With the main breeding season kicking off in the coming weeks, attention is now turning to AI.

The cost of dairy AI straws is fairly consistent between AI companies, ranging between €16 and €22 depending on the bull but special deals can be done for bulk orders, particularly for purchasing or discussion groups deals. The cost of beef straws is less, with most companies charging around €10.

There is a bigger variation between the AI companies when it comes to technician service. Some AI companies don’t have dedicated technicians in all areas, so the arm service is provided locally by self-employed technicians who set their own rates.

Generally, the cost of the technician service ranges from €12 to €16 per service for a first service.

Progressive Genetics charges €31 for the first visit, including the straw, while Munster AI charges €7 for the visit and €26 for each service including the straw. With the cost of the straws at €18, the Munster service will be better value if there is more than one cow to be inseminated at each visit, but Progressive Genetics is cheaper if only one cow is to be served.

The cost of repeat serves varies from €0 to €8 depending on AI company.

Technicians

Technician fees ranging between €10 and €20 have been reported by some farmers depending on location and size of the herd, with higher prices generally in the west of the country where dairy and beef herds using AI are less plentiful. The bottom line is that variation exists between different companies so shop around for the best deal.