Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy detection, pelvic measurements and other reproductive technologies are used by less than 38% of the beef operations in the US. Barriers to adoption include time, labor, training and lack of food animal veterinarians. Increasing use of technology by beef operations may have positive impacts on the genetics, management and profitability of ranches. The objective of this Extension program is to train ranchers in performing reproductive technologies. For 10 years, AI Schools were the major training offered by the University of Idaho. From 2021-2024, palpation and ultrasound pregnancy detection short courses (Preg Ultrasound) were also offered. These Extension programs are joint partnerships between the university and AI or ultrasound companies. Programs are designed by Extension Specialists with training provided by specialists, technicians and industry professionals. Class size is kept small (8-12 people) to facilitate learning and allow more access to cows. Only beef cows are used. Participation in AI Schools and Preg Ultrasound was 138 and 41 people, respectively. Preg Ultrasound participants rated the class 4.85 (1 = poor to 5 = excellent). At the conclusion of AI School, participants were given a course evaluation which included a self-assessment of skills and knowledge before the beginning and after completing the school. Self-evaluation areas included semen handling (SH), equipment and equipment purchases (Equip), estrus synchronization protocols (Synch), economics of AI vs natural Service (Econ), cattle management for success (Manage), semen purchasing and bull selection (Select), estrus detection (Estrus), reproductive anatomy (Anat), palpating ability (Palp), and passing the AI rod through the cervix (Pass). Course participants ranked their knowledge and skills in each area from 1 = uncomfortable/did not know to 5 = comfortable/know it well. Participant responses (n = 66) from the 5 most recent AI courses were analyzed for scores before and after the school. Data were analyzed by Proc GLM of SAS with the model including time (before or after), course year and time * course year. AI School participants indicated an increase (P < 0.0001) in skills in all evaluation areas. The increase in level of competency rating was SH 2.44, Equip 2.41, Synch 2.12, Econ 1.75, Manage 1.61, Select 1.94, Estrus 1.46, Anat 2.08, Palp 2.56, Pass 2.78. Despite Palp and Pass having the greatest increase in skills, they had the lowest after scores (4.18 and 3.99, respectively) indicating that participants felt they needed more practice. In contrast, Manage and Estrus increase in skill/knowledge was lower even though after scores were among the highest (4.44 and 4.57, respectively) which may be reflective of the current competency of ranchers in these areas. In conclusion, hands-on training in reproductive technologies can result in significant increases in rancher skills. However, long-term follow-up studies are needed.