shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com June 14, 2016 • Page 3 Cost of Implementing AI Technology BROOKINGS, S.D. - When it comes to next year’s calf crop, many South Dakota cattle producers see turning herd bulls out with their cows and heifers as the most efficient option. However, Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist encourages them to examine the costs of AI (artificial insemination) before making a final decision. “Many see turning out herd bulls as a time-saver because breeding season falls during a busy time of year,” explains Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Field Specialist. “It’s important to remember that there are alternative ways to introduce new genetics of superior quality into your herd each year without purchasing new bulls.” Buying bulls, Grussing said isn’t always the easiest or most cost effective option. She explained that there are several resources available to assist producers in getting cows bred during the breeding season with the use of AI and custom AI BROOKINGS, S.D. - Summer heat waves pose a serious danger to cattle in feedlots. “Not only is there elevated risk of death loss, but there is also the reduction in performance and efficiency to consider,” said Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. To reduce heat stress on cattle in feedlots, Rusche encourages cattle producers to develop a plan before hot and humid conditions hit so they are in a better position to deal with the conditions and minimize the impact on their cattle. “The amount of stress cattle are under is affected by both the air temperature and the relative humidity,” Rusche said, referencing Figure 1. “The combination of high temperatures plus high services. “If a cattle producer is thinking about utilizing AI this breeding season, it may not be as costly as one might think compared to the cost of natural service,” Grussing said. “AI can be a relatively simple and cost effective way to invest in new genetics for your herd without bringing home a new bull each year.” Below she outlines a few of these options. SDSU Extension AI Schools SDSU Extension hosts AI schools each year across the state for participants to attend and learn its techniques and proper semen handling. These 3-day schools, cost $400 to register and are open to anyone across the country. “These schools, along with others hosted in the industry, are the best place to learn how to successfully AI and then implement this technology into the herd yourself,” Grussing said. Custom AI Companies For producers who are not interested in AI-ing (in- seminating) their herd themselves, Grussing reminds folks that there are several custom AI companies available to help. “In addition, custom collection of herd sires can be selected to further increase the number of progeny from a specific herd sire,” she explained. “Service providers can take care of as much or as little of the work as desired with price varying based on the resources used ranging from $43 - $122 per head assuming a 65% 1st service conception rate (Table 1).” Table 1. Estimates for Custom AI costs per head, broke down into high, low and average categories. Supplies High Low Average Materials (gloves, sheaths, lube, paper towels, etc.) $5.00 $1.00 $3.00 Technician Labor (arm service only) $10.00 $5.00 $7.50 Synchronization Labor $6.00 $3.00 $4.50 Equipment/Chute Fee $3.00 $1.00 $2.00 Synchronization Drug Cost $20.00 $3.00 $11.50 Semen Cost (highly variable) $35.00 $15.00 $25.00 Total Cost per Head $79.00 $28.00 $53.50 Total Cost per Pregnancy (Assuming 65% 1st Service Conception Rate) $122 $43 $82 What to consider When considering whether herd bulls or AI is the best option for your herd, Grussing encourages producers to consider the following variables: * Number of head in group: larger groups may cost less per head * Location of service: clinic vs. on farm * Equipment: do you have your own chute/breeding box or do you need to rent one? * Experience of Technician: more experience may cost more but return better results * Amount of Labor: arm service only vs. synchronization + arm service * Type of protocol used: Fixed Timed AI vs. Estrus Detection & Clean up AI * Amount of semen purchased: volume discounts available with large purchases Cost Considerations When comparing the expenses of AI School and custom AI fees with the average price of purchasing a new herd sire in 2016, producers have some decisions to make based on the goals Prevent Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle relative humidity is particularly dangerous, especially when there is little to no night-time cooling.” He explained that solar radiation and air movement aren’t accounted for in this index, but they are a major component in determining how high temperatures affect cattle. Below, Rusche outlines factors cattle producers should consider when working to reduce heat stress. Water access “Water access is vitally important to maintain the well-being of cattle during hot weather. Water consumption can be 2.5 times greater at 90 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 70 degrees Fahrenheit,” Rusche said. The water system needs to have enough capacity to satisfy cattle demand at all times. There should be at least 3 linear inches of trough access per head. Extra tanks may be required to ensure enough access and holding capacity. Maintaining and keeping tanks clean will help make sure that water intake is not limited. Rusche added that heat stress can also be reduced by using sprinklers to cool both the cattle and ground. “It is important not to create a fine mist that will only increase humidity and make the situation worse,” he said. Introduce sprinkling to cattle prior to extreme heat and before the cattle are under significant heat stress; waiting until the cattle are overheated is too late. An additional supply of emergency water may need to be acquired so that the system Always LOW Liquor Discounts! Busch & Busch Light 605-665-7865 109 W. 3rd St. in Downtown Yankton 30pks 16.35 $ MV Shopper CLASSIFIEDS M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y IN PRINT & ONLINE To place your ad call... 605.665.5884 Be Ready. Be Certain. Buy Certified. can meet both sprinkler and drinking water demand. Shade Shade reduces the radiant heat load on the cattle as well as the ground temperature. “Providing a layer of light colored bedding will also reduce the temperature of the soil surface in an unshaded pen,” Rusche said. Call 665-5884 to Air movement Removing barriers to air place your ad here. movement, such as temporary windbreaks or tall vegetation close to the pens will help increase airflow and provide some relief. Consider temperature before working cattle “When possible, avoid working cattle during heat waves. If it is absolutely necessary to move or work Call 665-5884 to cattle during hot weather, place your ad here. plan on being done before 9 to 10 a.m.” Rusche said. Interested in this spot? Interested in this spot? He explained that the core temperature of cattle peaks about two hours after the peak air temperature and it takes roughly 6 hours for cattle to dissipate their heat load. “So even if it cools down at night the carry-place Call 665-5884 to over effects from earlier in the day could be enough to cause problems if cattle were worked,” Rusche said. Other considerations Some other management steps to reduce heat stress related losses include: * Pay particular attention to cattle that are at higher risk for heat stress. These include heavy cattle, those with dark hides, and those with past health problems. * Controlling flies will help keep cattle from bunching in a group, allowing for more airflow to each animal. * Feed 70 percent or of the operation. Grussing said the cost per pregnancy from a $5000 herd sire averages about $195 in year 1 versus an average of $82 per pregnancy from AI. To figure out this cost, the numbers she used are as follows: * Annual maintenance cost $900; * Salvage value $2,000; Resulting in an average of 20 calves per year. “If this bull provides service for 4 years, then the average cost per pregnancy drops to $83 per calf,” Grussing said. Grussing encourages producers to visit with reproductive specialists to define the genetic goals of their operation and also access what resources they have available to see how AI can be incorporated into the herd successfully. - See more at: http://igrow.org/news/ cost-of-implementingai-technology/#sthash.zP0sEBun.dpuf niGrow more of the daily ration in the late afternoon or evening. Delaying feeding times has been shown to reduce the animal’s peak body temperature. * One method to determine whether your ad here. or not to reduce morning feed deliveries is to monitor early morning respiration rates. If cattle are still breathing faster at 6 or 7 AM that’s an indication that the heat load didn’t dissipate overnight and offering less feed and sprinkling more often would be warranted. * Feeding MGA to heifers has been associated with less death loss due to heat stress, presumable because of less riding activity. - See more at: http:// igrow.org/news/preventheat-stress-in-feedlotcattle/#sthash.GSkI7HRH. dpuf niGrow INTERESTED IN THIS SPOT? www.missourivalleyshopper.com www.missourivalleyshop www.missourivalleyshopper.com Visit our Web site www.missourivalleyshop www.missourivalleyshopper.com Visit our Hauler Heavy Web site at Interested in this spot? 2013 Chevy Silverado www.missourivalleyshopper.com K2500 HD 4x4 Call 665-5884 to place your ad here. Call Tony Now!!! 6.0 L, 6 spd., Automatic, Power Windows, Locks, Mirrors, Tilt, Cruise, only 13,000 miles, 9500 GVW, 3.73 locking read end 23,900 665-3720 YOU NEED IT TODAY? 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