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Summary
This study details an artificial insemination (AI) system for beef cattle, achieving high pregnancy rates through effective oestrous detection and management. Well-managed AI programs demonstrate significant efficiency in beef cattle reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Artificial insemination (AI) is a key technology in livestock breeding.
- Optimizing AI protocols in beef cattle is crucial for herd improvement and economic viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a comprehensive system for artificial insemination in beef cattle.
- To assess the efficiency and pregnancy rates of the described AI system under field conditions.
Main Methods:
- System implementation involved cattle/facility preparation, twice-daily visual oestrous detection, and insemination.
- AI program evaluation occurred during the program and via pregnancy testing (35-90 days post-insemination).
- Insemination periods ranged from 25 to 60 days, with shorter durations (25-35 days) favored.
Main Results:
- First insemination success rate was 65.9% (12,218 inseminations), and second insemination success was 57.8% (2,222 inseminations).
- Pregnancy rates in lactating cows (70.5%) were higher than in non-lactating cows and heifers (66.1%).
- Overall program efficiency: 63% of cows conceived within a 29-day period, with 72% inseminated at an 88% pregnancy rate.
Conclusions:
- The described AI system is effective for beef cattle, yielding results comparable to dairy AI programs.
- Management factors (nutrition, infection, facilities, inseminator skill) significantly influence AI program efficiency.
- Environmental factors had minimal direct impact, primarily affecting efficiency through nutritional pathways.