What is creating your next genetically superior herd matriarch worth to you? What is it worth to add more value to your next calf crop that steps across the scale on sale day? Some may say it’s priceless, but it all adds up to real dollars and cents. But just how many dollars end up in your pocket depends on factors such as genetics, performance, weight and uniformity—all which can be better achieved through artificial insemination (A.I.).
What is A.I. worth to you?
Long debated has been the cost of commercial beef A.I. and its advantages over natural service (i.e., the bull). When a producer is considering A.I. for the first time, cost is often the biggest barrier. However, the financial advantages of genetic gain and the profit earned on sale day from using a proven sire cannot be ignored.
With access to top-tier genetics (view the GENEX beef sire lineup), A.I. enhances herd quality, shortens calving seasons and ensures more consistent calf crops. These advantages not only elevate herd performance, but recent cattle sale receipts also show how A.I. can have a direct impact on profitability.
The genetic edge: beef A.I. vs. natural service
A.I. enables you to select genetics from proven sires that offer desirable traits such as calving ease, growth and carcass quality. When you buy a yearling bull to turn out with your heifers, you use EPDs, the animal’s own performance data and physical appearance to make your best guess. However, down the road you might find the bull’s calving ease isn’t what you’d hoped, his weaning weight EPD is lower than expected, etc. With A.I. much of the guesswork is eliminated, allowing for targeted genetic improvements that translate into measurable traits.
The biggest advantage of synchronization and fixed-time A.I. programs is the ability to have more calves born earlier in the calving season. This is a result of breeding females in a tighter and earlier breeding window, and increased pregnancy rates through a fixed-time A.I. program. A side benefit is the potential to return anestrous cows to fertile estrus, resulting in improved cow longevity and more pregnancies.
Earlier-born calves from A.I. average 20-30 pounds heavier at weaning compared to calves from natural service. Furthermore, using A.I. allows for more calf uniformity—uniform groups of heavier calves drive greater interest from buyers and higher market prices. It’s your opportunity to create genetically superior animals that turn heads on sale day and increase profitability.
The table below shows data analyzed by the University of Tennessee Extension and indicates the differences between a calf crop resulting from natural service versus the inclusion of a timed A.I. program. Bigger calves come from the use of A.I. and an earlier calving date, resulting in a higher weaning weight and greater market potential.
Table 1. Calf Weaning Weight Based on Calving Distribution, Days of Age and Genetic Merit
Cost analysis: A.I. vs. the bull
Concerns over cost often deter producers from using A.I. However, the price associated with A.I. is comparable – and often more advantageous – over time. The cost between A.I. and natural service depends on various breeding strategies, synchronization protocols, number of cattle and operational goals. However, the higher return from genetically superior animals, heavier weaning weights and higher profitability in the market through A.I. is indisputable.
Additionally, A.I. reduces risks such as injury, death loss or maintenance costs associated with managing bulls.
The ultimate goal of the breeding program is to raise as much beef per pregnancy as possible to maximize returns. To do that, you need as many pregnancies as early in the calving season as possible. Table 2, also from the University of Tennessee Extension, shows the returns from using either Natural Service (NS) on all of the herd or NS plus timed A.I. on 45 and 60 percent of females. Based on herd sizes, the advantages of using a timed A.I. program is significant.
Table 2. Net Return to Breeding Cost
Market premiums for A.I.-bred heifers
The economic benefits of A.I. extend beyond calf uniformity and genetics. They are also reflected on sale day. The image below shows the results of the Arntzen Angus Influenced Commercial Female Sale. At this sale, 336 A.I.-bred heifers sold for an average of $3,178. In comparison 262 natural service heifers sold for an average of $2,720 . That’s equates to s premium of $458 per head for the A.I.-bred group.
At the Little Belt Classic sale, 71 A.I.-bred heifers sold for an average of $3,083. The 70 naturally bred heifers sold for an average of $2,611, resulting in a premium of $472 per head for the A.I.-bred group. These substantial differences highlight the market’s preference for heifers bred with superior genetics and your chance for increased profitability.
Another sale example where beef A.I. paid off was the GAR Profit Proven sale. At this sale, 9 A.I.-bred heifers sold for an average of $3,608, while the 16 bull-bred heifers averaged $3,188. This resulted in a $420 per head premium for the A.I.-bred females. These substantial differences highlight the market’s preference for heifers bred with superior genetics and your chance for increased profitability.
Advantages of A.I.
- Genetic Improvements: Access to proven sires guarantees superior traits.
- Increased Marketability: A.I.-bred cattle deliver higher sale prices.
- Uniform Calf Crop: Synchronization leads to a more uniform group, appealing to buyers.
- Shortened Calving Season: More calves are born early, maximizing growth potential and heavier weaning weights.
- Cost Effectiveness: Comparable costs to natural service with better returns on investment.
- Flexibility: Genetics can be tailored to meet specific goals of the operation.
A.I. delivers tangible advantages, from genetic advancement to higher profitability on sale day. The premium prices of A.I.-bred heifers at recent sales underscore the economic potential that can be gained. By investing in A.I., producers can secure their competitive edge in the industry.
If you’re interested in transitioning to A.I. or learning more, reach out to a GENEX representative—find a local rep here or use the Rep Locator feature on the GENEX Beef App. Our reps are ready to help you tailor protocols and cost structures to your specific operational goals.
