Heifer Fixed Time AI Synchrony Program | Maximising Conception Rates

Heifer Fixed Time AI Synchrony Program 

The Genermate program is suitable for either fixed time insemination (FTAI) or insemination to detected heat and is the best program for utilising sexed semen in beef and dairy heifers. Trials across 1800 dairy heifers on 19 farms in the western district using the Genermate program with FTAI and frozen sexed semen showed a very consistent 50 % conception rate in heifers that displayed heat.  However, in heifers that did not display a heat, the conception rate was only 18 % - use conventional or beef semen in these animals.

            Day 1      Insert CIDR and inject 2 ml oestradiol benzoate (ODB)

            Day 7      Inject 2 ml prostaglandin (PG)

            Day 10    Remove CIDR

            Day 12    Fixed Time AI (48 ± 2 hrs after CIDR removal) or AI to detected heat.

The timing of the FTAI is critical - you have a 4 hour window to get the heifers inseminated - fall outside this window and conception rates fall quickly!    

Heifers may also benefit from a spring drench if worm pick up has been high since their strategic drench in May / June.  Dectomax V is the best option as it is a dual active injectable (doromectin and levamisole) that effectively targets both mectin resistant Cooperia and Pre-type II inhibited Ostertagia.  Cydectin Platinum is also a reasonable choice but will be less effective against any Pre-type II Ostertagia.

Not sure if your heifers even need a drench?  Drop in half a dozen faecal samples for a pooled faecal egg count.

Spring 2026 pricing (inc GST) of the various drench options is listed below.

            Dectomax V Injectable (500 ml) - $170

            Dectomax V Victory Pack (6 x 500 ml plus gun) - $950

            Cydectin Platinum Pour-on (2 litre) - $765

            Cydectin Platinum Pour-on (5 litre) - $1655

            Cydectin Platinum Pour-on (10 litres) - $3120

GVG can offer insertion and removing of CIDR's, injections and associated procedures.

Please contact one of our vets at the Livestock and Equine Centre on (03) 5662 2251 ext 2 for an estimate or more information.