Expected Value of Beef Reproduction Strategies: Sexed Semen AI, Conventional Semen AI, and Natural Breeding
Abstract
Given current market conditions, what strategies should producers pursue to breed beef cattle and grow their herds? The objective of this research is to evaluate the expected value of artificial insemination and natural service beef breeding strategies. Sexed semen has only recently become a topic of interest for beef cattle. Producers may consider AI using conventional semen or sexed semen; a spreadsheet-based model was developed to calculate the EV of breeding female with non-sexed semen AI and sexed semen AI. Multiple scenarios were investigated to assess the differences in EV among breeding strategies. Sex ratios were assumed at 49.2% female for non-sexed AI and were investigated at the assumption of 90% of the desired sex for sexed AI. Sexed semen was assumed to yield a conception rate 85% of that of non-sexed semen. Costs per AI were held constant at $20.00/non-sexed AI and $30.00/AI for 90% bull-sorted sexed AI of approximately the same genetic value. This model provides insight into key tradeoffs between beef breeding strategies. In the deterministic model the strategy in which one sexed semen artificial insemination combined with one natural breeding using MGA®-PGF2&agr; as a breeding program yielded the highest expected value of $511.67 of any scenario investigated. However, when riskiness associated with biological and economic outcomes was considered, risk averse managers would select a single AI with conventional semen followed by natural service over a single AI with sexed semen followed by natural breeding (under the MGA®-PGF2&agr; program). Other considerations in the model include the impacts of carrying costs for open animals, changing AI costs, and varying reproductive performance to various breeding methods. Risk preferences of the beef producer are highlighted as a key determinant to selecting the optimal breeding scenario.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Olynk Widmar, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Agricultural economics
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