Learning to AI

[dun]

If she's standing in the monring we breed her in the evening, if she's standing in the evening we breed her in the morning. We breed basicly at 6am or 6pm

dun

 

[certherfbeef]

The absoulute best method of heat detection is with the electronic HeatWatch system . It is far superior to any other method we have ever used. It is the best money we ever spent on my farm .

I like the heat watch system. Used it in college and really liked it. Local ABS rep has one that he has used for years for a discounted price. BUT, my pastures are too rolling to be able to use that system.

So, I resort to living with them for just a little while longer. Knowing full well that my time will be rewarded with a 30 day calving season(give or take)

 

[Big D]

When AI'ing a cow, do most of you use a squeeze chute, stanchions, or some other method?

 

[dun]

Here we use a squeeze. But i've done it with a halter, behind a gate, in an alleyway, standing on the miling floor in a milk parlor. Pretty much whatever is available and adequate to restrain the animal adequately

dun

 

[Tod Dague]

Well Dun you have convinced me. No CIDERs this year. If this works out I'll save money spent on CIDERs and extra semen and still have a tight calving season. Possibly tighter. 8)

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

When my husband started breeding cattle (some 35 years ago) in Kansas, most beef producers had never AI'd their cattle & had no facilities. You'd be surprised how many he bred at the end of a rope tied to a tree. We would chase the cow around the tree til she was snubbed up tight. The owner would try to hold her there & Ken would breed her there. Not the best for conception rates!!! :shock:

 

[Tod Dague]

When AI'ing a cow, do most of you use a squeeze chute, stanchions, or some other method?

I use a squeeze chute. After placing a bar behind them I back their heads out of the headcatch. They seem to stay calmer when I do. When I went to school for AI they used stanchions and that was the best. I had plenty of room to work and the cow had very little. Even the most rambunctious of the bunch went well.