Improve your fold with great genetics - the Ennerdale way

A.I. is a scientific fertility treatment in which male sperm is collected and artificially implanted in the female reproductive system as a way to aid conception. In Highland Cattle in Australia, we use A.I. to produce genetically superior beef carcasses and improved the countries herds immensely.

It is a great start if you only have small numbers of cattle on small acreage and don’t want the extra work of running and managing a bull. We used A.I. extensively at Ennerdale in the beginning and continue to use A.I. to improve the herd by introducing new bloodlines. However, but there are important facts to consider, and we have listed them below as they have become apparent to us over the years. 

Ennerdale found and attended an A.I. course - we have benefited with the knowledge provided and now understand the procedure and the oestrus detection significance which is crucial to successful A.I. 

A.I. is not for everyone, and we understand this. It takes dedication, patience and practice. It requires an understanding of cattle behaviours and their individual nuances. Furthermore, it also requires taking the time to monitor your cattle day and night in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful conception.

Generally, you need to inspect the A.I. Sire or his Dam. If they are not available for inspection, the progeny is the next best thing. 

Some may suggest photos and video are a great way to view the A.I. Sire or progeny, but we prefer to assess the animals personally. This can involve the expense of travelling to inspect animals. However, purchasing semen and arranging for a technician can be costly, so we try and maximize the A.I. success in terms of genetic quality and conception rate.  

As a cattle breeder, we want to be sure of getting the best semen to suit your animals. Personally inspecting potential Sires can uncover deformities such as:

You also need to check the animal's mobility when walking and see how it tracks for good structure and conformation. Plus, the most important trait in our view is temperament. If you are just starting or unsure - then seek help from an experienced cattle person.

This is why we have taken the time at Ennerdale over many years to watch and observe. It is a lengthy process, but we have devoted time to ensure success.

Finding an experienced A.I. technician

We cannot stress enough the advantages of finding an experienced A.I. technician that performs the technique regularly and is available when you need them! It may take a little bit of organisation and communication, but it will save you time and money. (A.I. courses are available to anyone - it is the experience that counts here!) 

Even a good vet will acknowledge the key to success is practice, which they don’t get enough of in general veterinary practices. 

Check around your local area and find a technician (preferably a dairy one) who has a good success rate. Talk to other breeders and do some homework. If you get an experienced and practised A.I. technician it will certainly save you in time, costs and less frustration later down the track!

Animals must be in good health.

Poor nutrition and diet lacking minerals can hinder A.I.

Take extreme seasons into consideration. 

Extreme heat or drought can play their part.

Research and use the best A.I. Sires available.

This forms part of improving your herd.

Not every A.I. sire suits every cow

Take the opportunity to use several different sires each breeding season to gain some personal expertise in assessing the results.

A.I. is cost-effective over purchasing and managing a bull

However, as mentioned before, unfortunately not all cattle take to A.I. so a bull may still be required.

Learning to read your animals and their tell-tale signs

This is easy once you have seen a heifer/cow on heat, but some cattle can show in different ways.

Regular monitoring of cattle with heat detection pads

This is required twice a day and then following the A.I. in 3 weeks to see if the A.I. has been successful or the cow shows signs of being on heat.

Natural A.I. is better than using drugs to synchronise cattle

 We have learned this and also heard other members say the same thing. HOWEVER, if you wish to A.I. in numbers, then synchronizing the females can be beneficial for cost in time/travel with the A.I. technician. It also saves time when detecting many animals coming on heat.

A.I. can be labour-intensive, but if you have done your homework on the technician and sire - the results will be beneficial. There is a blood test available now which can be taken 30 days after the animal has been A.I. It will inform you if the animal is in calf or not. Great tool to use if you have missed an animal or not sure if they are actually in calf.

We still cull A.I. animals at Ennerdale if they don’t pass the quality test, even after all the A.I. procedure (time and cost) we have been through to get that calf on the ground. If you adopt this strategy, you too will end up with a better herd.

Remember, building a better herd takes time and won’t happen overnight.