AI QUESTION!!

[Cowgirl94]

This year we are wanting to change things up. We want to stray completely away from natural service so we wont have to deal with the clean up bulls. What is the best way to go about doing back to back AI'ing and AI'ing the cows that didn't take the first time again? Can someone give us somewhat of a schedule that works for their operation including the synchronization and meds you use.

 

[Bulldaddy]

I AI with no clean up bull.  When a cow is bred for the first time, I write it down on my calendar.  Then at 15 days past breeding I put an esterus patch on her and chalk her tailhead.  That way if I don't catch her in heat (nighttime or at work) I will know for sure whether she came back in heat.  Then I bred those coming back into heat for the second time and repeat the process untill they are all bred.  Sometimes I have one that isn't bred and they go to town or move to the next breeding season depending on how sentimental I am feeling. 

 

[OH Breeder]

Prior to keeping bull year round we used protocols in the back of the ABS semen catalog. Timed AI with CIDRS. Go two cycles and if they don't stick by second try go to the herd bull. We really like our calves from herd bull. So either way for us is a win.