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Getting Large Numbers of Dairy Heifers Bred AI
Lessons from the Show-Me Select Program
David J. PattersonDivision of Animal Sciences
University of Missouri - Columbia
ResourceKnowledge
Reproductive Management
ProfitManagerDecisionAction
Outcome
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= Breakeven ($)Annual Cow Cost ($)
Avg. Wean Wt. (lbs) x % Calf CropAvg. Wean Wt. (lbs) x % Calf Crop
Economic Importance
From Dearborn et al., 1973; Laster et al., 1979
Heritability of Reproductive TraitsHeritability of Reproductive Traits
Trait HeritabilityAge at puberty .41Weight at puberty .40First service conception .22Conception/estrous cycle exposed .27Failure to conceive .09Calf born alive .00Calf alive at 2 weeks .03Calf alive at weaning -.01
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Adapted from Fox et al., 1988
Optimum Growth Ratefor Breeding Herd Replacement Heifers
Frame size
Item 1 3 5 7 9
Optimum wt at 1st estrus, lb 572 669 761 858 955
Mature wt, lb 880 1,027 1,173 1,320 1,467
Breed Group Growth Lean:Fat Age@Puberty Milk Jersey X X X XXXXX Here x Ang XX XX XXX XX Red Poll XX XX XX XXX Devon XX XX XXX XX Tarentaise XXX XXX XX XXX Brangus XXX XX XXXX XX Brahman XXXXX XXX XXXXX XXX Gelbvieh XXXX XXXX XX XXXX Holstein XXXX XX XX XXXXXX Simmental XXXXX XXXX XXX XXXX Maine Anjou XXXXX XXXX XXX XXX Limosin XXX XXXXX XXXX X Charolais XXXXX XXXXX XXXX X Chianina XXXXX XXXXX XXXX X
More X’s correspond to: larger growth/mature sizemore leanlater puberty and more milk
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From NAHMS Survey, 1994
Selected Management ProceduresUsed on Replacement Beef Heifers
Management practice Percent of operations Feed separately Pelvic measurements Reproductive tract scores Breed prior to mature herd Synchronize estrus Artificial insemination Body condition score Weigh Pregnancy diagnosis
31.8 3.0 1.2
12.7 3.0 3.3 4.6 7.9
15.9
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Reproductive ManagementPrior to First Breeding Season
1. Target weight1. Target weight2. Reproductive tract score (RTS)2. Reproductive tract score (RTS)3. Pelvic measurements3. Pelvic measurements4. Estrus synchronization4. Estrus synchronization5. Sire selection (low BW EPD)5. Sire selection (low BW EPD)
from Byerley et al., 1987
Pregnancy Rates of HeifersBred at Pubertal or Third Estrus
% Pregnant
Pubertal 57
Third 78
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From Anderson et al., 1991
Reproductive Tract Scores
RTS
Uterine Horns
Ovarian Length (mm)
Ovarian Height (mm)
Ovarian Width (mm)
Ovarian Structures
1
Immature, <20 mm diameter, no tone
15
10
8
No palpable follicles
2
20-25 mm diameter, no tone
18
12
10
8 mm follicles
3
20-25 mm diameter, slight tone
22
15
10 8-10 mm follicles
4
30 mm diameter, good tone
30
16
12
> 10 mm follicles, Cl possible
5
> 30 mm diameter >32 20 15 Corpus luteum
present
Adapted from Day and Anderson,1998; Anderson et al.,
1991
Endocrine and Ovarian Changes Associated with Puberty Onset
EstradiolEstradiol secretionsecretion
EstradiolEstradiol feedbackfeedback
LH secretionLH secretion
Follicle diameterFollicle diameter
Reproductive tract Reproductive tract scorescore 1 2 3 4 5
+
PrepubertalPrepubertal PeripubertalPeripubertal PubertalPubertal
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From Bartol et al., 1995
Neonatal Exposure to Progesterone andEstradiol on Reproductive Tract in Beef Heifers
Age at Treatmentb Responsea Birth Day 21 Day 45 Control
Uterocervical weightc (g) 113.7d 123.5d 101.3d 173.9e
Myometrial area (mm2) 123.7g 141.8g 111.3g 162.8h
Endometrial area (mm2) 29.9i 32.4i 37.7i 45.4j
Gland Density (hits/mm2) 172.2d 380.3e 382.2e 486.9f
Uterine luminal protein (mg/flush) 2.8d 2.9d 2.3d 4.9e
Adapted from Patterson and Bullock, 1995
Reproductive Summary
RTS n Weight (lb)
Pelvic height (cm)
Pelvic width (cm)
Pelvic area (cm2)
Estrous response
(%) 1 61 484a 13.9a 10.9a 152a 54a
2 278 620b 14.1a 11.2a 158a 66b
3 1103 697c 14.5b 11.4b 166b 76c
4 494 733d 14.7c 11.7c 172c 83d
5 728 755d 14.7c 11.7c 172c 86d
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745811740625725Range
12601288115010501100Max. wt.515477410425375Min. wt.
750700700700700Mode770755700675636Median777763708680644
Mean wt. (lb)
34264550413279258Number54321RTS
Weight range of heifers by RTS (Randle and Patterson, 2005)
1,2NS=natural service; SAI=synchronized and AI’eda,bP<.05; c,dP<.05Adapted from Randle and Patterson, 2005
73d68c61b44a105001016Total80d74c64b50a2835242577d72c62b48a3629322474d65c58b41a3320336368d54c52b31a661108255c63c42a38a5581
SAI (%)
NS (%)
SAI (%)
NS (%)
SAI2
(n)NS1
(n)RTS
42-d Preg rate21-d Preg rateExposed
Pregnancy rates of heifers in natural service versus synchronized and AI’ed herds
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Heifer Program Requirements
Weight and body conditionWeight and body conditionRTSRTSPelvic measurementPelvic measurementService sire requirementService sire requirement
BW BW -- EPDEPD
Estrous synchronizationEstrous synchronizationAIAIEarly pregnancy diagnosisEarly pregnancy diagnosis
OwnershipOwnershipHealthHealth
vaccinationsvaccinationsparasite controlparasite control
Implant useImplant use
RTS: 6 to 8 weeks before breeding or 2 RTS: 6 to 8 weeks before breeding or 2 weeks before estrus synchronizationweeks before estrus synchronization
Begin synchronization when Begin synchronization when ≥≥ 50% of the heifers 50% of the heifers have RTShave RTS of 4 or 5of 4 or 5
Heifer ManagementHeifer Management
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Begin breeding heifers 2Begin breeding heifers 2--3 weeks before cows3 weeks before cows
Use proven AI sires with high accuracy Use proven AI sires with high accuracy EPDsEPDs for for calving ease.calving ease.
Heifer Management Heifer Management
Heifer ManagementHeifer Management
DO NOT use growth promoting implantsDO NOT use growth promoting implants
Implants may disrupt or impair Implants may disrupt or impair development of reproductive organsdevelopment of reproductive organs
Effects of implant use are palpable at RTSEffects of implant use are palpable at RTS
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Service Sire CriteriaService Sire Criteria
•Birth weight
•Calving ease
•Accuracy requirements on AI sires
Pregnancy ExaminationPregnancy Examination
Perform prior to 90 days gestationdetermine fetal age
Distinguish AI from natural service pregnancies
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First statewide, on-farm beef heifer development and marketing program in the nationProducers are utilizing available technologies for on-farm heifer development that are now spilling over into the cowherdSignificant increase in interest & use of estrus synchronization and AI stemming perhaps from differential in sale prices, but more importantly from successful applicationA growing awareness, understanding and appreciation for the importance of reproductive management to the whole herd
ShowShow--MeMe--Select ReplacementSelect Replacement™™ Heifer ProgramHeifer Program
Accomplishments and Impacts
• Since 1997…………• 601 farms• 184 veterinarians• 71,223 heifers• 10 regional extension livestock coordinators• 17 regional extension livestock specialists
Show-Me-Select Replacement™ Heifer Program
Accomplishments and Impacts
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• The marketing component • 67 sales at 10 locations• 16,379 heifers sold • $17,295,267 in gross sales• 5,544 perspective buyers
• 521 out of state• 1,915 successful buyers
• 198 out of state• 14 states
Show-Me-Select Replacement™ Heifer Program
Accomplishments and Impacts
The U.S. Beef HerdThe U.S. Beef Herd
69% of cow-calf enterprises are secondary income sources
50% of producers report an established breeding season of specific duration
34% of beef herds are routinely pregnancy checked
10% of beef cattle enterprises utilize AI
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Artificial insemination and estrus synchronization are generally regarded as the most important and applicable of all
available biotechnologies to the beef cattle industry (Seidel, 1995).
From NAHMS Survey, 1998
36
14
20 21
39
13
20 19
34
1914
22
0
10
20
30
40
%
Estrus synchronization Artificial insemination Pregnancy diagnosis
Reasons for not Using Reproductive Procedures
Time/labor Cost Complicated Other
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•Improvements in methods to synchronize estrus create the opportunity to significantly expand the use of AI in the U.S. cowherd ………………….
A unique point in time for the A unique point in time for the U.S. beef industryU.S. beef industry………………
Availability of tools and understanding of methods to control the estrous cycle in cattle
A changing market structure that recognizes and rewards quality
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The challenge of transferring The challenge of transferring technology (estrus synchronization technology (estrus synchronization and AI) to the private sector exceeds and AI) to the private sector exceeds the task of research and development the task of research and development of still newer technologiesof still newer technologies………………..
CollectivelyCollectively
Adopt common terminology regarding the various estrus synchronization protocols
Identify and agree upon short lists of protocols heifers and cowsheat detect and AI vs fixed-time AI
Work to overcome the attitude of “What will this cost me?” ….to… “ I’m willing to make an investment in my herd”
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Effective Estrus Synchronization Programs
Facilitate AI & ETReduce time required to detect estrusCycling females conceive earlier in the breeding periodInduce cyclicity in peripubertal heifers and anestrous postpartum cows
Objective: Development of highly effective & economical estrus synchronization programs
Peripubertal heifersPostpartum cows
Anestrus and estrous cyclingExcellent pregnancy rates
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Products Currently AvailableCurrently Available
ProstglandinLutalyse, Estrumate, ProstaMate, In Synch, estroPLAN
GnRHCystorelin, Factrel, Fertagyl, OvaCyst
ProgestinsMGACIDR
What We Know About Progesterone & MGA . . .What We Know About Progesterone & MGA . . .
Induces puberty in beef heifers
Prevents expression of behavioral estrus
Blocks the preovulatory surge of LH
Blocks ovulation
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MGA (14 days)
11 14 16 20 14 16 20 31 33 36 31 33 36
PGPG
Synchronizedestrus
Treatment days
Estrus
Brown et al., 1988
MGA-PG14-19 d
Improved estrous responseImproved estrous responseMore heifers in heatMore heifers in heat
Similar fertilitySimilar fertilityNo change in conception or pregnancy rateNo change in conception or pregnancy rate
Improved synchronyImproved synchronyMore heifers in heat in a shorter timeMore heifers in heat in a shorter time
(Deutscher et al., 2000; Lamb et al., 2000)
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MGA (14 days)
1 14 33
PG
Wood et al., 2001
MGA-PG
Treatment days
MGA (14 days)
1 14 26 33
PGGnRHMGA Select
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Day of treatment
Folli
cle
diam
eter
(mm
)
ESTRUSESTRUS
PG
Wood et al., 2001
21
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Day of treatment
Folli
cle
diam
eter
(mm
)
ESTRUSESTRUS
PGGnRH
Wood et al., 2001
When to Add When to Add GnRHGnRHto an MGAto an MGA--PG Protocol for HeifersPG Protocol for HeifersConsideration of . . . .
AgeWeight Reproductive tract score (RTS)
Pubertal status
Wood et al., 2000; Kojima et al., 2001
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How do MGAHow do MGA-- and CIDRand CIDR--based based protocols compare in heifers?protocols compare in heifers?
00 66 77 1414
CIDRCIDR--PG ProtocolPG Protocol
Heat detect and AIHeat detect and AICIDR
PGPG
CIDR CIDR InsertionInsertion
CIDR CIDR RemovalRemoval
00 77 1414Treatment daysTreatment days
CIDR CIDR InsertionInsertion
CIDR
CIDR Removal CIDR Removal & & PGPG
Heat detect and AIHeat detect and AI
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1212 2424 3636 4848 6060 7272 8484 9696 108108 120120Hours after CIDR removalHours after CIDR removal
% o
f hei
fers
in e
stru
s%
of h
eife
rs in
est
rus CIDRCIDR--PG day 6 PG day 6
CIDRCIDR--PG day 7 PG day 7
00
1010
2020
3030
4040
PG injection on day 6 or 7 altered the timing of estrus after PG injection on day 6 or 7 altered the timing of estrus after CIDR removalCIDR removal
NoNoresponseresponse
CIDRCIDR--PG ProtocolPG ProtocolEstrous ResponseEstrous Response
Observations with MGAObservations with MGA--based programs based programs in yearling beef heifers . . .in yearling beef heifers . . .
• Increasing number of reports that pregnancy rates resulting from MGA-based estrus synchronization protocols are declining in yearling age heifers . . . . . . .
– Higher rates of estrous cyclicity– Heavier weight and conditioned heifers
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1 14 26 33
MGA (14 days)
0 14 23 30Treatment day
.. .. 12 days .. .. .. .. 7 days .. ..
.. .. 9 days .. .. .. .. 7 days .. ..
GnRH
GnRH
PG
PG
Experimental ProtocolsExperimental Protocols
Kojima et al., 2004
CIDR (14 days)
MGA Select
14-d CIDR
0 1 2 3 4 5+
Days after PG
% o
f Hei
fers
Inse
min
ated
Summary for Timing of AISummary for Timing of AI
No treatment x location effect (P > 0.10); therefore, datawere pooled
Distribution of AI dates were different between MGA- andCIDR-treated heifers (P < 0.02)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80CIDR (n = 177)
MGA (n = 175)
0% 1%
10% 15%
69%
53%
5%10% 16%
21%PG
Kojima et al., 2004
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112/177(63 %)a
83/175 (47 %)b
195/352 (55 %)
AI Pregnancy
a, b P = 0.01+ 16 %
CIDR
MGA
Total
154/177(87 %)
147/175 (84 %)
301/352 (86 %)
Estrous Response
Estrous Response, AI Pregnancy, and Final Estrous Response, AI Pregnancy, and Final Pregnancy RatesPregnancy Rates
+ 3 %Diff.
164/177(93 %)
159/175 (91 %)
323/352 (92 %)
FinalPregnancy
+ 2 %Kojima et al., 2004
SummarySummary
In yearling beef heifers:
CIDR-GnRH-PG improved synchrony of estruscompared with MGA Select
CIDR-GnRH-PG improved AI pregnancyrate over MGA Select
Kojima et al., 2004
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Heat DetectHeat Detect
Estrous Response and Fertility in Beef Heifers After Treatment with Various Estrus Synchronization Protocols
MGA-PG 14-19MGA SelectCIDR-PG(d6)14d CIDR
CIDR-PG: 60hrCO-Synch CIDR: 60 hr14d CIDR: 72 hr
CIDR-PG(d7): 84hrSelect Synch +CIDR: 84 hr
Treatment Estrous response Pregnancy rate
Heat Detect & Time AI
Fixed-Time AI
No. %1129/1302 87433/499 87200/285 70713/830 86
No. %768/1302 59280/499 56112/285 39499/830 60
282/517 55289/504 57
258/525 49282/531 53518/853 61
0 14 23 30
PGPGCIDR (14 days)CIDR (14 days) ... 9 days ... ... 7 days ...
GnRHGnRH
0 14 23 30…….72hrs
PGPG
Treatment day
CIDR (14 days)CIDR (14 days) ... 9 days ... ... 7 days ...
GnRHGnRHGnRH& AI
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60830499Totals45512318
67181217
76332516
51814115
8010814
63161013
5616912
51392011
52814210
7141299
5544248
6746317
7650386
6279495
5448264
6356353
6442272
6379501
Preg. rate (%)No. inseminatedNo. pregnantHerd
Pregnancy rates after administration of the 14-d CIDR protocol in field trials involving AI performed after observed estrus.
61853518Totals75322413
64503212
64694411
59392310
6281509
262778
5358318
6877528
671287
5248256
6885585
5182424
78973
6667442
61117711Preg. rate (%)No. inseminatedNo. pregnantHerd
Pregnancy rates after administration of the 14-dCIDR protocol in field trialsinvolving AI performed 72 hours after PG.