ARSBC 2018, Ruidoso, N.M.

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1 What about the use of AI in beef cattle in Northern Mexico? There is a large amount of information about the use of AI for production and research purposes, however, only a small percentage of ranchers in Chihuahua and Northern Mexico use it as a tool for genetic improvement. Dr. Andrés Quezada-Casasola Animal Reproduction and Genetics UACJ As a way of comparison Around 53% of all the bovine breeders in Mexico use it (dairy or beef) Around 20% of beef cattle producers in Chihuahua use it Which producers use AI? In the state of Chihuahua, practices such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are becoming more common and important. Which producers use AI? Ejidatarios? Commercial cattle producers? Registered cattle producers? Mixed purpose cattle producers? However, these practices are mostly possible only for large, well-financed cattle producers. Carm ona-m artìnez et al.,

2 and in which animals they use it? Why is AI used so little in northern Mexico? In Northern Mexico, artificial insemination is most commonly used in heifers (in both commercial and registered cattle production systems) and in mature cows in ranches dedicated to the sale of breeders. Survey in 2014 (n = 128) Reason Believe it does not work (pregnancy rates, higher income with genetic improvement) n 67 % 52.3 Expensive Complicated and difficult Lack of trained personnel Lack of facilities Quezada-Casasola, 2014 AI vs. Herd bull In practical terms, AI can be profitable in two ways: Shortening of pospartum days to pregnancy (Early pospartum pregnancy due to synch treatments and AI) We all know that the inseminator is in a serious disadvantage compared to the bull in terms of pregnancy rates Genetic advantage (increased AI calf weight) Don t we? Synch and AI process Investment But what is the real overall perception of the Mexican producer about this? Increased profit Is AI really a profitable practice? Nutrition Environmental conditions Economic conditions Price fluctuations (border) Sanitary conditions (diseases) Other Genetic improvement Increased calf weigt Expected added value per calf 2

3 Are there any other reasons to do AI, other tan genetic improvement? Animal health considerations Prevalence of Trichomonas foetus in beef bulls in Chihuahua Family tradition Mandatory use of government financial supports Animal health Positive 23% Negative 77% Positivo Negativos Recommended actions Hormonal treatments used include 1. Slaughter positive bulls 2. Repeat the diagnose test in suspicious Bulls (60 d) 3. Pregnancy diagnosis - Observe and discard persistent open cows - Discard aborted cows Progesterone PGF2α GnRH Estradiol ecg others 4. Wide use of synchronization and AI 3

4 Results? There is a wide variety of results in terms of pregnancy rates, depending on many known factors. Choose one: 20% 40% 60% all of the above However, favorable results are measured in terms of genetic improvement (increased weight per calf) also. Notice that this is related to the semen that is used in northern Mexico which comes from the US (most), Canada and Europe Carmona-Martìnez et al., 2007 In other words Good genetics weigh more The needs brought new ways of thinking A case that may be discussed Located at the Imperial Valley, Mexicali, Baja California Originally planned as a feedlot Pure Black Angus and Angus-based cow - heifer herd managed completely in pens The producer grows his own feedstuffs (alfalfa and wheat-based rations) Synchronization protocols based on Estradiol-GnRH-PGF2α-eCG Routine use of synchronized and re-synchronized AI and clean-up bulls 4

5 So far Operation costs are kept low by growing their own pastures and grains Close monitoring of all females and clean-up bulls Increased pregnancy AI rates (60 70%) Both registered and nonregistered high genetic quality animals for sale For your attention, a big thank you 5