Infrastructure
Creating a safe and low stress environment is necessary to run a successful assisted breeding program. This includes secure yards containing a crush and sound vet box; and ideally a covered area to work in. Given most protocols or programs require a minimum of 3 handlings, having secure holding paddocks, again with feed, water and shade is recommended. Phantom bulls appear all too often and will find a way into a yard full of females on heat.
Protocols
Your vet, technician or the team at Repro360 can assist with determining the best protocol to achieve your breeding objectives. Breed types, EU status, cows vs heifers and available resources are just some of the factors that can influence which program is best for your situation J-Synch is an example of a relatively new protocol designed for heifers with a growing uptake rate due to its optimal fertility outcome. This is shown below. A list of common protocols can be found on the Repro3600 website.
Preg-testing
As any vet will attest, no matter how adamant you are that the females you intend to AI haven’t been exposed to a bull, there is every chance some will already be pregnant. For this reason, many vets and technicians will either insist or encourage you pregnacy test the animals first. This can be done immediately before the Cue-Mate® device is inserted to avoid an additional handling.
Backup Bulls
Generally only one round of AI is done on commercial herds which means you’ll still need backup bulls for the remainder;
given at least half the herd should have conceived on the day of insemination. Ensure your backup bulls are fully vaccinated as vibriosis in particular is known to have caused devastating losses in many herds. Generally back-up or mop-up bulls are put in with the cow herd 10-14 days after FTAI. Preg-testing can be carried out by an accredited veterinarian 10 weeks after AI which can also then determine which females were pregant to AI bulls or ‘mop-up’ bulls.
How Repro3600 can help
Repro3600 is a complimentary resource designed to support producers at every stage of their assisted breeding journey. The Repro3600 team are committed to helping producers: 1. breed better calves, 2. breed more calves; and 3. get them on the ground sooner. Repro3600 services include: · Help setting up your first AI Program · Getting better results from your AI program; and · On-farm training and support Ask your Vet or AI Tech to provide you with Vetoquinol’s product range including Cue-Mate® progesterone devices and we will help multiply your outcomes.
Learn more
Contact Repro3600 Helpline 1300 163 056; email 360australia@vetoquinol.com, follow us on Facebook or Listen to our Making BETTER Bovine Babies Podcast.
repro360.com.au
REPRO360 RESOURCES Online resources designed to help you multiply your outcomes in your FTAI and ET programs: • Webinar recordings • How-to videos • Case studies • FAQs repro360.com.au | vetoquinol.com.au
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2022
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