Free bovine estrus synchronization tool now available

Want to simplify your artificial insemination schedule? This new tool can help.

Beef and dairy producers who want to up their efficiency by synchronizing their cattle’s reproductive cycles now have a new tool. And it’s free! The Estrus Synchronization Planner V11 for cattle producers includes the latest recommendations for application of estrus synchronization protocols and is now available as a free download from the Iowa Beef Center.

"The planner is a Microsoft Excel-compatible spreadsheet that helps herd managers select a protocol, plan for implementation and create a calendar to ensure the appropriate activity occurs on the correct day,” said Sandy Johnson, Kansas State Research and Extension livestock specialist.

Planning for the breeding season goes well beyond selecting bulls and ordering semen. This tool will prove valuable for those interested in simplifying artificial insemination (AI) scheduling.

Here’s what else the Estrus Synchronization Planner V11 can do for you:

  • Assist with planning and implementing some of the more complicated synchronization protocols.
  • Eliminate errors in the timing of injections, starting and ending the feeding of MGA, CIDR insertions, etc.
  • Optimize labor use.
  • Provide analysis and comparison of input costs of several synchronization systems.

It includes recommended systems for cows and heifers and helps select systems by type (heat detection and AI systems; heat detection and clean-up timed AI systems; and fixed-time AI systems). The planner also provides a list of daily activities, a barn calendar and estimates cost per AI pregnancy.

A list of recommended synchronization protocols for beef cows and heifers, updated for 2011, is also available. This year's recommendations include a new protocol designed to reduce synchronization treatment costs. For more information on developing AI programs for your herd, contact your Michigan State University Extension beef or dairy educator.

The Bovine Estrus Synchronization Planner is available thanks to financial support from the Beef Reproductive Task Force, a multi-state Extension group. The task force is comprised of specialists from Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, South Dakota State University, University of Florida and University of Idaho

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