Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

Pregnant black angus cow standing in a dry pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. Nitrates in feed is one of the challenges that producers need to be aware of, especially in the reproductive herd.

Black angus heifers in a green pasture.

Value of Pregnancy Detection of Yearling Heifers

One of the most-important traits in the beef herd is reproduction. Any female that ends up open at the end of the year is costing the operation additional money. Strategic management decisions should be made within the reproductive herd to help maximize revenue.

Several black beef cattle close together feeding.

Influence of Body Condition on Reproductive Performance of Beef Cows

Fact sheet about understanding effects of body condition score on reproductive performance.

A young man analyzing the results of a pregnancy check on an electronic device.

Preg-Checking Decisions

There is much value in preg-checking spring-calving cow herds in the fall. The most common is to cull open cows from the herd. The second reason would be to reduce the number of late calving cows in the herd.

Group of mixed cattle grazing winter pasture.

Keep Watch of Young Cows During Calving

Frequent observation of first-calf heifers and good recordkeeping around calving will give producers insight into which heifers are going to breed back and others that might need some extra care.

A group of black angus cows grazing in a late spring field.

Defining a Breeding Season

While moving the calving season will not eliminate the unpredictability of weather, we can utilize a defined breeding season to plan when cows will calve and be better-able to manage cattle in the harsh winter and spring calving conditions.

Group of mixed beef heifers in spring pasture.

Synchronization for Natural-Service Breeding Programs

Similar to synchronization with artificial insemination, the benefits associated with natural-service synchronization are similar: a concise calving distribution with the potential for heifers to be serviced twice in about 30 days versus twice in 40 days.

Mother cow with calf in a dry, drought-stressed rangeland.

Planning for Breeding Season in Dry Conditions

Drier-than-normal conditions present added stress to producers and their herds in preparation for breeding season. During this critical period, producers should focus on making sound management decisions to maintain performance and profitability.

Pregnant black angus cow.

Late Gestation Planning Prior to Calving

For most, weaning is in the books and pregnancy detection is complete or soon to be underway. Now is the time to pay attention to those pregnant cows out on crop residue or grass.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Pay Attention to Calving Distribution

Multiple factors go into defining a calving season, but through simple record keeping, management decisions can be made to increase herd performance and profitability.