Guidelines for Maintaining High Conception in the Cow Herd While Using A.I.

Heat Detection

• Check cows for signs of heat twice a day. Each observation period should be at least 30 minutes long.
• Gomer (surgically altered) bulls or androgenized females equipped with chin ball markers can help detect cows in heat. Consider improving your accuracy in detecting cows by using heat detector patches and other heat detecting aids.

• Buy semen from reputable inseminating businesses licensed by Alberta Agriculture as semen quality can be tested by a semen evaluation laboratory.
• Ensure that semen storage tanks are well protected and that nitrogen levels are maintained in the tanks.
• Learn and follow the specific recommendations of the semen processor when thawing semen. The correct thawing technique for semen may vary from one A.I. organization to another.

• Use a licensed A.I. technician, or learn how to inseminate by attending an A.I. training course. Proficiency improves with practice.
• Avoid placing cows that will be serviced in stressful conditions as stress lowers fertility.

• Obtain information on the fertility rating of all bulls whose semen is used in the herd. The information is available from licensed inseminating businesses and A.I. studs.
• Ensure that cows are in adequate body condition (body condition score of 2.5 to 3.0) and that the cows are receiving proper amounts of nutrients and trace minerals. Questions about feeding should be directed to your livestock nutritionist.
• Enroll in a herd health program serviced by a veterinarian specializing in cattle.
• Expose cows that require more than three A.I. services to conceive to a bull as a final attempt to achieve pregnancy. Natural breeding offers higher rates of pregnancy. Any cows that have a history of breeding problems should be culled from the herd.