Some cattle producers strive for complete control of their genetic program and production efficiency. The easiest method for complete control is to incorporate a program designed for all females to conceive to AI (total AI program). The main limiting factor to total AI is labor associated with daily heat detection, cattle handling, and insemination. Electronic systems for estrus detection have been available for many years in the dairy industry. Until recently, these systems were often not applicable to beef cattle production because of the extensive nature of the beef industry; cattle are managed over large areas and electronic surveillance is difficult.

Four farms have been selected to evaluate the practicality of electronic estrus detection for use in commercial beef cow-calf operations dedicated to total AI. Electronic monitoring successfully predicts estrus resulting in higher pregnancy rates. It also predicts calving resulting in less death loss. Users indicate the electronic monitoring is helping them be more efficient in the labor managment. We anticipate that successful use of electronic detection could increase revenue but 35% due to increased pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, decreased calf death loss, increased weaning weights, and increased market value due to selling more “like” calves.