I had an exciting Saturday morning this past weekend at
my friend’s farm in Sentlhane, where he was administrating AI on his cattle.
Advanced farming practices like AI is used to improve
herd genetics - this method can also be effective for communal farmers especially
when facing bull-related issues such as sexually transmitted diseases, as well
as many others.
In addition, if a proper breeding season is followed, a
bull is used for only about two months of the year, so using AI saves money and
grazing.
When choosing genetics to select from a bull catalogue
in order to purchase your semen, it's vital to know which characteristics you
are looking for e.g. ease of calving, good feed conversion, and adaptability to
the tough environment. Especially in areas where it can be dry and hot, so this
should be a priority.
Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most
effective tools available to cattle producers to improve productivity and
profitability of their cattle operation.
AI is not just for purebred breeders, but it has many
benefits for the commercial cattle producer. The advantages of using AI are
numerous and well documented. Some of these include:
1.
The ability to use sires of superior
genetic merit (the best bulls of the breed).
2.
Improving production traits in cattle
operation.
3.
The ability to mate specific sires to
individual cows.
4.
Reducing the number of herd bulls
needed in cattle operation.
5.
Increased genetics for replacement
heifers; and when combined with estrous synchronization, a shorter calving
season can be achieved, resulting in a more consistent, uniform calf crop.
6.
For the commercial cattleman, this
could mean increased weaning weights, improved post-weaning performance,
enhanced carcass value and more productive replacement heifers.
In a nut shell, I urge cattle farmers to consider AI in the near future.
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