Kell-inKY
Well-known member
I am 3 years into this little endeavor and I still don't know anything but am starting to at least know what I don't know. I think I was happier not knowing what I didn't know.
I currently have a bull and 6 cows w/calves, I'm retaining 3 heifer calves. This week I get my results back to know if all 6 are pregnant, and if they are, I'm getting rid of the bull because it's a pain to keep them separate. Will eventually work up to 10-20 cows if I can handle it.
For an operation as small as mine, will it be a problem switching to AI? Not many large animal vets in my area, the ones I did call said roughly $100 a head, not including semen which falls on me IIRC. Sounds like they will have to come out and get them in sync, then come back in a few weeks, with no guarantees on pregnancy. If they do not get pregnant, I suppose we go through the process until they are? sounds expensive. Will need to get them on a better schedule too, they are all over the map.
Other option is to rent a bull and bring who knows what into my herd, but everyone else does it? I would just keep my bull if I sold off the heifers (he's docile), still figuring out how best to lose money I guess.
Any general info appreciated.
I currently have a bull and 6 cows w/calves, I'm retaining 3 heifer calves. This week I get my results back to know if all 6 are pregnant, and if they are, I'm getting rid of the bull because it's a pain to keep them separate. Will eventually work up to 10-20 cows if I can handle it.
For an operation as small as mine, will it be a problem switching to AI? Not many large animal vets in my area, the ones I did call said roughly $100 a head, not including semen which falls on me IIRC. Sounds like they will have to come out and get them in sync, then come back in a few weeks, with no guarantees on pregnancy. If they do not get pregnant, I suppose we go through the process until they are? sounds expensive. Will need to get them on a better schedule too, they are all over the map.
Other option is to rent a bull and bring who knows what into my herd, but everyone else does it? I would just keep my bull if I sold off the heifers (he's docile), still figuring out how best to lose money I guess.
Any general info appreciated.