"How many of us on this board are "STILL" in the cattle business or are you just on here to brag about the next best bull that you are buying a few straws of sperm off of!!"
We are still in the cattle business for another month or two, but we haven't AI'd in years so I guess that leaves us out on the bragging part.
Folks lets get real!! Yes if you are raising reg. bulls or replacement heifers AI has a real place in your operation!! But can we really sit here and give advice to people new in the ranching business that they should shy away for having a bull as a vital part of their ranch???
Yes, I honestly believe we can, because it provides a way to improve one's genetics, overall herd, and it also provides a way to breed each heifer/cow to a corresponding bull that will allow her to produce a better calf than if she were bred to a (pardon my term here) generic herd bull that cannot be matched according to her strengths and could improve her weaknesses.
My bulls have to service 20-30 cows a year. When I but pen to paper and add up the cost of AIing vs the use of live bulls it does not add up!! I save money, time, stress, and labor when I use the real thing!!