Reproduction Management
Estrus Synchronization
The two primary benefits of a beef synchronization program (also
called programmed breeding) are shorter calving seasons and more uniform calves. |
Improving reproductive efficiency can increase the net profit
of a herd. The following considerations should be addressed for optimum
results:
- Nutritional status must be adequate before and during the breeding
season. This has a major impact on conception, on the initiation of
estrus in heifers, and on cows returning to estrus after calving.
- Cattle must be ready to breed (they must be cycling and healthy).
Success can be improved by any of several estrus sychronization programs.
- Estrus detection (heat detection) must be thorough and accurate.
- Females must be exposed to semen (bull or artificial insemination)
at the proper time.
- Semen must be of high fertility and selected carefully (for example,
avoiding large calf genetics when breeding heifers).
These benefits help cattlemen be more profitable in seven
specific areas:
- Makes AI more practical and cost effective
- Allows you to schedule more cattle to breed at a predetermined time
- Allows more chances to breed within a given period of time
- Helps concentrate the calving season
- Results in more uniform calves at weaning
- Simplifies nutritional planning and feeding programs for increased
conception
- Simplifies management of replacement heifers
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