During the study, researchers investigated various injection intervals for the timing of ovulation. Their goal was to bring together a group of heifers at various stages of their estrous cycle and begin hormone injections. They then followed a prescribed protocol for a specific length of time and identified the ideal time to artificially inseminate. Ultrasound and reproduction management specialist Allen Williams said developing an effective method to synchronize ovulation will benefit dairy producers, who use artificial insemination almost exclusively, but will have even greater potential for beef producers. Only about 6 percent of beef producers use artificial insemination for their herds.
Timing is much harder for beef producers.
Dairy animals are observed closely twice a day, but beef producers work their animals much less often. If a successful pregnancy depends on a farmer observing the behavior of an animal in heat, the odds are not very good. Williams said hormone therapy and artificial insemination are economically beneficial for cattle producers. The animal scientists agreed that the study and similar efforts could not be conducted without the expertise each researcher brings to the table and the assistance of graduate students. Any one of us, by ourselves, would have a tough time trying to conduct these studies.