Artificial insemination advice

[chronic66]

I am requesting advice regarding the above mentioned topic. I have a really beefy year old red heifer that is probably part angus, part simmental (sp) and don't know what else. I will probably breed her to an angus.
I also have a holstein heifer, also a year old that I would like to get bred and I had the thought that breeding her to a jersey bull would, if the resulting calf was female, end up with a richer quality of milk.
Does anyoe have experience with taking heifers to the vet, having them sychronized and then having them inseminated soon after.
Is it costly, with positive results?

[mlangfus]

We have a jersey/holstien that had sycn and ai'd using sex linked Jersey semen( 90percent chance of heifer). Didnt take 1st time but think it took 2nd time. Sending blood in this week. Cost about $60 for everything.

[Gregg Alexander]

You don't have to have a Vet, find a AI tech in your area. And yes use sexlink seem works great

[travlnusa]

I agree no vet. Call around for an AI tech in your area. Call Genex and the like and ask if they have a tech in your area.

Get them synced up. The AI tech will tell you how to do this. You will need to buy one bottle froma vet shop, but they will sell it no problem.

Use sexed semen to a proven bull. You are looking for heifer calves, not state fair grand champs.

If they are 12 months old, I would wait a few more months. In a perfect world you want them to freshen around 2 yrs old. It takes 9 months from being bred to birth.

I suggest angus bulls. They have the best history of calving ease, and birth weight. Go with small calves for their first calf. Makes it easier on all.

Once bred, start to buy the stuff you need for calving. Pulling chains, clean bedding if in pens, BoSe shots once they are close to due etc.

Good luck

[willow_girl]

You can synch them yourself, if you have a headlock or some other way to restrain them while giving shots! Or even if you don't ... I've chased my girls around the pasture, syringe in hand! It's not easy but it's possible!

Are there any dairy farmers around you that might be willing to A.I. them for you?
BTW, you can buy semen for beef cows, too ... lot easier than messing with a bull, IMO!