Beef Reproduction and Genetics

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.

Breeding and Marketing Strategies

The debate as to when or if the U.S. beef cattle herd will begin rebuilding this year is yet to be determined. While cattlemen operate record low cattle inventory numbers, the decision to retain females will be unique to each operation.

Heifer Selection Strategies

Producers should consider some common characteristics and questions to help select replacement heifers strategically.

Bunch the Cow Herd

Reproduction is one of the biggest drivers of economic success. Cows stressed by cold, wind, snow, and mud will put energy resources into body condition maintenance and lactation prior to recycling.

Merits of Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Replacement Heifers

By conducting early pregnancy diagnosis, producers can make management decisions that impact herd viability and expected financial outcomes.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cull Cows

Pregnancy detection is a tool that producers can use to manage cow herd expenses. An open cow continues to incur feed and health expenses until they are marketed. Early pregnancy diagnosis may increase profitability if open cows can be culled earlier.

Trichomoniasis: A Tricky Cause of Reproductive Failure in Beef Cattle

Trichomoniasis in cattle is caused by a protozoal organism that lives indefinitely in the sheath of infected bulls. Once transmitted to a cow or heifer, it causes an inflammation in the female reproductive tract that results in the eventual loss of the pregnancy.

Improve cattle AI skills with SDSU Extension refresher course

May 22, 2024

Cattle producers looking to refresh their artificial insemination skills are welcome to join the South Dakota State University Extension AI School Refresher Course on June 8, 2024.

Replacement Heifer Management Post-Artificial-Insemination

The financial investment in getting heifers bred early has a long-time impact on the cow success in the herd, making post-AI heifer development considerations essential.