March 2018 began with selected heifers from welters® award winning Galloway cattle herds undergoing artificial insemination (AI ) procedures in readiness for calving in late Summer.
This breeding programme is an important part of welters® ongoing commitment to protecting native species and resources in the UK.
The process is carried out by a skilled AI technician to ensure a good success rate within the herd.
A fully mature Galloway heifer will normally be in estrus or ‘heat’ every 18-24 days and it takes an experienced herdsman to spot when the cow is displaying heat signals and to plan the AI procedure accordingly.
Timing is crucial as the heifer will begin ovulation towards the end of the heat cycle, which only provides a short window of 12-18 hours to inseminate.
With such a time-critical process, there can be no delays and even sub-zero temperatures, the worst winter in decades and the coldest March on record will not prevent the welters® intrepid and dedicated farm staff from completing this important work.
The farm is looking forward to the new Galloway additions joining the herd later in the year, ensuring good breeding stock for the future.
