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Making Artificial Insemination Work

The popular "mantra" in the beef industry right now is to "use proven bulls." While we agree with this theory, in the Brangus beef business we feel positive change is occurring so fast that situations may dictate higher risk decisions.

At Camp Cooley Genetics, we continue to sample and blend young sires in our program because of the great upside potential combined with the knowledge we have of the ancestors backing those bulls. We also continue to use the most fault-free and proven sires we own in situations where we know they will work.

Your decision as a beef producer is to assess the risk factor you are willing to assume. In most programs there is certainly opportunity to move forward very quickly by carefully utilizing younger sires. The key is to make an informed decision about the needs of your cow herd and end market point.

Our thought process at Camp Cooley Genetics when selecting an A.I. sire whether it is Brangus, Angus or Charolais is as follows:

• Honestly evaluate your cows. What traits do they need, i.e. milk, fleshing ability, thickness, IMF, growth, etc. to make them better females?
• What are your primary goals in the beef industry? Obviously someone whose primary focus is on club calves, show heifers or top-end range bulls might choose different sires to complement their cows.
• How quick do you wish to achieve your goals and what levels of risk are you willing to assume? By using highly proven herd sires with daughters in production, risk is virtually eliminated. By utilizing a proven bull you should be able to accurately predict the quality of the offspring. Young sires, on the other hand are a higher risk with a greater upside (and downside) potential. Through careful research you can assume less risk by knowing about the young sire's individual performance as well as that of his sire, dam and siblings.
• Gather as much knowledge as possible about a potential A.I. sire. Know his dam and grand dam and his sire. If he has calves on the ground look at those calves and study their dams. If you cannot travel to appraise these individuals, talk to someone whose opinion you value.
• Talk to the A.I. sire's breeder. Listen to what they say. It is in their best interest (if they want repeat customers) to arm you with as much knowledge as possible to correctly use their A.I. sire.

Make the numbers work. EPD's are real and they are here to stay. There are A.I. sires available that will complement your cows. Don't start out in a hole when mating your cow herd.

In closing, we encourage you to give us a call here at Camp Cooley Genetics to discuss your mating decisions. We can provide you with an honest assessment of our bulls and provide useful information on how to utilize their genetic potential to the highest degree.