Fifteen-month-old heifers that have reached at least 65 percent of their expected mature weight respond better than younger heifers at a lighter weight. The response of replacement heifers depends on whether they have reached puberty. Arrange for the services of experienced AI technicians.īeef cows with calves less than 40 days old may be anestrous (not experiencing cycles) and respond less than cows that are cyclic.Vaccinate before the breeding season to prevent reproductive diseases.Provide adequate nutrition, because undernourished cows may not respond to treatment, much less conceive.For best results with an estrus synchronization program and to ensure optimum fertility, ranchers should: This is because only 5 to 7 percent of females will display estrus more than once during the first 21 days of breeding.

Without synchronization, the herd manager is faced with a 21-day period of continual estrus detection and only one opportunity for AI in most females. The females will still be synchronized to a slight degree, which gives a second chance to artificially inseminate each female in the early part of the breeding season.

Shortens the breeding and calving seasons.Ĭows not conceiving will return to estrus again beginning about 18 to 25 days after the synchronization period.

Enables more cows to be bred to a superior sire.

Artificial insemination (AI) activities are confined to a few intensive days.

Reduces and in some cases eliminates the need to detect estrus and allows the herd manager to schedule breeding activities in a predetermined period lasting from 1 to 12 days.

*Former Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Emeritus, and Professor and Extension Livestock Specialist, The Texas A&M University System.Įstrus synchronization-which is a manipulation of the reproductive process-offers several benefits.

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