As breeding season approaches, schedules become busier, so planning and efficiency are crucial.
Breeding season is a year-round planning process as discussed in the February episode of the “Powered by Trans Ova Podcast.” During the podcast, veterinarians Tim Gibbs and Cody Bailey answer some commonly asked questions about embryo transfer (ET) programs.
What Causes Early Breeding Season Setbacks?
Starting too late or not having a game plan from the beginning tends to affect results.
Bailey summarizes, “It’s a recipe for failure.”
He recommends planning the whole season in advance, including:
- What donors will be used?
- When will embryos be made?
- What embryos you will put in?
- What recipient cows will be used?
- Do you have a vet or technician scheduled to put embryos in?
Having conversations each year to discuss the process is important so you can decide what works best or how to make improvements for the next time.
Bailey explains most changes that could be made to improve conception rates are minor things that add up. Successful programs are all in the details, from mineral and nutrition programs to vaccine protocols and more.
He summarizes, “It’s really getting all those boxes checked.”
What Nutrition Mistakes Reduce Conception Rates?
Gibbs explains it is a good idea for all producers to have a nutritionist help with nutrition decisions. What tends to have negative impacts are big changes in diets. Moving from feedlot diets to pasture too quickly often sets cattle back.
Gibbs recommends continuing to supplement diets when turning out to grass until it has fully come up.
“That’s really the worst situation for a recipient is to have her going backwards nutritionally around breeding time,” Gibbs says.
Ensuring females are maintaining condition or heading in a positive direction is most beneficial.
What Should You Prioritize With Younger Recipients?
With cattle inventories being at a historic low and increased embryo production, recipient pools are low. Some producers are looking to use virgin or 2-year-old heifers to expand recipient numbers.
Gibbs explains the beef industry varies from dairy producers who often see more success with using virgin recipients. If using virgin recipients, it is important to manage their body condition closely and keep them in low-stress environments.
“The good thing is to set expectations that if we hit 50% conception rate on heifers, that’s a win,” he explains, as opposed to 70% being ideal in mature cows.
Two-year-olds also need special management, separating them from mature cows to lower competition rates for resources. Gibbs says first-calf heifers’ post-calving interval should be 90 to 110 days rather than 60 to 70 days used with mature cows.
Like virgin heifers, they still tend to have a less sensitive heat response and a lower conception rate.
What Health Protocols Ensure Success?
“It really depends on the individual client, the type of cattle used as recipients and where they’re located,” Gibbs says. “Ensure there is a herd health protocol in place that fits the location and operation.”
A vaccine program is crucial for all ages. Gibbs and Bailey both recommend vaccinating cows either before synching or waiting until preg-checking time. However, both say parasite control with pour-ons and dewormers is appropriate to administer at breeding time.
What Synchronization Protocols Are Recommended?
Both Gibbs and Bailey suggest the 7 & 7 protocol. Results have shown that more cows will express heats with this method compared to a 7-day CIDR (controlled internal drug release).
The window for heats is extremely tight, ranging from 48 to 72 hours. The constraint with this protocol is management if producers are short labor or time.
There is also a 30-day protocol that tends to work well with virgin heifers, specifically with artificial insemination. Both express reminders that producers understand correct procedures for what protocol they use.
How Do You Manage Environmental Changes?
Bailey emphasizes to always have a plan. With good weather comes good results, and inconsistent weather brings challenges.
Simple changes like increased feed for more energy in colder weather, bedding or windbreaks can all help reduce stress when cows are in heat.
“Just try to have a plan for when things are going to happen because they probably will,” Bailey stresses.
How Should Recipients Be Managed Post-transfer?
“Try not to make any big changes for four or five weeks after transfer day,” Gibbs suggests.
Stress issues are mitigated when everything is kept consistent. If any location changes are to be made, doing these the day of or the next day is best.
He explains that once days 17 to 24 of the cow’s estrus cycle are reached, stress should be minimized since this is the point where she will either stick or cycle back. When times arise where changes must be made, consult practitioners to make the best plan.
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