In Practice 25: 38-43 (2003)
© 2003 British Veterinary Association

Triple synchronisation of suckler cows

¹ Scottish Agricultural College

TRADITIONALLY, suckler herds have depended almost entirely on natural service, with artificial insemination only being used on small numbers of cows in a few pedigree herds. However, over the past few years, as commercial suckled calf producers seek to achieve greater economies of scale, interest in artificial insemination has increased. One approach is to use ‘triple synchronistion’ which allows up to three oestrous cycles to be synchronised for artificial insemination and, if carried out correctly, can offer considerable improvements in herd margins when compared with natural service systems. This article discusses the benefits of artificial insemination and outlines how a triple synchronisation programme for beef cows might be set up and implemented.