Agriculture Commons^™

Artificial Insemination And Fetal Programming In Beef Production Systems, Dempster Christenson

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Pregnancy to artificial insemination and late gestation fetal programming of the next calf crop are central to genetic development, reproductive longevity, calf crop productivity, and efficiency of cow/calf ranching. The purposes of this research are to find methods to improve pregnancy rate to artificial insemination, the growth and reproductive health of pregnant heifers, and the productivity of their offspring. In the first of four studies we found that extending the period of progesterone administration in an estrus synchronization protocol did not significantly hasten estrus response or increase pregnancy rate to artificial insemination, but timing of estrus within the melengestrol acetate …

Comparison Of Transcervical Insemination Versus Surgical Insemination Methods In Dogs At A Veterinary Clinic In Lincoln, Nebraska, Lauren Ahlers

Honors Theses

Artificial insemination paved the way for many advancements in reproductive technology. Two common artificial insemination methods recommended for use with frozen semen are transcervical insemination and surgical insemination. To better understand the conception rates of dogs for each method, data was collected from Hillcrest Animal Clinic. The data suggested that neither transcervical insemination nor surgical insemination was significantly better than the other. 50% of the dogs conceived when inseminated using the transcervical method, and 54.5% of the dogs conceived when inseminated using the surgical method. Based on the results, more data needs to be collected on both insemination procedures to …

Pricing Stallion Seasons For An Individual Stallion: The Existence Of Top Tier Pricing And Market Power, Robert L. Losey Ph.D., Thomas E. Lambert 1959-

Faculty Scholarship

This paper is an academic treatment of the pricing of stallion seasons (a “season” confers the right to breed a mare to a stallion) The commercial stallion seasons market can be represented schematically as a triangle that normally has a single-digit number of stallions offering high-priced seasons in the narrow apex, a moderate number of stallions composing the middle section, and over 150 in the $5,000-$10,000 range. We argue that it is logical for profit-maximizing stallion managers, most especially those in the apex of the stallion seasons triangle, to charge different prices for different groups of buyers of the same …

Genetic Improvement Made Through Dna Testing And Artificial Insemination To High- Growth, High Carcass Value Angus Sires, L C. Grimes, L. R. Corah, T. Brink, M. R. Gardiner, A. K. Sexten

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The beef industry has improved the recording of pedigrees and performance data through the use of breed associations and herd health databases. Constant evaluation of genetics and performance has allowed producers to make more informed breeding decisions that help improve herd productivity. As a result of recent droughts and elevated feed and grain prices, however, the American beef cowherd is at a record-low 29 million head. For the United States to continue to be the leading producer of beef in the world, the industry must adopt technologies that improve efficiency of the cowherd and the quality of beef being produced. …

Value And Use Of Artificial Insemination By Beef Producers, S. K. Johnson, Garland R. Dahlke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Artificial insemination and estrous synchronization remain underutilized by U.S. beef producers. The most recent National Animal Health Monitoring Survey (NAHMS 2007–08) reported that 7.6% of producers used artificial insemination and 7.9% used estrous synchronization. The most common reason cited for not using these reproductive technologies was time and labor, followed by cost and difficulty. Little information is available on actual management practices used by producers who do use these technologies and their value to such operations.

Using Estrus-Detection Patches To Vary Time Of Insemination Improves Pregnancy Rates Compared With One Single Timed Insemination, S. L. Hill, D. M. Grieger, K C. Olson, J. R. Jaeger, J. S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) of beef cows at a predetermined time is a management tool that reduces labor costs associated with conventional heat detection before insemination. Multiple research trials have examined timing of the individual components of the developed protocols associated with TAI. The 7-day CO-Synch + progesterone insert (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) protocol has been shown to initiate ovulation effectively in cycling and noncycling suckled beef cows, often producing pregnancy rates greater than 50% in beef cows. In the current research, we examined using two targeted insemination intervals depending on the occurrence of estrus. We hypothesized that by …

Comparing Standing Heat And Estrotect Heat Detection Patches, S. K. Johnson, J. R. Jaeger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A recent survey showed that 66% of producers surveyed used some amount of heat detection in their artificial insemination program, and 74% of producers that used heat detection aids had tried Estrotect (Rockway, Inc.; Spring Valley, WS) heat detection patches. The peel-and-stick application made Estrotect more popular than types that required adhesive application. The patches are designed so that when the animal is mounted the top surface layer is removed, much like scratching a lottery ticket. After several mounts the entire layer is removed, leaving a bright-colored surface behind. A new type of patch, Standing Heat (Standing Heat, LLC; Dannebrog, …

Sheep Updates 2005 - Part 7, S. M. Liu, A. C. Schlink, J. R. Williams, M. E. Dowling, J. C. Greeff, Roy Butler, Keith Croker, L. G. Butler, Rob Davidson, Ken Hart, Doug Harrington, Mario D'Antuono, Julian Gardner, Geoff Duddy, R. G. Woodgate, A. Le Feuvre, A Bailey, R. B. Besier, N. Campbell, I. Carmichael, S. Love, Richard Stovold

Sheep Updates

This session covers eight papers from different authors:

POSTERS

1. Sulpher in wool and its implications for fleece weight and sheep health, SM Liu, AC Schlink, JR Williams, CSIRO Livestock Industries Wembley WA, ME Dowling,JCGreef, Department of Agriculture Western Australia.

2. Stubbles for sheep: a reality check, Roy Butler, Keith Croker, Department of Agriculture Western Australia.

3. Genetic benchmarking using artificial insemination, LC Butler, JC Greeff, Department of Agriculture Western Australia.

4. The potential lambing performances of ewes in mixed age flocks, Kieth Croker, Department of Agriculture Western Australia, Rob Davidson, WAMMCO International, formally University of Western Australia, Ken Hart, …

Ec00-279 Synchronizing Esetrus In Beef Cattle, Richard J. Rasby, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Synchronization of estrus (heat) involves manipulating the estrous cycle of beef females in a herd so they can be bred at approximately the same time. There are several traditional protocols available for synchronizing estrus among beef females.

This extension circular discusses the programs and protocols used in synchronizing estrus in the beef cow.

G94-1197 The Genetics And Management Of Sound Feet And Legs, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sound management of feet and legs in dairy animals affects performance. This guide offers suggestions for good management practices.

Two major parameters affect the selection process for any trait: the heritability of the trait as well as the variation associated with the trait.

Artificial Insemination Of Ewes With Fresh Semen, Jonathon Hunton, Keith Kroker

Bulletins 4000 -

This Bulletin gives a basic outline of the technique for artificial insemination (Al) of sheep. The topic is large and incorporates several areas of reproductive physiology which can only be given cursory treatment in this publication. Much of the information discussed is also applicable to goat breeders wishing to use AT, although there are some fundamental differences.

G89-952 Estrus (Heat) Detection Guidelines, Jeffrey F. Keown, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to spot cows in heat are covered in this NebGuide.

Several factors are essential in maintaining a herd's reproductive health. Among the most important are: (1) maintaining accurate records, (2) knowing the visual signs of estrus (heat), (3) using proper heat detection aids, and (4) maintaining a herd health program.

By taking the four basic steps listed above, the expected calving interval for dairy animals will be close to the recommended 12 to 13 months. Beef producers need to strive for a 12-month calving interval to maintain a profitable enterprise.

This 12- to 13-month calving interval returns the most …

The Feasibility Of Artificial Insemination Of Dairy Cattle Managed By Fulani Tribesmen In Kaduna State, Nigeria, Christian Olafimihan Ojomo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study sought to determine: (a) the essential elements of a viable artificial insemination program for the Fulani Tribesmen in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and (b) to determine if the essential elements of a viable artificial insemination program exist in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted from April 15 to May 15, 1985, in the Artificial Insemination (AI) Subcenters of Zaria, Katsina, Kabomo, Kaduna, Ikara, Zonkwa, Kurmin-Biri, and Kauranjuli.

The data presented in this study were collected by personal interviews with Fulani Tribesmen. The population of this study was from a partial list of Fulani Tribesmen who have had AI …

G85-755 How To Set Goals For Your Breeding Program, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to determine which trait(s) to select for, and how multiple trait selection affects genetic progress.

Dairy producers are often concerned with placing emphasis on different production traits in their breeding program. Selecting on only economically important traits should be the objective of every producer. The use of artificial insemination (A.I.) sires is the most economical and productive way to increase the genetic potential of the herd.

A cow's record is a measure of her genetic potential, which is modified by the environment in which she is kept. Environmental factors that directly influence a cow's record include …

G85-741 Estrous Synchronization For Beef Cattle, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the potential benefits of estrous synchronization, how the products and programs work, and the results and costs involved. Estrous (heat) synchronization can help beef producers improve production efficiency and economic returns. Controlling estrus and ovulation in cycling females means breeding is completed in a short period of time. Instead of females being bred over a 21-day period, synchronization can shorten the breeding period to less than 5 days, depending on the program selected. The use of synchronization has great potential for improving beef production, but it requires good management for success. Producers should understand the advantages, as …

G85-759 Prominent Congenital Defects In Nebraska Beef Cattle, J. L. Johnson, H. W. Leipold, Donald B. Hudson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes congenital defects that affect the economic value of beef cattle, and provides recommendations on how to minimize them in breeding programs.

Congenital defects are abnormalities of structure or function present at birth. They may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, or a combination of both. The causes of many defects remain unknown.

Developmental defects may be lethal, semi-lethal, or compatible with life, causing very little effect or only aesthetic effect.

With the increasing use of artificial insemination (AI) in cattle, defects are no longer rare occurrences and are important collectively to the cattle industry. Congenital defects …

G81-574 Reproductive Diseases In Cattle, Duane Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The reproductive diseases mentioned in this NebGuide comprise some of the more common problems confronting the cattle industry today.

Although many advances have been made in controlling reproductive diseases in cattle, serious losses are still common. These losses can be reduced by recognizing the diseases and following the proper management recommendations that are available today. Nearly 50 percent of reproductive failure in cattle is due to infectious diseases, and there are vaccines available that can prevent some of these. Management recommendations may include: 1) vaccines, 2) general sanitation, 3) artificial insemination (AI) or, if a problem is already present, 4) …

G80-537 Reproductive Trace Anatomy And Physiology Of The Cow, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Knowledge of basic reproduction will help a producer to obtain higher conception rates when using estrous synchronization and/or artificial insemination. The reproductive performance of a cow herd has a great influence on the income and profit realized. A good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cow's reproductive system is, therefore, beneficial for successful management. Knowledge of basic reproduction will help a producer to obtain higher conception rates when using estrous synchronization and/or artificial insemination. It will also allow for a better understanding of pregnancy examinations, reproductive diseases and calving difficulty problems.

G80-536 Reproductive Trace Anatomy And Physiology Of The Bull, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the bull's reproductive tract is beneficial for proper management. Good reproductive performance of a bull is necessary to obtain a high percent calf crop. A bull must be fertile and capable of servicing a large number of cows during a short breeding season for optimum production. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the bull's reproductive tract is beneficial for proper management. A basic knowledge of the reproductive system will also help the producer to understand fertility examinations, reproductive problems and breeding impairments.

G76-307 Bull Selection, Robert Taylor

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The primary functions of the bull in a beef management program are two-fold: (1) contribute to the production of live calves and (2) contribute to the genetic improvement of economically important traits.

This NebGuide discusses how to select bulls to improve your herd.

G76-308 Principles Of Beef Cattle Selection, H.A. Fitzhugh, Jr.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Selection of superior seedstock leads to lasting genetic improvement by increasing the frequency of "desirable" genes and decreasing frequency of "undesirable" genes. The definition of "desirable" varies. Nature favors genes which improve fitness to survive and thrive in the natural environment. Man should favor genes which improve biological and economic efficiency of beef production.

The concepts, definitions, formulas and symbols that are the tools necessary for effective selection programs are discussed in this publication.

G75-232 Cow-Calf Herd Health Program (Revised April 1993), Duane Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Establishing a good cow-calf herd health program is a necessary step in the right direction if a profit is to be realized. The objective of any beef herd health program should be for 100 percent of the cows to produce a calf weighing enough to provide a reasonable return.

This NebGuide discusses essentials of health management in beef cow operations.

The Influence Of Length Of Storage Of Bovine Semen On Conception Rate Under Field Conditions, A. B. Schultze, H. P. Davis, C. T. Blunn, M. M. Oloufa

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

It is the purpose of this study to determine whether under conditions of routine handling in artificial breeding associations there is a decline in semen fertility from day to day and also to determine the magnitude of this decline. Tabulation of such data will not only be of value in determining the effect of frequent semen collection on the over-all artificial breeding results but will also serve as a basis of comparison in investigational work directed toward increasing the efficiency of artificial breeding.

Breeding Efficiency In Dairy Cattle From Artificial Insemination At Various Intervals Before And After Ovulation, George W. Trimberger

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The length of estrus and the time of ovulation were determined for 46 heifers and 86 cows of the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, and Holstein breeds by testing for end of estrus and ovulation at 2-hour intervals. Services were given by artificial insemination at various intervals before and after ovulation to determine the influence of this factor on the rate of conception. No significant breed or seasonal differences were found for length of estrus and ovulation time after end of estrus among the four dairy breeds represented in the experiment.

Conception Rate In Dairy Cattle By Artificial Insemination At Various Stages Of Estrus, George W. Trimberger, H. P. Davis

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

A breeding experiment with 295 dairy cows and heifers of the Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, and Holstein breeds was conducted in the University of Nebraska dairy herd. The females were given artificial services at various stages of estrus to determine the effect of time of service upon conception. The results obtained indicate the potential benefits in higher percentage of conception in females bred during the middle of estrus, toward the end of estrus, and those bred in full heat and rebred in 24 hours. The latter is usually not very practical, especially in artificial breeding rings, but there are occasions when …