Is Artificial Insemination Right for Your Ranch

It goes without saying ABS promotes synchronization and AI, and the lifetime value it can add to the cowherd.There has never been a better time for synchronization and AI in the beef industry than today. Bull prices continue to set records and the additional value of AI bred and sired females can’t be denied.

But adoption of this technology use doesn’t come without questions and expectations from users, especially those new to or considering AI for the first time. Drovers CattleNetwork released an article online yesterday from their March issue, Dispelling the myths of artificial insemination, and one we feel is very accurate. Take a glance at it.

“AI isn’t meant to be easy and may not be meant for everyone, but it’s also not that difficult for people to establish in their operation,” Travis McCarty writes. “I believe more operations can incorporate AI into their management practices than what is currently being done in the industry.”

If you still need more information on whether AI is right for you and what other considerations are needed, check out these resources:

• Video of a large-scale AI project in South Dakota at the Fulton Ranch. With the use of a portable breeding barn and skilled crew, synchronization and AI in the pasture is low-stress and simplified

• The AI Cowculator is a smartphone app developed by the University of Florida to aid in the decision making process, helping producers incorporate their own costs and determine the value of estrous synchronization and AI compared to natural service.
• The Iowa State University Estrus Synchronization Planner is a free excel spreadsheet program download that is great for planning and deciding which estrus synchronization protocol is best for you. It also has a cost breakdown analysis to compare different protocol expenses for your operation. (Note, it will ask for your information when downloading – this is only so you can be notified when an update the planner is available for future downloads and the most up-to-date synchronization protocols approved by the Beef Reproduction Task Force)
• ABS Beef Blog Synchronization Q & A with Dr. Cliff Lamb  (Three-part series). Lamb addresses common questions and scenarios on the farm when things don’t always go as planned.
• This pdf article from North Dakota State University Extension Service discussing Maximizing Pregnancy Rates When Using Artificial Insemination 

If you’re still skeptical about the value of AI compared to natural service with today’s prices, check out these cost comparison charts, using this spring’s data. These charts do not account for the genetic gain of using proven genetics or additional age and weight of calves born earlier in the calving season.

If you think synchronization and AI is something you want to incorporate, talk to your local ABS Representative today. Our professional, full-service representatives are here to help you with any questions and concerns you may have.

Complete Sire Listing

Spring 2015 Focal Point Online

The Spring 2015 Beef Focal Point is online! Be watching your mail, hard copies should arrive soon.

Highlights in this issue:

• NEW bulls and adjusted prices added to the Proven & Promising Spring Special – ends June 29, 2015.
• ABS Customer Spotlight – Connealy Angus
• Exciting NEW sires added to the Angus, Simmental, Red Angus and Club Calf lineups

 

 

Complete Sire Listing

ABS Progeny Lead Fall Angus Sales

The fall sale season is underway and the Angus breed has had several outstanding sales represented so far.  ABS sired progeny have been sale standouts and impressive in the robust sale season.

Texas Angus Breeders’ Select Sale, Glen Rose, TX –

• Top Selling Bull, CoX Complement Z17T, sired by COMPLEMENT

Express Ranches Bull Sale, Yukon, OK –

• High Selling Bull, for 1/2 interest, EXAR It All Counts 2219, sired by IMPRESSION
• 2nd High Selling Bull, EXAR SEMA 2131B, sired by UPSHOT
• ABS sired progeny earned 5 of the top 8 selling bull honors, selling for an average of $17,740

Werhmann Angus Female Sale, New Market, VA – 

• Top Selling Open Heifer and overall, Rita 2H12 of 158 Rito 9Q1, sired by 9Q13
• Top Selling Bred Heifer, Rita 12E9 of 5F56 Rito 5M2, Sired by RITO REVENUE
• 2nd & 3rd High Selling Bred Heifers sired by COMPLETE
• 2nd High Selling Open Cow, Rita 0243 of Rita 7O68 5M2, sired by RITO REVENUE

Buford Ranches Bull Sale, Welch, OK – 

• 2 of the top 7 selling lots sired by BLUESTEM

Vintage Angus Ranch Female Sale, Modesto, CA – (record setting sale)

• 3rd High Selling Female, V A R Blackcap 3185, sired by UPSHOT has the #1 $B Index among non-parent daughters, brought $100,000
• UPSHOT daughters were 3 of the top 10 selling Open Heifers, with 17 total daughters in the sale averaging $20,850
• 2nd High Selling Bred Heifer, V A R Blackcap 2066, sired by UPSHOT
• Top 3 Open Cows all sired by ABS sires: ALL AROUND, COMPLETE & IMPRESSION
• Top Bred Cow, Exar Blackcap 5899, sired by COMPLETE

Complete Sire Listing