AI School
The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Animal and Dairy Sciences Department host two Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) Schools each year. The AI Schools are held in March and October annually.
Spring 2021 Cattle Artificial Insemination School
Thursday through Saturday March 18-20, 2021
Note: This course is limited to the first 30 paid participants. The Spring AI School is currently full. To be added to the waiting list email your contact information to brandi.karisch@msstate.edu.
The course is currently planned as scheduled below, but modifications may be made at any time based on University policies.
Schedule
Thursday
6:00 – 6:15 p.m. Introductions/ Opening Comments
6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Economics of Artificial Insemination
6:45 – 7:05 p.m. Reproductive Anatomy
7:05 – 8:00 p.m. Estrous Cycle, Estrus Synchronization, and Sexed Semen
8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Equipment for Artificial Insemination
8:30 – 8:45 p.m. Break
8:45 – 10:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Groups will rotate among stations)
Estrus Synchronization Planning Software and Breeding Box
Artificial Insemination Equipment and Semen Handling Demonstration
Work with Bovine Reproductive Tracts (WISE 4036)
Friday
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Nutritional Programs for A.I. Success
8:45 – 9:30 a.m. Heat Detection and Heat Detection Aids
9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Break
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Sire Selection
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Reproductive Herd Health and Biosecurity
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Question and Answer Session
11:30 a.m. Lunch (provided)
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Break and Travel to Dairy and Beef Units (Groups will alternate locations)
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Corral Work (semen handling & A.I. technique practice) (Beef/Dairy Unit)
Saturday
8:00 – 11:30 a.m. Corral Work (semen handling & A.I. technique practice) (Beef/Dairy Unit)
11:30 a.m. – Noon Course Wrap-Up
Location
Mississippi Horse Park
Bearden Dairy Research Unit-Heifer Unit
Mississippi State University Beef Unit
Area hotels
Map to MSU Wise Center
Map to Bearden Dairy Research Unit-Heifer Unit
Map to MSU Beef Unit
Registration Information
The registration fee for the MSU Artificial Insemination School is $450 per person. School attendance is limited to the first 30 registrations.
Note: Registration fees are non-refundable if cancelled after September 15.
4-H Parental Release and Code of Conduct Agreement
Bull Semen Storage and Handling YouTube Video
Visit the Mississippi State University Extension Service Beef Cattle YouTube channel to view this cattle artificial insemination-related video. A variety of other brief educational videos are also posted on beef cattle production topics on the MSUBeefCattle YouTube channel.
Publications
News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will accept applications for assistance from agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.Sign-up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 -- CFAP 2 -- begins Sept. 21 and runs through Dec. 11, 2020. The program is open to producers of row crops, livestock, aquaculture, dairy and specialty crop commodities.
Grilled kabobs just shout summertime! The best part about kabobs is getting to choose your favorite vegetables to include. This traditional take on kabobs includes potatoes and zucchini. But you could easily add other veggies, including mushrooms or peppers.
You may be thinking, “Potatoes?! I’ll burn up my steak before the potatoes are done!” Never fear! You will microwave the potatoes before grilling to be sure they’re properly cooked!
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Food supplies in the U.S. are abundant and safe, despite some challenges in packaging and distribution related to COVID-19.
Robert Johannson, chief economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, acknowledged “widespread worries that the disease could threaten the nation’s food production and supply systems and stoke inflation” in a statement issued April 16.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host a free webinar to discuss the impact of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on cattle markets March 26 at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Agricultural economists Josh Maples of MSU and Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University Extension will discuss the current situation and answer questions submitted by participants.
Success Stories
Vardaman producer named Farmer of the Year
When Joe Edmondson surveys his farming operation at Topashaw Farms, he thinks about his more than 40 full-time employees and the hundreds of seasonal workers who work the acres.
See what is new in Extension... Extension partners to promote beef quality assurance program, Extension recognized in Gulf Guardian Award Project, First Ag leadership class graduates, and Extension supports residents participating in U.S. Census 2020.
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Ted and Janet Parker lived off of one income. She made the living, and nearly every penny he made as a beef cattle farmer went right back into growing their farm.
On his Rolling Fork farm, Bill Rutherford is living the life he dreamed of as a child. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)
See what's new in Extension: Gather for First Extension Beef-Production Workshop, the Food Factor Goes Digital, Extension Professionals Share Expertise, and Extension Offers New HappyHealthy Program.