are not missed. The Estrus Synchronization Planner converts a diagram of an estrus synchronization protocol to a calendar with specific dates and times for action ...