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Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

Two ranchers observing a herd of cattle at pasture.

Observing Bulls at Pasture

Checking cows is a daily activity during the summer which becomes even more important once the bulls have been turned out to begin the breeding season. Why? If a bull isn’t doing his job or if he gets injured while on the job, there needs to be a plan B because at the end of the day cows still need to bred.

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

Checking for Success: The Value of Pregnancy Checking the Cow Herd

Successfully managing drought conditions not only requires careful monitoring of pastures and inventory of feedstuffs, but management should also take into account the productive cow herd size.

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

Putting the Preg Check Results to Work

Pregnancy check day is one of the most important days on the ranch as it is the day when we find out what cows are pregnant and how many calves we can expect come calving season. So now that the veterinarian has left the yard and the open cows are sorted off, what’s next?

taylor grussing giving a presentation

Finding Females for the Cowherd

The type and kind of females chosen for your cowherd is an important decision that can have long-term implications and great impact on the economic viability of the operation.

small group of cattle grazing in dry pasture

Importance of Pregnancy Detection During a Dry Year

With weaning wrapping up, pregnant cows should be identified and turned back out to pasture or crop residue. By removing open or even late cows from the herd, valuable feed resources are saved if drought conditions continue.

A group of red and black heifers standing behind a barbed-wire fence.

Heifer Selection and Genomics

Weaning is done and calves are hopefully getting settled into backgrounding yards. Now is the time to select replacement heifers and start them on a development plan that aligns with female management and breeding goals.

A rancher sitting at a laptop near a cattle pen.

Simplifying the Replacement Heifer Dilemma: To Buy or To Raise?

Purchasing or raising replacement females represents a significant investment for cow/calf operations and the impact may be felt for years after.

A cow and her calf touching noses

Heterosis and its Impact

Heterosis is not new to the livestock industry and its benefits have been well documented.

black angus bull at pasture

Bull Selection

Bull sale season is upon us and those who are in the market for a new herd sire face a choice that will impact their herd for many years.

Mixed cattle in feedlot

Effects of Nutrition Changes Following Artificial Insemination

When considering heifer development strategies, it may be important for a producer to consider nutritional stress from changes in the diet following breeding.