A question that never fails to generate robust arguments among groups of suckler farmers is: which is better, stock bull or AI? Suckler farmers have had a long struggle using AI, with just 23% of calves born in 2016 born to AI bulls.
Our dairy farming neighbours would herald AI usage as being the catalyst for the speed of genetic gain they have experienced in recent years. On the beef side, we seem to trundle along making do with our slower rate of genetic gain. While elite stock bulls should not be dismissed, they take a long time to put a stamp on a breed. If we take a pedigree cow bred this spring with an unproven stock bull it will be 2023 before we have any weaning weights of daughters at which point the bull could be long gone. If he turns out poor for maternal traits, it could take a long number of years to get back to where you started. The use of proven tested genetically superior AI sires takes out some of this risk.
Regardless of whether a stock bull or AI is being used, aim to use the very best genetics in your herd. An extra €1,000 towards the purchase price of a bull will cost €10/calf in the above scenario. Take plenty of time in identifying sires that will progress your herd in terminal traits or maternal traits. Decisions should be made on what best suits your system.
Breeding season tips
Make sure cows are in good condition and avoid any sudden changes in diet during the breeding season.Tailpaint cows before breeding starts to identify any cows which haven’t cycled so they can be investigated.Whether you are using a stock bull or AI, keep accurate records during breeding season so you can identify problems early.Scan early – most good scanners can identify pregnancies from 32 days. An early scan can also identify any problems early in the breeding season.Make sure all vaccinations are up to date in cows and breeding heifers. Don’t forget about stock bulls and vasectomised bulls.Use the active bull lists for selecting off the replacement list or terminal list if using AI. These can be found on www.icbf.com.Separating cows and calves during the breeding season can help break the maternal bond and bring cows into heat quicker.
A question that never fails to generate robust arguments among groups of suckler farmers is: which is better, stock bull or AI? Suckler farmers have had a long struggle using AI, with just 23% of calves born in 2016 born to AI bulls.
Our dairy farming neighbours would herald AI usage as being the catalyst for the speed of genetic gain they have experienced in recent years. On the beef side, we seem to trundle along making do with our slower rate of genetic gain. While elite stock bulls should not be dismissed, they take a long time to put a stamp on a breed. If we take a pedigree cow bred this spring with an unproven stock bull it will be 2023 before we have any weaning weights of daughters at which point the bull could be long gone. If he turns out poor for maternal traits, it could take a long number of years to get back to where you started. The use of proven tested genetically superior AI sires takes out some of this risk.
Regardless of whether a stock bull or AI is being used, aim to use the very best genetics in your herd. An extra €1,000 towards the purchase price of a bull will cost €10/calf in the above scenario. Take plenty of time in identifying sires that will progress your herd in terminal traits or maternal traits. Decisions should be made on what best suits your system.
Breeding season tips
Make sure cows are in good condition and avoid any sudden changes in diet during the breeding season.Tailpaint cows before breeding starts to identify any cows which haven’t cycled so they can be investigated.Whether you are using a stock bull or AI, keep accurate records during breeding season so you can identify problems early.Scan early – most good scanners can identify pregnancies from 32 days. An early scan can also identify any problems early in the breeding season.Make sure all vaccinations are up to date in cows and breeding heifers. Don’t forget about stock bulls and vasectomised bulls.Use the active bull lists for selecting off the replacement list or terminal list if using AI. These can be found on www.icbf.com.Separating cows and calves during the breeding season can help break the maternal bond and bring cows into heat quicker. 
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