Beef Reproduction and Genetics

Pregnancy Diagnosis as a Management Tool Following Summer Heat Stress

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.

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

Balancing Genetics

Profitable genetic programs start with a good cow herd, but they should not end there. The ultimate goal is to efficiently produce the right calf, from the right cow, for the right customer.

What This Summer's Heat Could Mean for Pregnancy Rates

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.

Shorten Your Calving Season for a More Profitable Cow Herd

Coupled with good management, a defined breeding and calving season increases the number of cows that conceive early, produces a more uniform calf crop, and allows producers to manage labor, nutrition, and herd health more efficiently.

Forage-Based Heifer Development Systems

Forage-based heifer development systems offer producers a practical opportunity to reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable reproductive performance. By effectively utilizing available forage resources, heifers can be developed efficiently with reduced reliance on harvested feeds.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Developing Heifers to Fit Your Production Environment

The long-term sustainability and profitability of the cow-calf industry depend on retaining females that fit both the production goals and environmental constraints of an operation.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.