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ARS Home » Plains Area » Miles City, Montana » Livestock and Range Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #221797
Title: Factors that influence fertility in synchronized breeding programs: AI or natural service

Author
item PERRY, G - S DAKOTA STATE U, BROOKIN
item FIELDS, S - S DAKOTA STATE U, BROOKIN
item DALTON, J - U OF IDAHO
item Geary, Thomas

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2007
Publication Date: 9/11/2007
Citation: Perry, G.A., Fields, S.D., Dalton, J.C., Geary, T.W. 2007. Factors that influence fertility in synchronized breeding programs: AI or natural service. Meeting Proceedings 127-148.

Interpretive Summary: There are a tremendous number of factors that can influence fertility in a synchronized breeding program. This review has focused on some of the factors that affect pregnancy rates in both natural service and AI and synchronized and non-synchronized breeding programs. One of the best methods to look at factors influencing fertility is with the “Equation of Reproduction”. The equation looks at 4 main topic areas: 1) Percent of animals detected in standing estrus and inseminated; 2) Inseminator efficiency; 3) Fertility level of the herd; and 4) Fertility level of the semen.

Technical Abstract: Mechanisms involved in pregnancy establishment and maintenance in cattle are complex. This review has focused on some of the factors that affect pregnancy rates in both natural service and AI and synchronized and non-synchronized breeding programs. One of the best methods to look at factors influencing fertility is with the “Equation of Reproduction”. The equation looks at 4 main topic areas: 1) Percent of animals detected in standing estrus and inseminated; 2) Inseminator efficiency; 3) Fertility level of the herd; and 4) Fertility level of the semen. Tips to improve each of these components or ensure that each is adequate are included. Understanding the role that managers can assume to control some of these variables should result in greater synchronized pregnancy rates as well as an economic return for their efforts.