Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

A red angus cow with two unweaned calves attempting to suckle from it.

Alternative Calving Considerations

Structuring a calving program that best suites farm and ranch operations can be challenging. Of primary concern are: weather, labor, market timing, and animal health considerations, with weather possibly being the most volatile factor, as it ranges from challenging to catastrophic in some years.

A vet and a producer examining a calf with the calf's mother in the foreground.

Are You Moving Enough Air in Your Calving Barn? Part 2: Effects of ineffective winter ventilation

High humidity, moisture, and increased levels of air contaminants due to ineffective ventilation can lead to significant health issues in our animals. This is especially of concern to our most sensitive sub-population, newborns and the very young. Even calves that receive adequate colostrum and a good nutritional start to life will have health challenges if they live in highly contaminated environments.

A pair of cows with their calves in a pasture with heavy snowfall.

Can You “Make” a Cow Deliver Better Colostrum?

Cattle producers and veterinarians are aware of the large body of evidence clearly pointing to the benefits of colostrum for baby calves. As such, much attention has been given to the “intake side” of the equation (the calf’s side): how to ensure a calf consumes an adequate amount of high-quality colostrum.

A group of mixed calves and cattles in a lush, spring pasture.

Pregnancy Diagnosis in Your Cow Calf Herd

Early pregnancy diagnosis and being able to identify AI sired calves from calves sired by clean-up bulls is crucial for maximizing herd productivity and increasing economic return from your cows.

semen straw being thawed in a liquid nitrogen tank

Semen Handling Procedures

Before the start of the breeding season, it is a good practice to review the proper semen handling procedures.

woman with feed bucket feedint pair of heifers

Successful Heifer Synchronization Using MGA

Effective estrous synchronization protocols are one of the keys to successful AI projects.

A black calf drinking milk from its mother.

The Suckling Effect

As soon as the calf hits the ground, the reproductive clock of the cow starts to tick. In order to maintain the annual production cycle of the cowherd, cows and heifers must overcome postpartum anestrus within 83 days of calving.

A black, crossbred calf standing in a feedlot.

Choosing Beef Genetics for Use in Dairy Herds

Combinations of new technologies and economic challenges often usher in sweeping changes and opportunities. The use of beef genetics on dairy cows is the most-recent example.

Silhouette of a bull grazing in a pasture at sunset.

Bull Check Up

Cattlemen can increase the breeding capacity of bulls through proper care prior to the breeding season. Because the production of sperm cells require 60 days with several factors having a potential negative impact on breeding ability, it is time to begin evaluating bulls now to ensure they are ready for the breeding season.

A small herd of cattle grazing in a snow storm.

Spring Storm Fronts Impact Calving Patterns

While the changes in calving patterns in association with weather fronts is nothing new to producers, it is beneficial to keep this in mind as calving season shifts into high gear. Cold fronts are the type of weather systems that will create the pressure and temperature changes associated with increased birth rates.