Which animals should be artificial inseminated?
AI programs are not a silver bullet for fertility problems due to management factors. If pregnancy rates (number of cows in calf from all cows exposed to the bull) have not been at least 85% or more (in a 60-80 day breeding period) in previous years then there are most likely other management factors affecting pregnancy that must be addressed before commencing an AI program.
To gain the best possible pregnancy rate from an AI program the animals in the program should:
- have been vaccinated or treated to prevent relevant diseases with all vaccinations/treatments finishing a minimum of 30 days before the commencement of the AI program
- be in a body condition score of 2.5-3 for cows and three for heifers at calving ( on a scale of 1 - 5)
- (for heifers) have reached at least 60-65% (depending on the breed) of mature weight at the commencement of the breeding season
- be on a rising plane of nutrition post calving consuming a balanced ration
- continue to be provided with an adequate ration following AI to support pregnancy
- have calved unassisted
- have been calved for an average of at least 40 days or more before the commencement of an AI program
Animals which meet these requirements are more likely to have resumed normal oestrous cycles by the start of the breeding period increasing the chances of conceiving to AI.