Abstract
The study compared a natural-service breeding (NSB) program to a single fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) program on beef cow reproductive efficiency, breeding costs and partial budget evaluation. Eighty Black Angus lactating beef cows (5-6 yrs of age; n = 80; BW = 599.4±78.6 kg) were randomly assigned by age, days postpartum to either FTAI (FTAI cow) or NSB (NSB cow) breeding program. The FTAI cows received a CIDR for 7 d and 100 μg (2 mL) i.m. injection of GnRH, following this 25 mg (5 mL) i.m. of PGF2α i.m. with CIDR removed. Then a second 25 mg (5 mL) i.m. injection of GnRH approximately 66 h (d 10) after initial injection to ensure luteal regression, and artificially inseminated with semen by a trained technician. The NSB cows were exposed to bulls at a bull:cow ratio of 1:25 for a 63 d breeding season. Results indicated that a NSB program can be a lower cost ($85 vs. $123) compared to FTAI program on a per cow basis. If improvements in conception rate, calf weaning rate, and total 205 d adjusted wean weights are incorporated, a partial budget analysis reveals FTAI can increase net profit by $284 per cow.
Highlights
In a commercial ranch setting in western Canadian, the predominant breeding system for beef producers is natural service breeding (NSB)
In western Canada, results from the 2019 cow-calf management adoption rates reported that artificial insemination was used by only 18% of producers surveyed, while estrus synchronization was used by only 11% of respondents (BsCRC, 2019)
The success of Artificial insemination (AI) programs depends on using good quality semen and acceptable conception rates can be achieved with animals receiving adequate nutrition during the breeding season (Sudano et al, 2012)
Summary
In a commercial ranch setting in western Canadian, the predominant breeding system for beef producers is natural service breeding (NSB). Fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) programs are widely used as an alternative reproductive management tool in beef and dairy operations (Meneghetti et al, 2009). A past USA publication reported that only 6% of beef cattle producers use AI and/or estrus synchronization in their herds (Parish & Riley, 2011), and many of these operations are from the purebred sector. In western Canada, results from the 2019 cow-calf management adoption rates reported that artificial insemination was used by only 18% of producers surveyed, while estrus synchronization was used by only 11% of respondents (BsCRC, 2019). With limited information available on FTAI compared to NSB in western Canada, a comparison of these breeding programs can provide results on conception, calf performance and cost. Most programs available to synchronize estrus in cows or heifers will use prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) as jas.ccsenet.org
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