Some producers have bulls of significant genetic merit to be used in AI programs. Bulls vary widely in fertility Therefore bulls brought to a stud for collection must be in the best possible condition in order to be candidates for being AI sires. There are some management procedure producers can follow to reduce to minimize the cost at the AI studs.

The most important on the list of recommendations is that each bull be tested negative for Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Blue Tongue. Many times young bulls that have been on a high grain ration in a performance testing program carry excess condition. Also, bulls that have been traveling to alot of shows have excess condition due to a lack of exercise. Collections can be less than optimial if they go immediately to the bull stud.

Bulls that come from these situations would benefit from a time of rest and exercise to remove excess condition and therefore improve collections. If bulls have been off collection and pastrue for severl months let them get back into condition and then it might be best to let him breed a few cows several weeks ahead of collection to improve quality of collections at the Stud farm. In general give them some TLC (tender loving care) such as a clean area to exercise and some grooming.

Bulls should be halter-broken and be used to being handled. Much time and additional money can be wasted in attempting to collect unhalter-broken bulls.

Some producers are utiliizing artifical insemination (AI) in their cow herds and are ordering semen via the mail. Certain management procedures need to be considered.

Shipment of semen is usually carried out by bus or air. When the shipment leaves the bull stud, the nitrogen tank should be full. When you receive the shippment, it is a good idea to check the nitrogen level. If the tank is heavy, it is probably full. It it is light, the nitrogen might have been spilt or evaporated. To measure more exactly, a stick or wire may be inserted in the the tank until it rests on the bottom. leave the measuring stick in this position for 30 seconds, pull the stick out and after 30 seconds in the air, frost should appear at the nitrogen level.

If the tank is full there should be no problems. If the tank is empty or near empty, do not accept shipment as this would cause complications with liability. Telephone the shipper immediately and explain the problem and they'll probably send another tank.

 Semen tanks should be left in one spot if possible. If it must be transported in back of a truck, it should be covered to keep the wind from blowing around the top, as this will cause excessive nitrogen evaporation. It the tank must be left in the open where wind will circulate, it should be covered to minimize nitrogen loss.

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