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Repro & AI Services

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Hermann Veterinary Clinic: Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Services

Our large animal team of 5 veterinarians and 4 large animal assistants are committed to bringing the latest reproductive technologies to your cattle herd.

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We are a local ABS Global dealer, servicing 12 surrounding counties.

Reproduction Services Include: 

  • Synchronization Protocol Selection

  • CIDR Placement

  • Hormone Administration

  • Heat Detection

  • Artificial Insemination

  • Heifer Pelvic Measurement and Reproductive Tract Scoring

  • Pregnancy Testing

  • ​Bull Breeding Soundness Exams

What is artificial insemination?

Artificial insemination (AI) is a method of breeding cattle using frozen straws of semen.  In order for the process to be successful it must be done at the proper time of a cow’s heat cycle.  In the past this required observing cows for heat in order to breed at the appropriate time.  However, the most common method of AI today uses a synchronization protocol to bring the majority of the herd into heat at the same time so they can be bred using timed AI.  Improvements in synchronization techniques has made artificial insemination a much more feasible option for today’s cattle producers.    ​

Why should I use artificial insemination in my cow herd? 

The bulls available for use in artificial insemination are some of the very best bulls in their breed.  Artificial insemination allows you to bring these genetics into your own herd at a very affordable cost.  Perhaps the biggest benefit of AI is many of the sires we use have several thousand calves already born.  This means we have a much better idea of how future offspring will perform.  With artificial insemination, you can reduce calving difficulty, wean bigger calves, have better carcass traits, and ultimately have replacement heifers that will be more productive in your herd.

What conception rate can I expect? 

On average between 50%-70% of a herd will conceive to a single timed insemination.  This is pretty similar to the percent of cows a bull will breed on a single cycle.  Most herds employ a "clean-up bull" to breed the remaining open cows on the following 2-3 cycles.  Using the cleanup bull we still target a 95% total herd pregnancy rate at the end of breeding season.  Before starting a breeding project you should be aware these are averages, and the individual breeding project may do better or worse than the average.  This is especially true when working with smaller groups.  Herds that tend to have good results with AI breeding are typically herds that have had good results with bull breeding in the past.  AI will not overcome a poor nutrition program, poor management, or a poor herd health program. ​

What is the synchronization process like? 

The synchronization programs we most commonly use require 4 trips through the chute for heifers and 3 for cows (including when we AI).  This can sound intimidating for someone who hasn’t done AI before and it is true that it isn’t feasible within some facilities and some herds of cattle.  However, when synchronizing cattle most trips through the chute require only a single injection.  In some cases multiple cattle can even be injected simultaneously when lined up in a sturdy alleyway.  In most herds where we employ AI the cows get used to the working facilities during the synchronization protocol which has the added benefit of making them easier to work for other purposes. 
Cows

For mature cows we typically use a 7 day CO-synch+CIDR:
Day 0: Insert CIDR + Injection of GnRH
Day 7 at 2 PM: Remove CIDR + Injection of Prostaglandin
Day 10 at 8 AM: Artificial Insemination + Injection of GnRH

Heifers

For heifers we typically use a 14 day CIDR Protocol:
Day 0: Insert CIDR (+/- pre-breeding vaccines exam)
Day 14: Remove CIDR
Day 30 at 2 PM: Injection of Prostaglandin
Day 33 at 8 AM:  Artificial Insemination + Injection of GnRH
There are two major benefits of using this protocol on heifers.  The first benefit of this protocol is the use of a CIDR implant for 14 days can induce cycling in heifers that weren’t previously.  The second benefit of this protocol is the synchronization starts 33 days before artificial insemination.   This is a long enough time before AI we can give heifers their pre-breeding vaccines at the same time we start the synchronization.  This is also a good time to do pelvic measurements and reproductive tract scoring to weed out any heifers that aren’t mature enough to breed.

Most producers perform part of the synchronization at their farm in order to keep the cost of the breeding project low.  However, don’t worry if you don’t understand all of the synchronization steps.  We provide specific instructions with every breeding project regarding what to do and when to do it.  
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What does it cost?

​There are many variables that affect the cost of the individual breeding project including the number of animals to be bred, the semen cost for the sire used, and the amount of travel required.  However for a typical AI project you can expect to spend approximately $50-$60 for the synchronization and artificial insemination.  When done correctly, AI pays for itself in the form of increased weaning weights, a more uniform calf crop, and improved genetics in the herd.  Please contact our office if you would like a more specific estimate for your breeding project at hermannvetreception@gmail.com, (573)-486-2515, or visit us at 2094 Highway 100, Hermann, MO.

What should I do to get my cattle ready for AI? 

The nutritional and health status of a group of cattle is one of the major determinants of the success of an AI project.  The best results are seen when cattle are at least 45-60 days post calving and a body condition score of 5-7.  In addition fertility is better when cattle are gaining body condition throughout the breeding season and decreased when cattle lose condition during the breeding season.  Using a high quality mineral supplement will also help ensure your cattle have the best chance of becoming pregnant. 

We recommend a pre-breeding vaccination protocol for any animal we AI and strongly encourage pre-breeding pelvic measurement and reproductive tract scoring on heifers to ensure they are mature enough to become pregnant and deliver a calf without difficulty.  As a full service veterinary clinic, we would be happy to provide these services if you do not currently have a herd veterinarian.  However, we are equally happy to work with your existing veterinarian to integrate AI into your herd health program. 

When NOT to use artificial insemination: 

Just like all of the services we provide, we only offer artificial insemination when we believe it will pay returns to you the producer.  Artificial insemination is a powerful tool for the beef producer.  However, it will not overcome poor nutrition, poor management, or poor health.  In addition artificial insemination is not possible or safe to conduct in poor cattle working facilities.  We are committed to helping every herd we work with become more productive.  However, in some cases that might mean establishing a breeding season, culling open cows, or vaccinating and implanting calves before implementing an AI program. 

What is ABS Global? 

ABS Global is the world leader in bovine genetics.  As the East Central Missouri ABS Representative, Hermann Veterinary Clinic brings you access to one of the best lineups of artificial insemination sires available.  To see the entire ABS bull lineup visit:  http://www.absglobal.com/sire-listing2.  We are happy to help you choose a sire that would be perfect for your herd. 

What to do next: 

Every breeding project is different.  To discuss your herd and breeding project contact us at: hermannvetreception@gmail.com, (573)-486-2515, or visit us at 2094 Highway 100, Hermann, MO.

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