How to Buy Bull Semen

The practice of artificial insemination has revolutionized the cattle industry. Owners today can select from thousands of bulls across the country, and cows never have to leave the comfort of their own farm. Follow these steps to learn how to buy bull semen for your breeding program.

Instructions

1. Choose the bulls with whom you'd like to breed your cows. Make your selection by considering the bull's pedigree, fertility rating, general health and fees. An index of available bulls is available at Cattle.com, with pictures, pedigrees, reviews and links to ordering sites.

2. Synchronize your cows' estrus cycles so that they're all in heat around the same time.

3. Order frozen semen online or by phone. Buy enough for all of the cows you intend to breed, but time your purchase so that you don't have to maintain and store the frozen semen very long. If the semen takes 48 hours to ship, order it two days before your cows start showing signs of estrus.

4. Be sure your cows are in heat before you breed them. You're not entitled to a refund if your cows don't conceive.

5. Keep the nitrogen filled in the storage tanks if your order arrives before your cows are fertile, and make sure to keep the tanks in a safe spot. Thaw the semen at 95 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 seconds before using it.

6. Return the storage tanks to the supplier. Often, the supplier will send a return UPS or FedEx ticket with your order, but remember that you must call the carrier to come pick them up.