What weight/age for breeding and sexem semen question

deineria · #1 01/09/10, 01:51 PM

I might have asked about input on sexed semen before, but I cannot remember.
Has anyone used sexed semen with consistent results for all their breedings?
Though it isn't a 100%, I really can't go another route and risk bull calves because I am a vegeterian and such. . .lol! I couldn't bear to sell them for meat and can't afford to just keep them for the heck of it and don't have enough room for that. The nuns we purchased Stella from always use sexed semen and have good results, but is that typical?

Also, after fees and having someone out - what is the final cost, on average?

Lastly, do you recommend breeding her based on weight or a cerain age or a weight and age?

Thank you for any input!

JulieLou42 · #2 01/09/10, 03:16 PM

Breeding may be done between 15-18 months, depending on the breed, and perhaps weight. Smaller cattle breed on the younger age, IF they already had one heat.

I bred my 3/4 Guernsey-Angus on her second heat during her 18th month, and she was around 750-800lbs. She's now 1400lbs.

travlnusa · #3 01/09/10, 04:27 PM

If you have heifers, you will have better luck. Does not work very well on cows.

Cost will be based on the semen you choose.

Figure on more than one service as there are fewer units per straw in sexed.

Call your local AI company, and they will get you in touch with your local field rep and you will have true costs.

cathleenc · #4 01/09/10, 09:49 PM

I recently bought 2 straws of sexed guernsey semen - cost $28/straw for the semen only. Did not pay for service as my neighbor has a tank and will store the straws for me and service my cow as neccessary.

deineria · #5 01/09/10, 10:17 PM

Thanks. At least I have an idea of the semen costs. Wish I had such a neighbor! No one fools with dairy cattle around here.

Oakshire_Farm · #6 01/09/10, 10:53 PM

WOW your cow was on her second heat at 18 months!!! My Jersey heifer will be 1 year on Feb 10th and is cycling as regualrly as her mom and older sisters!!! I just got a bull and I have to be very carefull with her!

francismilker · #7 01/14/10, 11:43 PM

I've got a jersey heifer at the house that was accidentally bred to a MS bull at 5 months of age. She calved at 14 months with a heifer and has been slow to start cycling again. I noticed her being bred on December 15th. She calved June 22 of 09'. Not too shabby but I wouldn't recommend it again. I just had an acrobat for a bull who was able to jump in and out of the corral she was staying in. I had no idea she'd been bred until it was way too late to do anything about it.

Shoupie · #8 01/15/10, 04:37 AM

Sorry but nuns and sexed semen should never be in the same sentence as it causes uncontrollable laughter. We have black angus and usually try to aim for first time calving around their 2nd year. If you can't find any local yahoo to ai your cow or don't want to go through the trouble of getting the set up your veterinarian might be willing to do it. Though, being a heifer is no guarantee that she won't end up on a plate, what about doing it the old fashioned way and turning any bull calves into oxen and selling them as pets?

deineria · #9 01/15/10, 10:25 AM

lol! Isn't that the truth!

Around here, there are registered Jersey breeders or even breeders of fullblooded or quality Jerseys, and I'd sell them at such a price (because I know I can get it), I don't imagine they would end up - at least not for a long time, on a plate - at least, I can hope.

Timberline · #10 01/15/10, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francismilker

I've got a jersey heifer at the house that was accidentally bred to a MS bull at 5 months of age. She calved at 14 months with a heifer and has been slow to start cycling again.

Did she need a C-section or other assistance?

francismilker · #11 01/15/10, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chalk Creek

Did she need a C-section or other assistance?

No, she actually had a little grasshopper sized calf pretty easily. I didn't let her try too long on her own though. Once she presented a pair of feet and nose, I pulled a little when she pushed. I should've and could've let her do it on her own but was a little leery (and over zealous) in anticipation of problems. Usually nature works itself out pretty well.