In order to provide practical and relevant education and service to ranchers, Texas AgriLife Extension works closely with industry groups to offer educational programs in artificial insemination (AI) and pregnancy determination in cattle.
In addition to the actual, hands-on training using live cattle in these two techniques, participants will devote half of their time to classroom instruction in herd management. Topics covered include:
anatomy and physiology of reproduction,
principles and techniques of artificial insemination,
management application and techniques of pregnancy determination,
semen handling and thawing,
estrous synchronization,
selection and time of the breeding season to optimize fertility,
successful feeding and mineral programs for the breeding her,
genetic selection and record keeping programs,
replacement heifer development and management,
management to avoid calving problems, and
herd health programs.
Participants are given a comprehensive manual on AI technique and management. School curriculum time also is devoted to other subjects, and participants are given an introduction to the Texas Beef Cattle Management Handbook with information on securing a personal copy.
To be eligible for training in pregnancy determination, participants must have had previous AI training or be concurrently enrolled in AI training. Training received from any of the major AI companies or a college/university course will satisfy this requirement.
Prices for the specialized training are variable and depend upon the choice of the sponsoring company:
AI and pregnancy determination (taken concurrently from either company) - $700
Artificial insemination (taken alone – Bovine Elite, LLC) - $400
The registration fees are necessary to defray the expenses associated with the technical training. Registration normally begins at 8:00 a.m. on the first morning of the school except for weekend schools which start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. All participants must complete a practical examination in each technique on the last afternoon of the school.
It is imperative that participants contact the school coordinator at least two weeks in advance, since schools not having the minimum number of participants may be canceled. Advance registration is requested and can be obtained by contacting the appropriate coordinator at one of the following phone numbers or Web sites. All companies require a deposit with advanced registration which will be applied to the full registration amount.
American Breeders Service
Vernon Fredrich (940.727.1056) - fbsvern@ntin.net
Max Payne (806.669.4284) - mkpayne@wildblue.net
Bovine Elite, LLC
Carl Rugg
979.693.0388
http://www.bovine-elite.com/aipalp.asp
The schedule below indicates the schools that have been scheduled for 2012. The date, location (town/city), and sponsoring company are listed. The exact location for the school should be obtained from the respective clinic coordinator.
Location Company Date
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC Feb. 7-10, 2012
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC April 10-13, 2012
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC May 8-11, 2012
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC June 5-8, 2012
Gainesville American Breeders Srvc June 19-20, 2012*
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC July 10-13, 2012
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC Sept. 11-14, 2012
Clarendon American Breeders Srvc Oct. 1-4, 2012**
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC Oct. 16-19, 2012
College Station Bovine Elite, LLC Nov. 13-16, 2012
*Contact Vernon Fredrich at 940.727.1056 or fbsvern@ntin.net.
**Contact Max Payne at 806.669.4284 or mkpayne@wildblue.net.
Bovine Elite, LLC contact: Carl Rugg at 979.693.0388 or http://www.bovine-elite.com/aipalp.asp
