Timing of insemination in dairy heifers

Data representing 676 AI of 372 virgin dairy heifers during 1984 to 1987 at the University of Illinois were analyzed by analysis of variance to determine the effect of timing of AI on conception rate. Standing to be mounted, bawling, and attempting to mount were the three criteria used for determining the presence of estrus. More than 90% of the observations were conducted by one herdsperson between 0700 and 1600 h daily. Heifers were artificially inseminated with frozen semen from 58 bulls by one of two technicians. Conception rate on first AI was 56%, determined by return to estrus or 33- to 50-d rectal palpation for pregnancy. Conception rate to second and later AI was near 40%. Eighty-six percent of the heifers conceived during the trial. The average interval between first observation of standing estrus and AI was 10.5 h; the range was 15 min to 33 h. The model discussed contained six variables: time interval between first observation of standing estrus and AI (group), breed, sire within breed, year bred, season bred, and inseminator. The analysis of variance of conception to first AI showed timing of AI and service sire as the two most significant effects. Conception to first AI was worst when AI occurred 13.5 to 33 h after first observation of estrus. No factors considered were significant sources of variation for second or later AI.