This school will teach participants how to successfully artificially inseminate their cattle. This workshop is a mix of hands-on practice with reproductive tracts, live cows, thawing semen practice and classroom learning. We will cover the economics of using AI, anatomy, hormones, estrus synchronization, insemination technique, equipment needed, EPDs & sire selection, nutrition for reproduction, and use of sexed semen. Students will be able to practice passing AI guns on reproductive tracts as well as considerable time in live cows.
Participants should bring clothes that they are okay with getting messy. Spots are limited to allow for ample hands-on practice. We may need to be flexible with the schedule due to the nature of the cattle market.
This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change depending on cow availability. Breakfast and lunch will be provided march 25 & 26th. If you have any diet restrictions, please let us know so we can make accommodations.
Tuesday, March 24 (2pm-5:30pm) @ Southwest Research Extension and Education Center (Mount Vernon)
1:00pm (15min) Introduction
1:15pm (45min) Economics of AI & Preg Check
2:00pm (15min) Equation of Breeding
2:15pm (1 hour) Anatomy/Phys/Endo
3:15pm Break
3:30pm (15min) Equipment & Technique
3:45pm (1 hour) Nutrition
4:45pm Semen Thawing DEMO & Endocrinology Quiz
5:15pm Depart & help set up at JRS if available!!
Wednesday, March 25 (8:30am-5:00pm) @ Southwest Research Extension and Education Center (Mount Vernon) & Joplin Regional Stockyards
8:30am (30min) Heat Detection & Records
9:00am (45min) Synchronization
9:45am Break
10:00am (1hr) Tract DISSECTION & Semen Handling
11:00am (45min) Sire Selection/EPDs
11:45pm Lunch
12:45pm (30min) Sexed Semen
1:15pm (45min) Facilities
2:00pm Break
2:15pm (30min) Reproductive Health
2:45pm (30min) Tank Care & Maintenance
3:15pm Endocrinology Quiz & Semen Thawing Practice
3:45 pm Travel to Joplin regional Stockyards
3:35pm With the Cows
- Passing guns
- Semen thawing and handling
5:00pm Depart
Thursday, March 26 (9am-Graduation) @ Joplin Regional Stockyards
9:00am Semen thawing/Loading guns
9:45am With the Cows
- Passing guns
- Semen thawing and handling
12:00pm Lunch and information wrap up
1:00pm With the cows until everyone graduates
- Passing guns
GRADUATION CERTIFICATES DISTRIBUTED (in holding pen) AFTER PASSING 3 GUNS