SIRLOIN TIPS - Spring 2003
Your Synchronization Toolbox
by Tim Olson, beef coordinator
Cache Valley Select Sires
In mid-summer 2002, the EAZI-BREED™ CIDR® was approved for the use of
synchronization in beef cattle and dairy heifers. This is something
that the A.I. industry had been anxiously waiting for. Since, and
prior to their approval, the CIDR is the hottest topic in every
reproductively-oriented conversation circle.
 I have spent a majority of my time in these particular circles
trying to "realign" people's expectations of the
efficacy of the product. I've been trying to convince
them that the CIDR is another great tool to put in
our "synchronization toolbox", but remind them of
what my high-school Ag teacher used to tell me--
’There’s a proper tool for every job.’
Like when I see the latest "Miracle Tool" on those info-mercials
that makes me want to "buy now and save $5.99 on shipping".
When I get the tool home, I'm slightly disappointed with its
lightweight construction and not-so comfortable plastic grip. But
I empty out my old toolbox carrying 40 lbs of well used tools, and
drop in the new 12 ounce, fantastic, replace-all tool guaranteed to
work or my money back.
 I am bound and determined to use that single tool on every nut,
bolt, nail, screw and hubcap that requires my assistance. Sure, all
those old tools worked just fine, but it was confusing
trying to keep track of all of them, along with their
proper usage. I'll break three "Miracle" tools and
one knuckle before I resort to using that old hammer
again - even if that old hammer has gotten me by for
so long and seems to be in fine working order.
Many people are expecting the CIDR to be that "Miracle Tool"
and are claiming out-of-this world results by using it. The CIDR is
a great source of progesterone, and if used properly, will benefit any
producer who includes it into their already-successful synchronization
programs.
The best thing about the CIDR is its ability to administer
progesterone to the female in a consistent manner. This is very
beneficial where the feeding of MGA is not logistically feasible.
 The CIDR will help "jump start" the anestrus cows and heifers,
and will cut down on your time needed for heat detection.
Conception rates will not be any better than if the cow
consumed the proper amount of MGA for the required
feeding time. You will, however, see a tighter
synchrony of estrus expression and if heat detection
time is extremely limited, the CIDR would be a good
option. You could very easily have 75 percent to 85 percent of
your cows in heat in a 24-hour period.
If you are already running a successful synchronization program
using the "old" protocols, do not expect the CIDR to improve your
results dramatically. Also, if you are working with a group of cattle
that have historically been non-responsive to the "old" protocols,
do not expect the CIDR to improve your results at all. Remember,
if the cow is in good reproductive health, she will respond to any
well run, properly designed and administered synchronization
program you throw at her.
I will use the CIDR this spring in many situations; most commonly
in the younger, higher-risk type cows, heifers
out on grass, and places where heat detection is very
limited. I will not replace any well run MGA protocol
with the CIDR as our source of progesterone.
There are enough programs and expertise available
to match a proper synchronization program (the tool), to the
cattle you are working with (the job). So don't throw all your
"old" tools away yet, just add the CIDR to your "synchronization toolbox".
One last thought...
If that cow or group of cows can be compared to that rusted-solid,
hard to identify bolt on the gate hinge you’re trying to
replace, no tool will help you. Not even the "Miracle Tool".
Tim Olson is beef coordinator for Cache Valley/Select Sires and
works with several large synchronization programs for both
heifers and cows each year.
™EAZI-BREED is a trademark of InterAg, Hamilton, New Zealand
®CIDR is a registered trademark of InterAg, Hamilton, New Zealand
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