Less than 10% of cattle are raised with AI – a big difference to the dairy industry, where it’s rare for bulls to do it the old-fashioned way. But for those who have made the plunge, diet is an integral part of their program. Long-time AI rancher Tim Todd and Montana Extension Specialist Dr. Megan Van Emon share their expertise as we near the breeding season.
Of course, diet isn’t the only factor in a successful breeding program, but it is a big one. According to Todd, who has been practicing AI since 1973, “It seems to me that there are around 10 different factors in an AI program, and if one of them isn’t right, it will affect your conception rate,” says Todd. “Diet is without a doubt key to a successful AI program – before and after AI. “
Experts agree that the best buffet for your cows during the breeding season is an all-you-can-eat buffet. This is especially true if you are working with heifers that are still growing.
“We want to make sure that these heifers are on a good diet. They are positive and still increase their body weight and condition, ”says Van Emon. “We want them in this 5 to 6 body condition range, and only good quality nutrition in general will get you there.”
What that could be depends on where you are and what’s available, says Van Emon. “A good high-energy feed. Alfalfa hay is a really good source of protein and energy. Silage can be part of a really good, high quality ration. We just want to meet the protein and energy needs for growth and maintenance. “
Todd: “It’s awfully hard to make a profit on a cow, especially a young cow, when a calf is suckling on them, but we try to just give them everything they can eat or everything they need, to try to get them on the profit before the AI season. “
Todd likes to give them at least 45-60 days after calving to pack the pounds and maximize their pre-AI body condition.
When it comes to nutrition, Todd says, “Right after calving, we think about breeding.” At his ranch near Ryegate, Montana, Todd makes sure his heifers and cows have everything they can eat. He even puts a hay blanket on fresh green grass.
“We try to keep the best hay we have after they calve and prepare them for the breeding season.”
“The 30 days after our AI is about as important as the 35-40 days before.” Todd “Most of the time these cows hunt grass, but we put some hay out for them and keep the breeder tubs out for them and also keep them on a good salt and mineral program.”
Any FFAer should be able to tell you the four most important minerals you need for a healthy herd, but when it comes to breeding, one thing stands out.
“Manganese is kind of a great mineral for trace reproduction,” says Van Emon. “I definitely recommend having a manganese mineral in your dietary supplement, but don’t forget about selenium, zinc, and copper either. They all come together and help with this first cycle of reproduction for these heifers and AI. “
Some manufacturers like MULTIMIN are investing in an injectable mineral that advertises better breeding numbers. It costs more upfront, but according to Todd, it’s worth it.
“We think we’re seeing increased conception rates with it,” says Todd. “It contains copper, zinc and manganese, which we consider important for good breeding.”
Todd also exhibits grower tubs. “We start about 30 to 40 days before the AI,” says Todd. “We’re going to bring out grower tubs for them, and indeed mineral tubs as well. Basically, give them whatever they need or what they can eat. “
According to Van Emon, a good mineral program will help with the reproductive development of your heifers as well as the development of the fetus in bred cows. In addition, it acts as a kind of “insurance policy” against the negative effects of stress.
“As stress-free as you make the breeding season, working with cattle is still a slightly stressful event for these heifers,” says Van Emon. “These trace elements are really what helps to reduce this stress.”
The only nutrient that is routinely underestimated is water. Contaminated water is harmful to your entire herd, but pregnant or lactating cows are at a significantly higher risk of complications. Water toxicity can cause disease and abortion in cows, but many people don’t realize that poor water can also complicate your mineral program. When rich in sulfates, it can bind your copper and prevent it from being absorbed. The most common side effect of a copper deficiency is depressed or delayed oestrus – a big problem for your AI program. A simple water test can make sure you are dispensing the right type of mineral and keep your herd healthy.
However, AI success isn’t always about what you feed – sometimes it’s about what you don’t feed. Moldy hay is never an ideal source of forage, but it is especially important to avoid it during the breeding season. Moldy hay can cause mycotic abortions, as well as other complications.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of your nitrates. Small grains can really suck up a lot of nitrates from the soil, so Todd recommends testing your grain hay. This is another case where knowing what’s in your water is important. If it’s high in nitrates, take extra care to avoid foods that are high in nitrates.
According to Van Emon, one of the best things you can do to increase your success is minimize stress. If you can reduce the stress of food transitions, that helps a lot. During AI, producers typically feed their cattle grain while cooped up, and the quick transition to pasture can be staggering.
“Removing these heifers from a dry lot where they are in this really high quality ration, very high energy density and nutrient dense, and then usually within a day or the first four days of the AI exposing them – sometimes these heifers can go backwards go, ”says Van Emon.
“Green grass isn’t nutrient-rich, it’s just a different nutrient density. And they graze, run and cover many kilometers, ”says Van Emon. “If you can feed them more feed on the dryer section, that can help.”
Alternatively, Van Emon says, when you’re set up for it, you can simply manage them in the pasture – which eliminates the diet transitions altogether.
When it comes to AI, there is a lot to consider. But there’s still room for creativity, says Van Emon, especially when it’s dry or you need to find something different than what you usually use.
“Corn is on the rise right now, so maybe we’re looking for an alternative to corn, maybe wheat centers?”
Feeding the ladies is only part of the equation, however, says Van Emon – people often forget to give their cleanup cops the same amount of attention. “Make sure these cops are in good shape too so they can cover anyone who didn’t go to the AI.”
The main thing for cows and bulls, says Van Emon, is “to make sure they are in good shape when they enter the breeding season – it really helps with those numbers.” And the best way to do that? An all-you-can-eat buffet.
While only about 10 percent of cattle are artificially inseminated, the industry is learning more each year about what works and what doesn’t.
According to Van Emon, a good mineral program will help with the reproductive development of your heifers as well as the development of the fetus in bred cows. In addition, it acts as a kind of “insurance policy” against the negative effects of stress. Photos courtesy of Genex
