Success StoryElectronic Estrus Detection Aids Implementation of a Total AI Program



Electronic Estrus Detection Aids Implementation of a Total AI Program

Author: Leslie Anderson

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Beef

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, experiential methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modification. The UK IRM Farm Program is designed to be a long-term project (5-7 years) in order to accurately demonstrate the impact of controlling reproduction.


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.


Two farms have been selected to evaluate the practicality of electronic estrus detection for use in commercial beef cow-calf operations dedicated to total AI. One farm manages 180 females in Campbell County (Tom Moore) and the other manages 60 females in Mercer County (Staten Nesbit). We are awaiting pregnancy diagnosis and data analysis but using electronic surveillance of beef cattle for estrus detection appears promising. Conception rates to AI were higher than industry average. 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.






Stories by Leslie Anderson


Electronic Monitoring Improves Cattle Productivity

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Some cattle producers strive for complete control of their genetic program and production efficiency... Read More


Controlling Gender Increases Productivity in Beef Cattle

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Cattle producers have long desired the ability to control the gender or their calf crop. For commerc... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Producing Beef for the Consumer

Producing Beef for the Consumer

about 1 years ago by Katherine VanValin

Beef producers can add value to their beef cattle by educating themselves and their consumers about ... Read More


Eastern National 4-H Horse Championships

Eastern National 4-H Horse Championships

about 1 years ago by Mary Jane Little

The potential for change is a core strength of all youth—a strength that can be built upon. This str... Read More