The Casual Cattle Conversations Podcast: Top Tips for AI'ing Cattle

Top Tips for AI'ing Cattle

Short on bull power? Artificial insemination (AI) might be the better option for a variety of reasons.

“Bull prices are pretty high, especially high-quality bulls, versus semen prices have remained pretty steady,” explains Jaclyn Ketchum. “So you have access to genetics that you maybe wouldn't have had access to if you don't use AI, but then also at a more reasonable price.”

Ketchum ranches with her family in southeast Montana and has taken over the family’s custom AI business. However, prior to this endeavor, she studied reproductive physiology obtaining a Master’s degree at the University of Missouri and her Doctorate at Texas A&M.

She reminds producers that the list of benefits from AI differ depending on the type of AI protocol used.

“There's a list of benefits for AI in general and then there's a whole other list of benefits for fixed time artificial insemination with synchronization,” says Jaclyn Ketchum.

Three general benefits of AI other include access to bulls with more genetic potential at a lower cost than natural service sires, greater bull to cow ratio for clean-up and access to sexed semen. Sexed semen allows producers to be more consistent in producing high-quality replacement females and high-quality steers.

AI’ing also reduces risks such as bull injuries or failed breeding soundness exams which can cost producers thousands of additional dollars each year....



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