Released: February 20, 2002

Artificial Insemination Workshops Planned at Three Kansas Sites

COLBY, Kan. -- For farmers, success often comes from applying key concepts, said Sandy Johnson, Kansas State University Research and Extension livestock production specialist.

Producers can learn the latest concepts in reproduction during three workshops focusing on the keys to a successful artificial insemination (AI) and estrous synchronization program. The workshops will be held March 6 in Lucas, Kan.; Mar. 7 in Protection, Kan.; and Mar. 8 in El Dorado, Kan.

"We want to show producers what new strategies have been developed and what can be achieved," Johnson said. "Pregnancy rates with AI can be higher than many people think."

In the past, pregnancy rates to a single timed AI might not reach 30 percent. Johnson said current rates are more than 45 percent accurate.

"New systems allow for better results," she said. "Since having the right genetics for your marketing target can play such a large role in profitability these days, AI may be the most cost effective way to achieve genetic goals. Some producers have a mental outlook that they can’t make money with AI. I can show them the value after one season."

Comparing the cost per pregnancy of natural service verses AI pregnancy can clear up some of the misconceptions, Johnson said.

"The costs for natural service are largely dependent on bull-to-cow ratios and purchase price," she said. "Even when labor costs are included, cost per pregnancy for AI often are very comparable to natural service, and that does not account for any genetic improvements with AI."

Reaping benefits from AI will require more commitment from producers, Johnson said.

"AI and estrous synchronization programs take a higher level of management," she said. "We will discuss some of these details and ways producers can optimize AI pregnancy rates."

Speakers and topics for the conference include:

* Twig Marston, Extension beef specialist, "Setting the Stage with Proper Nutrition".

* Jeff Stevenson, K-State professor, "Synchronization Strategies".

* Peter Chenoweth, K-State professor, "Males Still Count".

* Sandy Johnson, "Paying Attention to Details".

A $10 registration fee covers the meal. For more information, contact John Stannard in the Russell County Extension office at 785-483-3157; Paul Rickabaugh, Comanche County office at 620-582-2411; or David Kehler in the Butler County office at 316-321-9660.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News