By Blake Jackson
With the U.S. cattle population now at its lowest level in more than seven decades, industry experts say artificial insemination (AI) could be a key strategy in rebuilding herd numbers. University of Missouri Extension dairy field specialist Chloe Collins said, “The need to rebuild the national herd is urgent.”
While AI is widely embraced in the dairy industry, where more than 66% of cows are bred using the method, adoption in the beef sector remains low at just 11.6%. “There is much opportunity here,” says Collins. Collins explains that one of the most promising tools available is female-sorted sexed semen, which drastically increases the likelihood of producing heifer calves.
When properly used, this technology results in more than 90% female births, giving producers a strategic advantage as they work to recover herd size after years of drought, herd liquidation and rising operating costs.
To help producers build skills and confidence with AI technology, MU Extension hosted the Fall Cattle Artificial Insemination School Oct. 21-23, 2025, at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center and the Joplin Regional Stockyards. The 2.5-day course brought together 12 attendees from across Missouri and beyond including participants from California each with unique goals.
According to Collins, attendees plan to apply their skills in various ways, including supporting veterinary practices, working with local beef and dairy operations and pursuing roles as professional AI technicians.
The course offered a blend of theory and hands-on instruction. Lessons covered reproductive anatomy, proper semen handling, synchronization systems and nutritional considerations for breeding success. Students first worked with reproductive tract dissections to understand the physical structure before practicing AI techniques on headlocked cull cows. By the end of the course, every participant had passed at least three insemination guns successfully, and many completed additional repetitions.
Beyond technique, the training encouraged producers to evaluate long-term breeding strategies. With pasture shortages and rising bull costs, AI can reduce the need for maintaining multiple herd bulls, lowering feed costs and minimizing risks such as injuries or fencing damage.
As Collins explains, “Whether you're looking to improve genetics, tighten your calving window, or rebuild your herd with purpose, AI and sexed semen offer powerful tools to help producers meet their goals.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle