Key points and precautions for artificial breeding technology in beef cattle
Beef cattle are a type of cattle raised mainly for beef production. They not only provide people with meat but also with other by-products. In China, common excellent breeds include Simmental cattle, Charolais cattle, and Limousin cattle. Artificial breeding of cows is an important means of improving the herd. Let us take a look at artificial breeding technology and precautions for beef cattle below!
Best breeding age for beef cattle
1. At 10-12 months after birth for beef cattle, and 12-15 months for crossbred beef cattle, bulls can produce sperm with fertilizing capacity, and cows can release mature eggs; this is called maturity. Maturity by no means means they can be used for breeding, because at this time the beef cattle body has not yet fully developed and matured. If breeding is carried out, not only will the growth and development of the beef cattle itself be affected, but the quality of the offspring produced will also be poor.
2. When the beef cattle body has the inherent appearance of an adult beef cattle, it is called body maturity. At body maturity, they can participate in breeding. Generally, body maturity for beef cattle is 1.5-2 years, for crossbred beef cattle is 2.5 years, and for dairy cattle is about 15-22 months. However, due to differences in beef cattle breeds, feeding management, climate conditions, and so on, the possibility of promoting and delaying body maturity is very high.
Artificial breeding technology for beef cattle
1. Restraint of the cow: Lead the cow to be inseminated into the breeding rack for restraint; if the operation is skilled, restraint may not be needed. In addition, use a thin rope to lift the cow's tail, then wash the cow's vulva clean with clear water. A 2% Lysol or 0.1% potassium permanganate solution may also be used for disinfection, then wipe dry.
2. Thawing semen: Prepare warm water at 37-42°C. Use tweezers to take one straw of frozen semen out of the liquid nitrogen tank and immerse it in the warm water. Shake gently about 10 times, then take it out, wipe off the water droplets on the surface of the straw, cut off the seal, load the end with the plug downward into the gun, put on the outer sheath, and tighten it.
3. Insemination method: Insert one hand into the rectum and grasp the cervix through the intestinal wall. Press down with the arm to make the vulva open. Hold the insemination gun with the other hand and insert it tilted upward from the vulva for a certain distance, then insert it downward until it reaches the junction between the cervix and the uterine body. Then, while injecting the liquid, withdraw the insemination gun. To ensure the conception rate, repeat the mating once every other day.
Precautions for breeding beef cattle
1. Age for first breeding: Large beef cattle breeds such as Simmental cattle and Charolais cattle must reach over 1.5 years of age, with frame and body weight reaching over 70% of adult cattle. Small beef cattle breeds or native cattle must reach over 1 year of age, with frame and body weight reaching over 60% of adult cattle.
2. Selection of frozen semen: For smaller cows or cows being bred for the first time, it is not suitable to choose a bull more than 2 times their body size and weight. For larger cows or multiparous cows, larger purebred bulls or frozen semen may be used for breeding, but the bull's body size and weight should still not exceed 3 times that of the cow.
3. Breeding time: In actual breeding practice, the time of ovulation is not easy to determine. Generally, breeding is carried out according to the time of estrus. If estrus occurs in the morning (accepting mounting), breed in the afternoon; if estrus occurs in the afternoon, breed the next morning. To improve the breeding rate, repeat breeding may be used.
4. Examination before breeding: Both bulls and cows must undergo a health examination before breeding to prevent cross-infection of diseases. If brucellosis is detected, breeding should not be carried out, and they should be directly culled.
5. Equipment disinfection: When artificial insemination is used for breeding, the insemination equipment must be checked before insemination to see whether it can be used normally. At the same time, strict disinfection should also be carried out to prevent cross-infection of diseases.