Synchronizing cows

karolmc100

Just looking for a guide price on the above

TheClubMan

On the subject, does anyone know if synchronisation is permitted in organic farming?

larthehar

€30/40 per head... don't know about organic implications tbh.. i wouldn't imagine it is a big issue...

Future Farmer

TheClubMan wrote: »

On the subject, does anyone know if synchronisation is permitted in organic farming?

Presume so because Estrumate is just a hormone that is naturally occurring.

Cost: around €25-30 per cow treated and AI costs.

Parishlad

Can someone confirm how synchronising actually works - not something that was ever done here. Is it just a shot of estrumate, wait a few days and then AI? Do the cows have to be at any particular stage in their cycle?
Imagine it's a good way of getting a batch of cows to calve around the same time. Is cost the main downfall? And repeats I guess?

The man in red and black

Parishlad wrote: »

Can someone confirm how synchronising actually works - not something that was ever done here. Is it just a shot of estrumate, wait a few days and then AI? Do the cows have to be at any particular stage in their cycle?
Imagine it's a good way of getting a batch of cows to calve around the same time. Is cost the main downfall? And repeats I guess?

Synch programs vary greatly in cost and conception rate. Depends on if you want to synch and still observe for heat, this will be cheaper and higher conception rate(provided the heat detection is adequate and accurate). If you want to synch and fixed time AI the conception rate will fall(Though there are programs available that average 70%) and the cost will go up.

Main benefit is tightening the calving period. Checking for heats for 3 weeks prior to breeding season always a good idea and anything not seen in heat should be scanned by your vet. A great way to get off to a quick start in the breeding season and detect problem cows early.

Parishlad

Thanks for that! I use a bull here but want to try more AI. The thing with working off farm though is that it can be very hard to spot them in heat so was just wondering if synchronising would be something to try - it might narrow down the time frame for checking heats. Wouldn't need to do them all and anything that didn't hold could be let off to the bull anyway.
Is it less effective on cows as opposed to heifers?

The man in red and black

Parishlad wrote: »

Is it less effective on cows as opposed to heifers?

Depends on the program used and if you want to fixed time AI once or twice. Good idea to chat with your vet about fixed timing them all once with a good program and then bull the repeats.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AS/AS_575_W.pdf

Some great programs in here. They are from USA but cows are cows so long as not talking about Holsteins milking 12,000+ litres

I have used the 5 day Co-Synch with Cidr at home on 17 suckler cows and 13 held so it stands up at 70% +. Great program but costly. If heat detection is not an option and they are not problem breeders it is my go to program.

Parishlad

The man in red and black wrote: »

Depends on the program used and if you want to fixed time AI once or twice. Good idea to chat with your vet about fixed timing them all once with a good program and then bull the repeats.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AS/AS_575_W.pdf

Some great programs in here. They are from USA but cows are cows so long as not talking about Holsteins milking 12,000+ litres

I have used the 5 day Co-Synch with Cidr at home on 17 suckler cows and 13 held so it stands up at 70% +. Great program but costly. If heat detection is not an option and they are not problem breeders it is my go to program.

Thank you for all that info! Much appreciated!