Time, facilities, and labor available for the program will affect the outcome of an AI program, as will the body condition, post-calving interval, and fertility levels of the cows and heifers. These variables do not include the effects of adverse weather conditions and nature. Cows are grouped together for heat detection, breeding, and calving. With AI, breeders reap the genetic and economic benefits of higher quality AI-sired offspring and replacements. Breeders effectively shorten the calving season, and calves are born earlier in the calving season.
Calves are older and heavier at weaning.
Replacement heifers are older at breeding age. The calf crop is more uniform in age and size. To be successful with estrus synchronization and AI, a producer needs to be prepared. Body condition score should be a minimum of 5, with a preferred condition score of 6. The cows are far enough removed from calving that they are already cycling.