| Problem |
probable cause |
possible solution |
| Deterioration in the maternal qualities of the herd (milk, fertility, longevity). |
Overuse of terminal breeds in order to get the maximum from the sale of calves. |
Use A.I. for part of the herd with bulls that have the potential to sire quality replacement females.
Examples : Sitz 7674, Soder Canyon, Boomer, Optimum, Razzmatazz, Bradock. |
Calving difficulties with heifers
|
Often the result of the above-mentionned situation. |
Have heifers A.I.'d with sires renowned for calving ease.
Examples : Soder Canyon, Sitz 7674, Joey, Freedom Fog, Next Big Thing, Senator, Scotty, Moscow. |
| Decrease in the market value of calves (weight and muscling). |
Overuse of English breeds. |
Have adult cows A.I.'d with sires offering strong growth and muscling.
Examples : Hank, Suprême, Gaspard, Thunderstruck, Montana, Bradock, Stride. |
| High feeding costs and/or bad fleshing condition of cows. |
Resources that are not well adapted to the maintenance needs of large sized animals. |
Use of A.I. sires with rustic type.
Examples : Serenade, Emblazon, Freedom Fog, Global, Major Leroy, Optimum, Bradock. |
| High budget allocated to the purchase and maintenance of several bulls. |
Large herd and/or pasture broken up in several plots requiring the breeder to place a bull on each site. |
Synchronization and fixed-time A.I. allowing for the replacement of a certain number of bulls by additional cows. |