Free Online Tool to Help Producers Incorporate Artificial Insemination in Beef Herds

– Dr. Pedro Fontes, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Georgia

The development of estrus synchronization protocols has facilitated the use of artificial insemination in beef cattle. These protocols allow producers to inseminate cows or heifers at a fixed time without the need of estrus detection. Several different protocols are currently available to synchronize beef females and producers are often overwhelmed with the complicated terminology and large numbers of protocols.Different factors will influence the selection of an estrus synchronization protocol. For example, protocols recommended for cows are different than protocols for replacement heifers. Within the protocols recommended for cows, protocols for Bos taurus breeds are slightly different than protocol for Bos indicusinfluenced cattle. To overcome the challenges associated with the selection of an estrus synchronization protocol, Extension personnel across the U.S. developed different tools to facilitate the selection and use of these protocols. The purpose of this article is to objectively guide Georgia producers through the use the EstruSynch planner, an online free tool that helps producers plan and budget their artificial insemination program.The EstruSynch planner was developed from a collaborative effort between the Southeast Cattle Advisor,Iowa Beef Center, and the Beef Reproduction Task Force. The planner can be accessed through the ugabeef.com website under the Tools tab. Producers can access this tool by clicking on theEstrus Synchronizationlink. This tool allows producers to plan their breeding seasons in . . .

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