Using the Estrus Synchronization Planner

Mar 03, 2020

By Robin Salverson

The Estrus Synchronization Planner has been available since 1998, developed by Iowa Beef Center. It has evolved over the years, proving to be an effective and easy tool to help select and implement synchronization protocols.

The program is available as a free excel spreadsheet download or as a mobile version. Both include the protocols recommended by the Beef Reproduction Task Force.

The excel spreadsheet can be downloaded from Iowa Beef Center website or by visiting the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle website. Excel is required to download this version.

The mobile version can be downloaded from the EstruSynch website. It contains the critical features to function, but it will not be identical to the full excel spreadsheet version. A wireless or internet connection is required to use this version, therefore, use in pastures may be limited depending on cellular coverage.

Features of the download and mobile version include: creating a synchronization and breeding calendar with exact dates and times when hormones should be given and/or removed, when heat detection and breeding should occur, and allows for a cost comparison between protocol systems and cost response analysis.

Timing is critical for a successful program, and this planner provides options to ensure those critical times are being met. There is a multi-group version, which allows up to 12 herds to be scheduled.

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Video: Not always sunshine & lollipops working with cattle!

Doing vaccinations when life happens. It is not always rosy working with cattle or any livestock. Including people and dogs, ha aha. But in the end, it all came together, even after pushing the 5 cattle that got out due to me not having the head gate closed properly... twice! Finn worked pretty good bringing them up, Munch would not stay out as you could hear. He is a bit too young and wants to be with his people all the time.