“Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) techniques have been the key to genetic improvement leading to increased performance, calving ease, growth rate, carcass quality and every trait we measure,” Dan Moser with the American Angus Association said. Jack Ward with the American Hereford Association (AHA) agrees and added, “In the seedstock industry, AI and ET has exponentially changed genetic trends in a favorable direction and allowed for much greater progress.”
Dr. Tim O’Neil DVM, owner of Country Veterinary Service, in Farmington, Ark., said, “AI and ET have really helped the cattle industry by providing producers better access to improved genetics. Historically, we didn’t have the frame scores we have today.”
Dennis Avery has been doing genetics work for 25 years and owns DNA Genetics in Kansas, Okla., in 2000. He added, “AI has provided better genetics and has proven bulls at an accelerated rate.”
“The AHA has seen tremendous increase in use of AI in both the seedstock and commercial herds. This technology allows all breeders equal access to the most proven genetics in the breed,” Jack said.
Dr. Mike Bloss, DVM, owner of Countryside Animal Clinic in Aurora, Mo.. said, “Producers don’t have to house bulls resulting in less farm risk. Producers can get up to 80 percent conception rates if cows are bred twice. AI and ET can lead to a shorter calving season. Embryo transfer is more variable and can be more specific in genetic makeup but, has just a 50 percent conception rate.”
Comparing cost with expected increase in profit can help decide if alternative means of reproduction are right for a specific producer. “AI and other methods require hands-on labor, handling facilities, time and can be a more involved process,” Dr. Bloss said. “Semen cost verse the cost of a bull and the fact bulls are sometimes difficult to house make alternative methods attractive,” Dr. O’Neil added. He typically sees an added $25 to $50 value added per head of offspring. Producers can attend AI or ET classes ranging from $500 a class and up to learn the techniques themselves or hire someone.
“AI has a little better conception rate than embryo transfer. It really depends upon your program, herd health, semen quality and numerous things,” Dennis said. He thinks ET can produce results for a cattle producer more quickly than AI. “If you AI a cow, she can only have one calf a year mated to one bull. If you do embryo transfer work flushing a cow six times a year, you can use six different sires over that year with six different sets of offspring. If you use a small number of five embryos per flush, you get 30 embryos,” he said. He added cows can produce many more embryos and cautions producers because ET can be expensive with sometimes surprising results.
Jack said, “AI has allowed our breeder customers to purchase bulls with much greater reliability. The major AI bull studs have added some great Hereford sires over the past few years keeping semen reasonably priced.” Dennis said, “Some bulls work great in one herd and don’t work in other herds. You have to be selective concerning genetics, traits and backgrounds.”
“Donor cows need to be a good momma, have a good udder, good feet and legs, good conformation and her EPDs need to be in the top 5 to 10 percent of the breed,” Dennis said. He warned not to concentrate too strongly on one specific trait. Dennis cautioned producers to not put large breed embryos in small breed recip cows.
