References
Use of artificial insemination and oestrus synchronisation in beef herds
Abstract
The use of artificial insemmination (AI) in beef herds has been increasing in the last two decades especially when used in conjunction with oestrus synchronisation (OS) protocols. The resultant improvement in reproductive efficiency has a significant impact on productivity and profitability, particularly in seasonal block calving beef herds. Within this it is key that the nulliparous heifers calve down promptly in the block, and if these heifers can have heifer calves it will expediate genetic gain. This article reviews the benefits of using AI and the OS programmes commonly used, including those involving prostaglandin F 2 alpha (PG) alone, progesterone-releasing devices either with PG or with gonadotropin-releasing hormone and PG or with additional equine chorionic gonadotropin. It also comments on the relatively new ‘7 and 7 Synch’ protocol as well as approaches to pre-synchronisation, non-cycling beef cows, late-calving beef cows and pre-pubertal heifers.
Traditionally, beef suckler herds have used entirely natural service, with artificial insemination (AI) used only on small numbers of cows in pedigree herds. However, use of AI has been increasing over the last two decades as producers seek to take advantage of its benefits (Table 1). This is especially true when used in conjunction with oestrus synchronisation (OS) programmes, which have been developed to minimise the time needed for oestrus detection and the number of cattle handlings while maximising conception rates.
This article aims to set out the main options available for the use of AI in beef herds, particularly concentrating on the use of OS protocols and how they have been refined over the last 20 years, with increasing knowledge of follicular dynamics.
The management of beef cows and heifers to ensure optimal reproductive performance is beyond the scope of this article and the authors recommend the papers by Caldow et al (2005) and Diskin and Kenny (2016) for comprehensive reviews of this aspect.
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