Management Factors Influencing Fertility in Synchronized and Natural Breeding Programs

Artificial insemination provides a method to inseminate a large number of females to a single sire that has been selected and proven to be an industry leader for economically relevant traits. Thus, genetic change in a herd can occur quickly through the use of artificial insemination. With natural service, herd bulls are also selected for economically relevant traits but are limited on the number of cows/heifers they can service during the breeding season. During the breeding season, a herd bull’s job is to detect cows/heifers in standing estrus and breed them at the appropriate time. For successful artificial insemination (AI) of cattle to occur, the producer (herd manager) must take the place of the herd bull in detecting the cows/heifers that are ready to be inseminated.