Artificial Insemination: The Basics

[RollingAcres]

So I just looked up a few Red Devon breeders who sell Devon semen and all of them require a minimum of 10 straws. Do I need to get 10 straws for only just 1 cow? Only 1 straw can be used at 1 AI, right?

I also called a local bovine vet and they don't offer AI service but told me that Genex and Select Sires have reps in our area. It doesn't look like either Genex or Select Sires have Red Devon semen.

 

[Wehner Homestead]

So I just looked up a few Red Devon breeders who sell Devon semen and all of them require a minimum of 10 straws. Do I need to get 10 straws for only just 1 cow? Only 1 straw can be used at 1 AI, right?

I also called a local bovine vet and they don't offer AI service but told me that Genex and Select Sires have reps in our area. It doesn't look like either Genex or Select Sires have Red Devon semen.

Couple of issues here...you don’t need 10 straws from the start but MAY use 10 straws over time. Some heifers won’t breed AI, some cows will never breed AI. (In other words, some that wouldn’t the first go-round, will the next time.) Not every female breeds on the first or even the second service so you’ll want to have more than one straw available.

Unfortunately, if you buy 10 straws, you’ll have to have somewhere to store them until they are used or sold.

Shipping is something else to consider. Costs vary but approximately $100 to have a shipper tank sent then returned by UPS or fedex.

If it was me, I’d contact one of the semen services that’s in your area (or both to compare.) Find out if they can get and store Red Devon semen for you. It won’t hurt to ask.

You don’t have papers on your girls though so I’d consider a route that may not be as costly. In other words, I’ve noticed that you like red. Check out Red Angus bulls. They may already have the straws in their tank or be willing to get them in and you can just buy them as you use them.

We deal with more than one rep. The one that fills our tank is dairy based and only knows what he sells for the beef industry. He is willing to find out if he can get something that they don’t have on their list. We have to pay expensive shipping for this. Another rep that we really like is very knowledgeable about the beef industry in clubby and commercial situations. He orders frequently for several people at a time, has everything shipped to him, meet him for pickup from his tank, and shipping is split by everyone that orders. (This is why you may want to talk to both companies and see which is a better fit for you.)

 

[RollingAcres]

Couple of issues here...you don’t need 10 straws from the start but MAY use 10 straws over time. Some heifers won’t breed AI, some cows will never breed AI. (In other words, some that wouldn’t the first go-round, will the next time.) Not every female breeds on the first or even the second service so you’ll want to have more than one straw available.
Unfortunately, if you buy 10 straws, you’ll have to have somewhere to store them until they are used or sold.

Yeah...I thought about that too, I may need more than 10 over time but I really don't have a way to store them.

If it was me, I’d contact one of the semen services that’s in your area (or both to compare.) Find out if they can get and store Red Devon semen for you. It won’t hurt to ask.

Great suggestion! Thanks! Definitely wouldn't hurt to ask. If they do then yay for me!

I’ve noticed that you like red.

Very observant!
Not sure why, but I do like red!

You don’t have papers on your girls though so I’d consider a route that may not be as costly. In other words, I’ve noticed that you like red. Check out Red Angus bulls. They may already have the straws in their tank or be willing to get them in and you can just buy them as you use them.

I think we may just have to consider either Red Angus or Red Brangus. I will look them up and see what I can find out. We definitely have to think about the cost.

 

[Wehner Homestead]

@RollingAcres Its all good! I’ve always liked red too! My first few show calves were red. I even paid extra for a Shorthorn to show. Now all of the cows that are “mine” are black. Personality is more important now but two of our tamest cows are red! Lol

 

[Jesusfreak101]

This is cool, I was wondering if they do goats as well. I know they do horse but it would be neat to be able to have the girls breed to a different buck without having to buy another.

 

[farkesuil]

Fantastic!

 

[Wehner Homestead]

Fantastic!

I see you fairly recently joined! Feel free to ask any questions!

 

[RollingAcres]

@Wehner Homestead , I was able to get a phone number for a local sales rep so I will be giving him a call soon. After discussing with hubby, we have decided that it would not be wise to spend a lot of money on buying Devon semen.
In your previous post you talked a little about CE. Without having to take up too much of your time , would you be able to briefly explain what the rest of those numbers are? Below is one of the bulls I was looking at. It's a Shorthorn. Please and thank you!

 

[Wehner Homestead]

@Wehner Homestead , I was able to get a phone number for a local sales rep so I will be giving him a call soon. After discussing with hubby, we have decided that it would not be wise to spend a lot of money on buying Devon semen.
In your previous post you talked a little about CE. Without having to take up too much of your time , would you be able to briefly explain what the rest of those numbers are? Below is one of the bulls I was looking at. It's a Shorthorn. Please and thank you!
View attachment 47000

Hey! I do most of my posts on my phone. I’ll have to write that one on my laptop. Give me a day or two and I’ll have it for you.

 

[RollingAcres]

Take your time! Totally appreciate!