Trying to find a way to breed my Jersey heifer

Donna from Mo · #1 02/28/08, 08:41 PM

I've called local vets and gotten numbers to two AI techs: Neither of them has returned my call. When I talked to the wife of one of them, she called Jerseys "a rare breed" and said she wasn't even sure ABS carried their semen.

Bull! (pardon my pun.)

I checked their website and they DO.

I have three months before Secret is old enough to breed, and I'll keep trying.

I'd sure hate to have to resort to using my brother-in-law's Angus bull. I want a Jersey calf out of Secret.

My problem, as I see it.

vquinn2 · #2 02/28/08, 09:01 PM

Where is Missouri do you live?

Donna from Mo · #3 02/28/08, 09:05 PM

Near Lexington, in Lafayette County.

vquinn2 · #4 02/28/08, 10:12 PM

Wish we lived closer--I'm in the Oklahoma City area. I have a jersey bull you could borrow. Pehaps if you posted the same thread on
http://familycow.proboards32.com/index.cgi? someone might could help you out or have a better idea??? Just a thought...good luck
Valerie

AR Transplant · #5 02/28/08, 10:42 PM

that's just crazy.

I live in the Fort Smith arkansas area and I had no trouble getting jersey semen. Perhaps you can get some shipped?

By the way, my dd used to go to Wentworth accademy. She was a dayhopper. Lexington is a nice town.

ar

myersfarm · #6 02/29/08, 12:51 AM

326 miles from you but I have 2 jersey bulls bring her over ! is a reg jersey bull out of a high producing cow and a A I bull

kscmarie · #7 02/29/08, 07:31 AM

I have semen from several miniature jersey bulls for sale. belfair@zoomnet.net Fonnie

Donna from Mo · #8 02/29/08, 07:36 AM

Oh, ABS has Jersey semen; the breeder just doesn't want to order any, best I can tell.

Donna from Mo · #9 02/29/08, 08:34 AM

One of the AI techs called me back this morning. He's about 20 miles from here and he DOES carry Jersey semen. Sounded like a nice guy; he's been in the business for twenty years. I am SO relieved!

AR Transplant · #10 02/29/08, 10:29 AM

that is great news!

my jersey took on the first attempt, I hope you have equal success.

ar

Tam319 · #11 03/01/08, 12:00 AM

That is great!! I was going to suggest calling just a local dairy. Most are set up with their own tanks, etc and are experienced. They could have probably helped you out. But that is great news that you found a tech!! I ran into similar trouble last year trying to deal with the vet, etc. Finally gave up and bred my cow Angus. I regret it now. She had a lovely show quality Jersey heifer last year and this year's Angus x calf will be nothing spectacular. Probably will make a decent family cow if its a heifer but nothing beats a purebred Jersey

Donna from Mo · #12 03/01/08, 06:28 AM

I've had a few Jersey/Angus cross calves over the years. Trouble is, such a calf doesn't really make a good Angus OR a good Jersey, in my opinion.

We have no local dairies any more. A dozen years ago we did have a nearby dairyman who ordered and stored the Jersey semen for me, and came and bred my cows. But he quite the dairy business long ago.

I'm just so relieved to have found a technician.

piglady · #13 03/01/08, 06:38 AM

Sorry I didn't read this thread until now but sounds like you have one. We have a tech. in Sparta, MO but not sure how close that is to you. We picked up a pamplet from ABS last year with the list of their Jersey bulls and they have some nice ones. We are going with Jevon (29je3346). They even have the sorted semen so you can have a 90 something % chance at a female. It's not that much more expensive and well worth it. We are excited and can't wait!

Donna from Mo · #14 03/01/08, 06:50 AM

Sorted semen? Not that much more expensive? WOW, I never heard of such a thing! I learn more neat stuff on this forum. I'll be talking to the AI fellow about this.

Tom McLaughlin · #15 03/01/08, 10:11 AM

If you have a problem with dehorning there are polled jersey sires available
Has anyone used sexed semen? If so how'd it work out and what did it cost? Thanks, Tom

leefarms · #16 03/01/08, 10:25 AM

I have started using sexed semen and it has went good so far. I put it in a 8 yr. old jersey and a 5 yr. old jersey and they both settle the first time. You just have to watch heat cycles close, because at $40 to $45 a straw you don't want to miss. Select Sires have a good selection of sexed semen bulls.

haypoint · #17 03/01/08, 08:28 PM

Sexed semen solves the Jeresy dilema: If you are having a heifer, you'd want it to be all Jeresy, but if it is a bull calf, might as well be sired by a beef bull. Not much of a market for a common Jeresy bull or steer.
Seems that would be important for goat breeders, too.

francismilker · #18 03/03/08, 10:00 AM

I'd be interested to know the true percentage on sexed semen. If it is in the 90 percentile range, I'm going to try and order some.