Flushing?

[cowgurl1184]

How many straws of semen do you need to flush a cow? Also Ive got 5 recips...if Ive got more than 5 embryos how much does it cost to freeze them? Thanks in advance.

 

[jnowack]

I breed my donors 3 times, at first sign of standing heat, then again 12 hours later and again another 12 hours later. You can use 1 or 2 straws of semen at each breeding. Most of the time I use 1 straw on 1st breeding 2 straws on the second and 1 again on the third. If the semen is reasonably priced or especially if it is out of one of our own bulls then I will use 2 straws at each breeding. If you have the means it is a good idea to check the semen when you breed. (put a drop on a slide to check for motility with a microscope). Keep in mind that up to half of the cells may not be alive when dealing with frozen semen.

The cost of freezing will depend on the person doing the flushing for you but usually runs under $50 per egg.

 

[Beef11]

I personally wouldn't use more than 3 straws total. 4 straws seems abit like overkill and probably won't do you more good than harm. I due think it is wise to stagger the times of breeding as previously mentioned.

 

[Aero]

we have used up to 5 straws per donor, bred 3 different times. it might seem like overkill, but it's good insurance and we have had very good results. we usually use 3 straws per flush, but this one cow had a deceptive heat timing.

we pay $25-30/embryo frozen.

 

[bullpeddler]

We use three to four straws unless in is very rare or expensive semen then just two. The semen quality and the timing of insemination is more important than the number straws. Cost to freeze usually runs around $50.