Cattle Reproduction
The semen microbiome is gaining attention as a potential indicator of bull fertility. New research suggests these microbial patterns may help explain variation not captured by traditional metrics.
New research is investigating why cattle pregnancies fail before detection and what that means for improving reproductive efficiency in cattle.
A few days at the start of the breeding season can determine not just this year’s calf weights but also the long-term trajectory of the entire herd.
Open cows and poor conception rates often trace back to a single source in the bull pasture. Without consistent testing, one carrier can disrupt an entire breeding season.
Strong breeding seasons start with strong postpartum cows. Winter calving offers the chance to get both right with attentive management.
Long before calving, subtle biological signals can influence the health, growth, and future productivity of a calf. Understanding and utilizing these signals could lead to the next revolution in reproductive management for cattle.
With high calf prices, now might be the time to consider investing in your nutrition program to maximize reproductive performance.
Bulls with more than 0.5" of backfat have a higher probability of failing the bull soundness exam.
Extension livestock management specialist Lacey Quail shares tips to help producers improve cow herd fertility.
K-State veterinarians review a case of 20% open heifers and discuss potential causes for the reproductive issue.
It is estimated that cattle suffering from fescue toxicosis and heat stress alone cost the beef industry more than a billion dollars a year. University of Missouri demonstrates hair shedding is an economic relevant trait beyond the Southern U.S.
Strategies for evaluating herd performance following calving.
Cattle producers have been successful applying selection pressure to maintain calving ease while improving the additive genetic merit for weaning and yearling weight performance.
“I have seen minimal problems with scours and pneumonia. I think this set of calves moving to grass is as good as I’ve seen when I look back over the last 10 years,” says one Iowa veterinarian.
Beef producers have a significant influence on meat quality through breeding choices and nutrition management.
Researchers look at four factors that contribute to early pregnancy loss: embryo, cow, bull and environment.
The first few hours of a calf’s life are critical to its success. Sometimes when producers need to intervene, the new mom goes into protection mode.
Researchers are using gene editing techniques to introduce beneficial traits like polled and disease resistance, as well as exploring innovative approaches like surrogate sires.
Calculate a bull’s value proposition and consider how he can meet a herd’s needs and goals before purchasing.
With spring bull buying season here, producers should understand their goals for marketing calves and the genetic value to make replacement females.
One of the questions veterinarians are helping cow-calf producers answer is whether it’s a better decision to raise their own calves or buy them.
The award was presented during the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium in Athens, Georgia, earlier this month.
Needle size matters when using hormones during synchronization protocols for breeding cattle.
Have you wanted to have more calves born earlier in your calving season, but didn’t want to deal with the increase in labor, cost and facilities to utilize estrus synchronization and artificial insemination?
The pace of expansion of the U.S. cow inventory will be slower than past cycles including the fact that beef production takes longer than other proteins.
The VWP set can impact the calving interval and length of lactation. A farm’s days to first service is an excellent time to see if the VWP is being met.