Considerations for Using Natural Service with Estrous Synchronization Programs

Estrous synchronization, coupled with natural service, provides the benefit of female cows conceiving early, but there are an increased number of females expressing estrus in a short period of time. Thus, considerations need to be made for the bull. Select a protocol that will distribute estrus over...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice Vol. 40; no. 1; p. 167
Main Author Perry, George A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.2024
Subjects
Animals
Cattle
Estrus
Estrus Synchronization - methods
Female
Insemination, Artificial - veterinary
Male
Pregnancy
Natural service
Estrous synchronization
Serving capacity
Bull fertility
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Summary:Estrous synchronization, coupled with natural service, provides the benefit of female cows conceiving early, but there are an increased number of females expressing estrus in a short period of time. Thus, considerations need to be made for the bull. Select a protocol that will distribute estrus over a longer period of time and ensure bulls pass a breeding soundness examination. Mature bulls (3 years old or older) have increased efficiency in getting cows pregnant compared with younger bulls; therefore, a ratio of 1 mature bull to 25 cows is a good recommendation within an estrous synchronized herd.
ISSN:1558-4240
DOI:10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.010