H.L. The extent which artificial insemination is used to breed virgin heifers is difficult to estimate. Experience would indicate that the majority of breedings in this group is by natural service. Reasons for continued use of young sires on heifers are real, and returns from giving up these advantages need to be established. No labor is involved in restraining heifers for insemination. No time is involved in observing for heat cycles.
Age is reduced at first calving due to elimination of missed cycles.
Direct cash outlay for semen is eliminated. However, there are balancing factors that must be weighed in deciding whether to breed heifers AI at first breeding. One of the advantages in using AI on Holstein heifers is that there is an opportunity to reduce calving difficulties by selecting Holstein sires that contribute to less dystocia. This advantage is valid only if the breeder has already concluded that he cannot afford to sacrifice the offspring from heifers by breeding them to small breed beef sires. This difference will be slight because the dam has more influence on calf size than does the sire.