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Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

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SDSU Department of Animal Science Welcomes New Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist

October 14, 2022

Jessica Drum, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist, will focus on reproduction research within the beef cattle industry and share her knowledge through SDSU Extension programs and teaching.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Management of Body Condition Score throughout the Year

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a visual indicator of past energy status of cattle and a method that can be used to monitor nutritional status of the cow herd.

Small herd of cattle waiting for feed at dusk.

Feed at Night, Calve During the Day

As cattle producers begin thinking about calving season and management practices to ease the workload, night feeding is something to consider. Producers have questioned whether or not the time of feeding affects time of calving, and the answer is “Yes.”

Young calves with cattle herd in spring.

Selecting a Calving Season Based on Matching Nutritional Needs and Resources

Choosing the calving season is a complex and highly individual decision for each beef cattle producer. A primary consideration in pasture-based cow-calf operations is choosing a calving season that will best match the forage supply to forage demand.

A newborn calf with its mother in a snowy field

Beef Cow Nutrition During Calving and Early Lactation

Calving season has started or will be starting in the near future for most producers. Nutritional management of the cow herd is more important during the periods of late pregnancy and early lactation than any other.

A herd of cattle feeding at a feed bunker with light snow on the ground.

Cow Mineral Nutrition During Late Gestation

A recent study conducted at Oregon State University researched trace mineral nutrition of cows during the last 95 days of pregnancy and the resulting impact on their calves.

A herd of cattle grazing in a snowy pasture.

Are Your Cows Ready for the Last Trimester of Pregnancy?

We are beginning to enter the last three months of gestation for the majority of spring-calving cows in South Dakota, and there are a few questions that cattle owners should ask themselves in preparation.

A small group of calves in a snowy pasture.

Determining the Best Method of Castration for Beef Calves

Spring is an important time for making the best management decisions for the health and well-being of your calves, with an extremely important one being the castration of the bull calves.

Extension staff analyzing a soybean plant with a stakeholder.

SDSU Extension to Host Informational Sessions at Dakotafest

August 05, 2022

Producers are invited to visit the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest August 16-18 in Mitchell, South Dakota.

calf with mother cow in pasture

Effects of Shipping and Heat Stress on Embryonic Mortality in Cattle

Fact sheets on the effect of shipping and heat stress on embryonic mortality in cattle.