Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

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.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

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.

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.

Artificial Insemination (AI) Checklist

A checklist to prepare for artificial insemination for cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

Preparing for the Calving Season

Calving season is a busy time of year as beef producers prepare themselves for less sleep each night, while spending more time observing cows close to calving. So, what can we do to make calving season less stressful for everyone involved?

Variety of different-colored beef calves in a pen.

Crossbreeding Systems – Maximizing Heterosis & Profit

By using planned breed combinations, producers can improve traits like growth, reproduction, and overall herd performance, helping make better financial and management decisions.