Cue-Mate® devices have a reusable wishbone requiring only the pods to be replaced. This may be with either two active reload pods (for cows) or an active pod and a blank for heifers. If you are simply provided with devices from a vet or technician, it is worth ensuring they haven’t already been used (possibly in someone else’s herd). Whilst most operators wouldn’t do this, it is worth being aware of the potential risk of disease as well as insufficient progesterone should this occur.
Which device is best for heifers?
There is often a lot of talk about some devices (i.e. CueMate® being too big for heifers). To dispel this myth a picture says a thousand words. Cue-Mate®s are the smallest device on the market and have soft pods on each end for proven comfort. They have been used in thousands of heifers around Australia as many leading Repro vets will attest.
Which device is best for the environment?
That’s an easy one given Cue-Mate® is the only device with a registered re-use claim.
Wishbones can be used for many years provided they are washed and stored correctly (i.e. clean, dry and out of direct sunlight).
Conclusion
Not all devices are created equal and if optimal results is what you are striving for, then fine-turning your AI program to increase your pregnancy rate by a few extra percentage points can reap handsome dividends. Cutting corners can be very costly as while it might seem cheaper to wash and reuse a device off-label, or choose the cheapest product available, the perceived cost saving is soon lost if you get even one less pregnancy.
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 - Spring 2021
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