AI questions

darbyfamily · #1 03/03/08, 08:54 AM

so... almost all of the places I've seen AI offered they say minimum 5 straws per purchase... but I have no use at all for 5 at a time.

Does AI usually take the first time? Do you really need to have some for back up?

Is there anyone who sells just one or two at a time?

I guess I could find out from the vet here if there is an AI tech in the area.

Heather, did you say you guys DO that yourself? and uh... would you come down here and help us out when we are ready to do that

unioncreek · #2 03/03/08, 02:19 PM

Yes, 5 straws is what you have to buy from most of the semen sellers. I would talk to the vet and get a list of local people that AI. You can probably buy one or two straws from them. Generally AI has about a 75% conception rate, timing when to breed is usually where it fails.

Bobg

Dexter_Cattle · #3 03/03/08, 06:57 PM

Hi Jennifer,

Some sellers will sell fewer. I am one of them. The two problems with buying less than 5 are....

#1, conception rates are anywhere from 33%-75% depending on timing and the AI Tech. With that being said, if you buy one or two straws, you may not end up with your cow settled.

The other problem is shipping cost. To ship straws costs about $75-$100. Whether you order 1 or 100 straws. So if you spend $50 on 2 straws and $75 to ship it, you could end up with $125 and nothing to show for it.

Storage facilities usually don't charge much. I would check with your AI Tech that you plan to use and see if you can store some in there tank. Usually as long as you are using them to AI Them, you can store the straws in the tank for free.

So, I can tell you myself and atleast one other Dexter Semen seller, will sell just one straw, or however many you need, but you do need to know the shipping and conception rates before hand.

Thanks
Dan

Chixarecute · #4 03/03/08, 07:36 PM

I got my AI training when I was in college in Madison...it was a week long class held over spring break, with classroom & hands on instruction at a slaughter house (incoming cows.) The class was reasonable in price...you can check with an agricultural college near you.

But unless you are doing it A LOT your conception rate will likely stink... quite more cost effective to hire the tech to come in, if you have a small herd. We milked about 20, rate of settling about 65-70%. And if you're not doing a good job with heat detection, conception will drop even further. Straws need to be handled carefully, in storage & at thawing/use...better genetics , though, & no safety problems with a bull.

travlnusa · #5 03/04/08, 07:57 PM

I buy from Genex. I can buy one as I so desire. If I just have a few, I have my AI lady store them. Once I get over 10 or so, then I fill my own tank.

Could not agree more with the comment that unless you do ALOT, leave it to the pros.

If you AI tech can not do better than 65%, they need to never see your farm again.

Up North · #6 03/04/08, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbyfamily

Heather, did you say you guys DO that yourself? and uh... would you come down here and help us out when we are ready to do that

Yes, we do our own AI. You'll have to sweet talk to Mark. He's the expert. LOL

haypoint · #7 03/04/08, 10:27 PM

Five at a time isn't so many. Remember they last a very long time. You can pruchase viable semen from bulls that have been dead for years. Just buy 5 and let the Tech know you want to sell the extras, so when a customer needs an extra straw, he can offer your extras.

Dexter_Cattle · #8 03/04/08, 10:31 PM

Haypoint,

That is actually a fantastic idea.

In some areas there are a number of Dexter breeders and from time to time, people would love that opportunity to bring in outside genetics without having to buy an animal.

Dexters are also VERY popular crosses with Jerseys, White Parks, Highlanders and Belted cattle.