artificial insemination Archives | Alberta Farmer Express

There are additional costs to using AI, but having larger, more uniform groups of calves and a longer lifespan for cows can greatly improve  the bottom line.

Is artificial insemination better than natural service?

Artificial insemination can put more money in your pockets, but there are several factors to consider

By Beef Cattle Research Council Blog April 5, 2018

This article has been edited and condensed. For the full article, including price and financial details as well as additional resources, go to the blog on the Beef Cattle Research Council website). As the breeding season approaches, some producers will use artificial insemination (AI) and estrous synchronization in their breeding herd. But others won’t because […] Read more

Livestock

The secret life of your cow’s reproductive system

Becoming adept at artificial insemination takes time and a lot of practice — here’s what you need to know

By Alexis Kienlen March 3, 2016

Many people are nervous about artificially inseminating their cattle. But knowing a few of the basics about a cow’s reproductive system can help get you on the way to creating an artificial insemination program, said Colin Palmer, associate professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. “The ultimate goal is […] Read more

There are several steps producers can take in spring to maximize artificial insemination pregnancy rates.

Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Livestock

Maximize pregnancy rates when artificially inseminating livestock

There are several steps producers can take to improve AI success

By Ndsu Release May 21, 2015

Artificial insemination (AI) offers cattle producers the opportunity to use semen from high-accuracy, genetically superior sires at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a herd bull with similar genetics. “In addition, using estrus synchronization and AI can increase the number of calves born earlier in the calving season and increase weaning weights of calves,” […] Read more

Dairy Cattle, Livestock

New program for dairy producers aims to reassure consumers

ProAction replaces the Canadian Quality Milk program by adding  components for animal care and environmental sustainability

By Alexis Kienlen November 26, 2014

Dairy producers are revamping the Canadian Quality Milk program by adding protocols for animal care, on-farm food safety, traceability, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability. The new national accreditation program, called ProAction, was designed with consumers in mind, said Mike Slomp, industry and member services manager with Alberta Milk. “ProAction is about the social licence to operate, […] Read more

Livestock, News

Hands-on synchronization programs have many benefits

Beef 911: Some suggestions for running a successful AI program for beef cattle

By Roy Lewis May 5, 2014

We have come a long way from the synchronization programs of one shot of prostaglandins, observation, and breeding according to heat. Prostaglandins are still a very useful tool in combination with other drugs and intravaginal devices containing progesterone. Many of you will have seen the numerous protocols put out for synchronization — American Breeders Service […] Read more

Dairy payments to be based on quota at Aug. 31

Wet harvests hurt U.S., Canadian spring wheat quality

U.S. grains: Soybeans down on China trade pessimism

GFM Network News