BROOKINGS, S.D. — With 92 percent of beef operations in the United States solely relying upon natural service breeding, the use of reproductive technology is highly underutilized as many cattle producers may associate these programs with artificial insemination (AI), explained Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.
“Natural-service synchronization protocols can be utilized without AI if slightly different steps are implemented,” Grussing said.
She explained that natural-service synchronization protocols differ in that less injections are utilized because cattle producers do not want estrus grouped so tightly that bulls cannot cover all the cows.
Fact sheet available on iGrow.org
SDSU Extension provides cattle producers with the Using Estrous Synchronization in Natural-Service Breeding Situations factsheet which is at the following link: iGrow.org/up/resources/02-2005-2016.pdf.
This fact sheet describes the benefits of estrous synchronization, how it works with the estrous cycle, which protocols to use and bull considerations for natural-service synchronization.
Three protocols which Grussing said are cost effective and minimally labor intensive include:
* 1-Shot Prostaglandin Protocol
* 7-day CIDR Protocol
* MGA Protocol (Heifers ONLY)
Why Synchronize the Cowherd?
Similar to synchronization with AI, the benefits associated with natural-service synchronization include; increasing the number of females bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season.
“By frontloading the breeding season and subsequent calving season, there will be better use of labor and resources,” Grussing said.
She added that there will still be some late-bred or open cows that will sort themselves off from the herd. “However, the economic ramifications realized from synchronizing the breeding season include; labor savings during a shorter calving season, more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed and potential for receiving an increased price per head on sale day due to increased lot uniformity,” Grussing said. “These are benefits producers should consider before passing up potential dollars this year.”
Bull Management
Bull management becomes very important when implementing a natural-service synchronization protocol.
Factors Grussing encouraged producers to consider when selecting bulls for a natural-service synch program include; experience of bulls (virgin vs. mature), pasture size and terrain.
“Mature bulls are better suited for natural-service synchronization protocols because they already have some experience and can service more cows (1 to 20 and 1 to 25 bull-to-cow ratio).
All bulls should pass an annual breeding soundness exam, health and body condition evaluation before turn out.
Grussing added that before a natural-service synchronization protocol is implemented, cattle producers need to first determine if necessary resources are available, such as facilities, labor, and number of bulls.
“Compliance is vital to the success of these systems,” she said. “Therefore, evaluate which protocol will work best with the resources that are available and consult herd advisors for assistance if other options need to be considered.”
For more information, contact Grussing at taylor.grussing@sdstate.edu other SDSU Extension staff to contact on this topic include; George Perry, Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Management Specialist at George.Perry@sdstate.edu or Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist at Robin.Salverson@sdstate.edu.
— SDSU Extension
For more news from South Dakota, click here.