AI rates

[3 M L & C]

The last two years I have been using the same ai bull and got similar results. This year I switched bulls and just getting done with the ai calves hatching out looks like going to be 10-12 percent more ai calves this year. Is this more to do with the year or do different bulls semen quality vary that much?

 

[katrina]

Yes on both accounts and hard to prove on both.... :tiphat:

 

[High Plains]

Heat detection has the biggest impact on A.I. success. Proper semen handling is very important as well. For one bull to vary by 10 to 12% versus the next, I'd say that's a monumental difference. I wouldn't attribute it all to the difference in bulls, myself. Must be something else that made a difference also.

 

[TexasBred]

The last two years I have been using the same ai bull and got similar results. This year I switched bulls and just getting done with the ai calves hatching out looks like going to be 10-12 percent more ai calves this year. Is this more to do with the year or do different bulls semen quality vary that much?

Take a little credit yourself. Maybe you're a bit better this year. :wink:

 

[Hopeful Rancher]

I met an embryo transplant expert and he believes that different bulls can have very different success rates in flushing cows. I would think it would also be true for AIing

 

[Hopeful Rancher]

OH Yea and my Vet also says that more and more bulls that he is semen testing are failing. To much selection for growth and numbers, not enough selection for fertility.

 

[Denny]

OH Yea and my Vet also says that more and more bulls that he is semen testing are failing. To much selection for growth and numbers, not enough selection for fertility.

Thats what happened with Holsteins single trait selection for milk poor fertility.