Artificial insemination is becoming more and more popular amongst farmers due to the many benefits it comes with. Already the majority of dairy herds use artificial insemination and in recent years the beef sector are starting to see the benefits.

These include the following:

• Improved genetic and production gain through the access to high merit bulls
• Ability to breed replacements through the use of sexed semen
• Decrease in calving problems through selection of appropriate bulls
• More control over disease which could be spread through bulls
  Decreases the chance of injury to the heifer/cow being bred but also to the bull
• Decreases chance of injury to farmer/workers by not having to handle bulls
• Saves on space especially at housing
• Can help achieve a more uniform herd
• Overall can work out cheaper than keeping bulls!

Artificial insemination does mean having to keep a closer eye on your herd in order to heat detect. It is recommended to observe cattle you wish to AI for at least 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening as these have been proven to be times when cattle are most active and most likely to show bulling signs.

The main sign to look out for is a cow standing to be mounted by another this is known as the primary sign and a sure sign the cow is in heat. Along with this primary sign you may also see secondary signs. These include cows mounting others which move away, chin resting, nervousness/restless behaviour, roughened tail head, clear mucous coming from the vagina also known as a ‘bulling string’, swollen vulva.

You are most likely to see secondary signs when cattle are just coming into heat or just going out of heat. No one secondary sign is enough to define that a cow is in heat. They should always be observed for more than one.

All farmers and their cattle are different but a general rule as to when to AI is if the cow is seen bulling in the morning she will be AI’d that afternoon. If she is seen bulling in the afternoon/evening she should be left until the following morning.

The more practice done heat detecting the more confident you will be to do so.

Orkney Cattle Breeding Service offers you a great array of high merit bulls and if there is something we don’t have we can try and source or advise the best options for you.

Currently we have many stocks of different breeds, these include:

• Aberdeen Angus
• Limousin
• Charolais
• British Blue
• Shorthorn
• Simmental
• Saler
• South Devon
• Belted Galloway
• Hereford
• Stabiliser
• Fleckvieh
• Holstein (conventional & sexed)
• Friesian