AMES, Iowa - - The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) at Iowa State University (ISU) has announced a new and improved software program to assist producers in making choices in estrus synchronization of their beef herds. The ‘Synch06’ edition of the Estrus Synchronization Planner has several new features and is now available to producers, due to the combined work of the IBC and the Bovine Reproductive Task Force.

"The U.S. beef industry is very fortunate to have the efforts of this dedicated group of reproductive physiologists working towards efficient Artificial Insemination (AI) systems for our herds,” says Daryl Strohbehn, ISU animal science professor and co-programmer of the new software.  “The IBC is privileged to work closely with this group to offer a low-cost tool to assist beef producers in planning and calendarizing the complexities of many synchronized breeding programs."

Like past versions of the software, the Synch06 edition assists producers with planning and implementing complicated synchronization programs. However, the new edition has several new, exciting features, including the latest recommendations of the task force, plus updated fact sheets on synchronized breeding plans.  A new, preferred synchronization system for heifers utilizing fixed-time AI was approved at the fall meeting of this task force.  It is the 14-day CIDR application pioneered at the University of Missouri.

Features included in this version the Estrus Synch Planner are:

• 14-day CIDR synchronization program
• 24 estrus synchronization systems, in three categories, including fixed-timed AI, estrus detect with clean-up AI and estrus detect AI
• 13 recommended systems for heifers and cows
• 11 less preferred systems for heifers and cows  
• A daily calendar of activity once the system and date of breeding have been established by the producer
• A budget cost analysis of the various synchronization systems

The software is available to producers for $35 (includes shipping and handling) by contacting the Iowa Beef Center at beefcenter@iastate.edu or (515) 294-BEEF), or by downloading an order form from the center’s website, www.iowabeefcenter.org. 

The Iowa Beef Center began operation in 1996 to support the growth and vitality of the beef cattle industry of the state. A part of Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Beef Center is the central access point for Iowa State University programs and research related to the beef industry. For more information, visit the website at www.iowabeefcenter.org or call (515) 294-BEEF.

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