Top Tips for AI'ing Cattle

Short on bull power? Artificial insemination (AI) might be the better option for a variety of reasons. 

“Bull prices are pretty high, especially high-quality bulls, versus semen prices have remained pretty steady,” explains Jaclyn Ketchum. “So you have access to genetics that you maybe wouldn't have had access to if you don't use AI, but then also at a more reasonable price.” 

Ketchum ranches with her family in southeast Montana and has taken over the family’s custom AI business. However, prior to this endeavor, she studied reproductive physiology obtaining a Master’s degree at the University of Missouri and her Doctorate at Texas A&M.  

She reminds producers that the list of benefits from AI differ depending on the type of AI protocol used. 

“There's a list of benefits for AI in general and then there's a whole other list of benefits for fixed time artificial insemination with synchronization,” says Jaclyn Ketchum. 

Three general benefits of AI other include access to bulls with more genetic potential at a lower cost than natural service sires, greater bull to cow ratio for clean-up and access to sexed semen. Sexed semen allows producers to be more consistent in producing high-quality replacement females and high-quality steers. 

AI’ing also reduces risks such as bull injuries or failed breeding soundness exams which can cost producers thousands of additional dollars each year.  

AI with synchronization also known as fixed-time AI takes the benefits of AI in general to a whole new level because calves have both genetic and age uniformity. 

“They’re going to be more similar in age when it comes to weaning time,” says Ketchum. “And then you have a greater set of immunity because they're getting vaccinated at similar ages.” 

Overall uniformity is attractive to feedlots and bred heifer buyers as well.  

She says, “If you're selling bred heifers, you can breed those heifers to a really popular sire which will then increase demand for those when you go to sell them. So there’s a whole gamut of benefits from fixed-time AI.” 

To fully reap the benefits of AI producers must set themselves up for success. 

“A lot of people would love to just show up on AI day and say, it's going to be a wonderful day. We're going to get all these cows bred. But in reality, it's everything leading up to that day and everything following that day that really dictates how successful that event is,” explains Ketchum. 

Communication between the producer and AI technician, supply provider, semen provider and employees or dayworkers is all important. 

“The synchronization protocol typically is three days minimum, if not more,” explains Ketchum. “You might need a crew for all of those days, so communicate which days and times they are needed.” 

Once all the supplies and extra supplies are taken care of, facilities also need to be in working order. 

Ketchum explains, “If you don't go through your facility and make sure that your chute's working and that everything's set up to work where everything flows really well and then something happens and your timing gets off, then that impacts your AI date as well.” 

Managing expectations also matters when determining how successful an AI event was or wasn’t. Keep in mind experience levels of technicians, if timing was off for the protocol or if weather events occurred.  

 “Hot is really bad for conception rates,” says Ketchum. 

However, there’s only so much producers can do if the weather shifts or a storm rolls in.  

AI’ing is a valuable tool for cattle producers across the world. Producers are sure to reap the benefits if effort is taken to prepare the cattle and crew prior to breeding day. 

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.