The University of Wyoming Extension teams in Campbell and Fremont counties will be holding an educational and productive artificial insemination (A.I.) cattle class on May 6, followed by breeding days in June. Inexperienced cattle handlers are encouraged to attend and learn the process.
Attendees will learn the process of estrus synchronization, a technique designed to align the reproductive cycles of female animals, and how it facilitates artificial insemination.
“The primary goal of this program is to get females bred,” says Chance Marshall, a UW Extension educator and co-organizer of the event.
“This is not necessarily an A.I. school, but we have another program where people can learn and become certified in the practice of A.I.,” Marshall added.
A.I. is used as a beneficial alternative to natural breeding, allowing for less safety risks, both for cattle and humans, and a wider genetic selection. It can also help owners synchronize their herd’s calving season, which increases efficiency.
“We educate them on the process. You have to synchronize their estrus cycle, give injections, and put in a CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) to time all of the breeding events to come in heat at the same time,” said Marshall.
“We may not have ownership or access to the highest quality bulls and genetics in the country, but through artificial insemination, we can take advantage and pinpoint what kind of genetics we want to see with our future females.”
This technology is advancing the cattle and livestock industries daily. Youth interested are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn the process and hopefully get their cattle bred.
Registration for class on May 6 closes on Friday, April 21, which reserves lunch and supplies. The educational classes location will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., one in Gillette and one in Lander. The cost is $25 per head for up to four females. Breeding additional animals costs $50 per head. A.I. Breeding Day, by Chance Marshall, will be in Gillette on June 5th and in Lander/Riverton on June 6th.
