Perfecting the Herd

Listen to some of these research articles. “Estrous synchronization strategies to optimize beef heifer reproductive performance following reproductive tract scoring”, “Effect of a trace mineral injection on pregnancy rate of Angus beef heifers when synchronized”… those are amongst a plethora of scientific publications authored by University of Idaho Department of Animal and Veterinary Science professor John B. Hall who is obviously very knowledgeable about how beef or dairy cattle producers can improve their herds through the technology of artificial insemination and the genetic and economic benefits for cattle operations that adopt the practice: “ What we are talking about is being able to access the top line, elite genetics that are offered through artificial insemination companies. These goals differ from the typical herd bull in the sense that these bowls have thousands of progenies that are out in herds all across the US so we have a lot of information on what those animals really do.

The primary focus of this group is to increase reproductive efficiency in beef cattle but also to promote and increase the use of artificial insemination in beef cattle. Artificial insemination is an asset because it provides access to proven sires that have thousands of calves that can be assessed for their genetic merits. Through artificial insemination we capture superior genetics that we couldn’t afford to if we had to buy the animal itself. Another technology, estrus synchronization, increases the reproductive efficiency of the herd. We end up getting cows that may not be cycling to cycle and shift them to the front end of the calving season so that calves are older and weigh more at weaning time, and therefore are of greater value.”