By Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist
More and more producers are taking advantage of opportunities to incorporate targeted, high accuracy genetics using artificial insemination (AI) and estrous synchronization. While some may AI for two heat cycles, a majority will follow one round of AI with natural service bulls for the remainder of the breeding season. This brings up the question of how many bulls are needed for the remainder of the breeding season following an estrous synchronization program. If the AI program is successful, there should be correspondingly fewer females yet to be bred and fewer natural service sires needed However, some are concerned more bulls are needed to cover the subsequent cycle since return heats will be synchronized from the prior treatment.
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