Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

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.

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

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.

A group of red angus cattle.

Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

Animal Science Research and Extension Report

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Two young producers inspecting a herd of cattle in early spring pasture.

Breeding Season Preparation

Whether you are going to be using artificial insemination or turning out bulls for natural service, planning plays an essential role in a successful breeding season.

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.
Dec 17

Preparing for Calving Season Cattle HQ Live

Join us to learn more how organizing the calving season by preparing the calving list, facilities and even personal wellbeing, can make it a successful time of year.

Group of producers gathered at a bull sale.

How to Read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)

Bull sale season is here and many cattlemen are likely scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are a tool to aid selection by comparing traits between animals within the same breed.

Left: Ponderosa pine tree growing on rangeland. Right: Long, skinny, green needles on Ponderosa pine branch.

Pine Needles: Another Possible Threat to Beef Cow Pregnancies

For at least the past 50 years, consumption of Ponderosa Pine tree needles (and those from a few other pine tree species) by pregnant cattle has been recognized as a cause of abortions during the last trimester (three months) of gestation.

Kiernan Brandt, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Specialist, instructs 4-H member, Molly Harty, on finding the reproductive tract during palpitation.

Artificial Insemination School

SDSU Extension offers Beef Artificial Insemination (AI) Schools that teach participants overall herd management for reproductive success and profitability during the 2.5-day schools.