11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 214 C/D

PR 108: Latest in AI Technology

David Patterson, University of Missouri

Latest in AI Technology



Timed AI Systems

Timed AI protocols may offer U.S. producers a more convenient way to take advantage of the genetic improvement available through artificial insemination.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Feb. 2, 2005) — The time and labor required for traditional heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) programs has slowed their adoption by beef producers in the United States, David Patterson, University of Missouri, told attendees of the 2005 Cattlemen’s College® in San Antonio Feb. 2.

David Patterson, University of Missouri
Semen sales of beef bulls has decreased from 1,117,798 units in 1993 to 1,025,116 units in 2003, according to data by the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), Patterson shared. In contrast, during that same timeframe, sales of beef semen have increased 161% in Brazil — from 1,874,996 to 4,896,204. Patterson said commercial cattlemen in the United States need to adopt the practice to a greater extent or risk losing ground genetically in the global marketplace.

Due to the time and labor involved, only 10% of U.S. beef producers utilize AI on either their heifers or their cows, Patterson said. The time and labor required to heat detect and AI contribute to the lag in adoption of the technology. To overcome those obstacles, the University of Missouri and others have been evaluating estrus synchronization protocols that include fixed-time AI, where cows are bred at a fixed time and heat detection is eliminated or reduced to a few days.

Patterson handed out a laminated sheet compiled by the North Central Region Bovine Reproduction Task Force detailing protocols for synchronization systems. Protocols involving both timed AI and heat detection are presented, as are protocols suggested for heifers and cows. While protocols with timed AI for heifers are included, Patterson said they weren’t yet recommended for use due to the unpredictable response among heifers to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

For more information, listen to the audio of this session or turn to future issues of the Angus Journal and the Angus Beef Bulletin.

— by Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, Angus Productions Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Angus Productions Inc.

Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API), which claims copyright to this article. It may not be published or distributed without the express permission of Angus Productions Inc. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at (816) 383-5270 or shermel@angusjournal

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