Animal Science Complex 213
Animal Science-Box 2170
Brookings, SD 57007
Jessica supports the citizens of South Dakota in her role as an Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist at the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.
The concept of fetal programming reminds us that winter feeding is about more than meeting the needs of a pregnant cow today. It is also about helping shape the performance, health, and productivity of tomorrow's calf crop.
Following a summer marked by heat stress, pregnancy diagnosis offers producers an opportunity to measure the true reproductive impact within their herds. Beyond identifying pregnant and open females, pregnancy checks can reveal breeding season patterns, evaluate synchronization success, assess bull performance, and guide management decisions before winter.
Heat stress may be temporary, but its effects on reproduction can persist for months. Understanding those impacts helps producers evaluate breeding outcomes and prepare for future weather challenges.
