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Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

Hereford cow’s face close up.

Hormones in Beef: Myths vs. Facts

Confusion and concern often surround the use of hormones in beef production. It's important to understand that hormones are naturally occurring in cattle, and if they were eliminated completely, the animal could not survive.

Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Specialist, demonstrating an ultrasound machine to a group of 4-H youth.

SDSU Extension Hosts Cattle AI Day Camp at Cottonwood Field Station

December 03, 2021

Twenty 4-H youth involved in the beef project area traveled to the Cottonwood Field Station to participate in the South Dakota State University Extension Cattle AI Day Camp held Nov. 6.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Bovine Estrous Cycle

Fact sheet on the bovine estrous cycle. Available in English and Spanish.

A group of black Angus cows standing in spring pasture.

Detection of Standing Estrus in Cattle

Fact sheet to help with the detection of standing estrus in cattle. Available in English and Spanish.

A small herd of black angus cattle at pasture.

Understanding Estrous Synchronization of Cattle

Fact sheet on the use of estrus synchronization of cattle. Available in English and Spanish.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Impact of Reproductive Technologies on Herd Success Set for Nov. 23

November 03, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension will host a reproductive technology program for beef cow/calf producers on Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. CDT at the Watertown Regional Extension Center.

a young, red-colored calf at pasture

Fall Calving Cows: Management and Breeding Decisions

As producers with spring calving herds are completing weaning and moving cows to winter range, fall calving herds are gearing up for the next breeding season.

image of a video screen of cattle in a pen

Calving Barn Video Technology: Keeping Cattlemen Warm During Calving Season

Labor is one of the most valuable resources on the ranch, and producers often try to utilize their time wisely to decrease hours spent on a project. Producers can potentially decease time spent in certain areas of the ranch with the use of modern video technology thus allowing them to multitask.

black angus cow with green tag on ear

Getting Replacement Heifers Ready to Breed

Producers should take some time to evaluate replacement heifers’ health, nutrition and reproductive status to ensure high-quality females entering the cow herd.

Two beef heifers standing in a pasture. One is red, the other black and white.

Setting Up Replacement Heifers for Breeding with CIDR Protocols

Replacement heifers are the most common group of females on the ranch to be artificially inseminated. An option available for heifer (and cow) synchronization is use of a CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release).