Help with AI percentage

[Alan]

I'm trying to get my percentage of AI calves on the ground up. I thought I had it norrowed down to my AI tech. I asked both the ABS and Genex reps about the "best" synch method and they both use the same one as me. Then I thought about the quality of the semen in my tank, first off my tank has never gotten lower then 19 or 20 on the stick with LN2 (can't remember which metric measurement the stick is in). But I borrowed a microscope and looked at some semen, there was only about 50% of live swimmers, I checked two straws, same bull. After I gave back the microscope I got to thinking, I know the LN2 level was never too low, I also wonder it if in my haste I may have gotten sloppy thawing out the semen. Then the light bulb went on, I tested a bull I really don't plan to use much, he's a little known Online son. Without getting into the tall grass on what really happened to Online, bottom line is Online just didn't last long as a stud. A few years ago I also contacted Molers owners, when his semen jumped from $50 to $500 per straw, I was told via email "he didn't freeze very well". Any thoughts on this, PM me if you wish.

I will borrow the scope again and test another bull.

Thanks,
Alan

 

[Red Bull Breeder]

Fixed time AI??

 

[novaman]

I'm sure it goes without mentioning but are the cows in good shape and healthy and on a good mineral program? Your nitrogen wouldn't be a problem at the levels you are talking. What kind of snyc program are you using? Natural heats will give you better conception rates.

 

[Herefords.US]

The semen that I got from Moler was VERY, VERY good, according to my embryologist.

George

 

[Alan]

Fixed time AI??

It is Fixed time AI, When I pull the CIDR's I give a shot of PG and watch for standing heat, I'll breed evening or morning after standing heat and give them another shot of GnRH. My work schedule does not allow for me to watch for natural heats. To my thinking it has to be the freind that is helping me not getting through teh cervex (he does AI work on the side for 4 H kids and freinds) or the semen quality. I will try to check another bull this weekend. I'm just hoping for any ideas on something I may have missed.

Thanks,
Alan

 

[Alan]

but are the cows in good shape and healthy and on a good mineral program?

I feel they are in good shape, they are provided minerals are on a twice a year worming program and I try to have them around a 7 BCS. All but one or two get bred on the next heat cycle by the clean up bull.

Alan

 

[dun]

For timed AI 60% is considered the norm. You would have to be way less then that for it to be anything other then some cows don;t settle well to AI and synced heats aren;t as fertile as natural heats.