5.5 day Sync let me down

So after getting really excited about trying the 5.5 day CIDR Sync program with an extra shot of (PG) when pulling the CIDR's, I am really disappointed.  I only did 5 head, but first round 0 took.  Just got my biopryn blood test results on round 2 and zero / zippo.  So now I have 5 of my best cows "off".  Out with the herd bulls I guess.  I'm going back to the 7 day sync.  I was 100% on the same cows last year. 
And yes, checked tank, all appears to be normal.  Used two bulls Hoover Dam Angus and NLC Upgrade Simmental.

Used it last spring on a group of 22 and got 80% conception on one AI service - though we only bred on observed heats.

More or less the same group of cows (24) this spring - only 8 demonstrated estrus; pulled the non-cyclers back in 12 days later and popped 'em with Estrumate;  only one or two cycled in.   

I'm more inclined to think it's more related to the winter we just went through, pasture conditions, etc., than the synchronization protocol.

IM from MN and I talked to my Genex guy. He said the 5 day cidr wasn't doing anyone good. He told me the winters were so hard that it's tough on the cows. I just finished the 7 day. we are now waiting for the cows to come into heat.

Good info. I'm really leaning toward environmental factors also.  I'm not the best AI'er, and I know there are ton's of factors that come into play, but I figured I would at least get one or two to stick. 

Too dry Ryan?

Our early cows we bred in April cycled like clock work off of 5 day.  Then we hit a wall and had a tough time with any protocol come mid May.  No change in mineral.  Cows were in great condition.  Just tough to catch them.

Ron
<cowboy>

I've had several PM's and I am now leaning towards the drought.  Hot weather and not nights with little cool down.  I guess I need to quick being tight and find me a good clean up bull.  Thanks for the help all.

I have gotten most of my customers moved over to the 5 day CIDR protocol, the extra cost in estrumate is offset by the increase in pregnancies we see. There are way too many factor to blame the protocol at this point.

I did the 5.5 day sync last year. used no heat tapes. Bred on the required time. Looks like in the first group of 4,am going to get 3 calves.

I have done it for two years now and believe in the program. I time breed cows at 72 hours and heifers at 66 hours. This year, out of 5 head I got three cows and 1 heifer on the first breed. The 5th was our show heifer, so she had a bit more stress than the rest. I also ran the program on 20 head for a neighbor. I havent heard his preg check results, but from the feel of the cows during breeding, I would bet 80% got bred. When we time bred them, there was little to no riding going on. I can think of 2-3 that didnt have very good tone to their cervix at breeding.

I will have results from his herd when calves hit the ground March 1.

I have had good luck with it do not get discouraged. Alot of external factors, heat, semen quality, ect. Do not be afraid to breed cows at 72 hours that do not show heat. You will usually get about 50% of them. Alot of cows wont show alot of heat especially in june.

Yes, there are so many things that can affect the success of a breeding program, ie nutrition, weather, genetics and knowledge and skill of the breeder.  For me, the 7 day sync works great.  I actually give a shot of Lute on day 6 and pull the CIDR on day 7.  It seems to tighten up the heats a bit.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Right?