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Selection of Profitable Commercial Beef Heifers

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Description

This self-paced course focuses on selection of profitable replacement heifers in commercial cow-calf operations. It features a recorded presentation by Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., and is approved for 1 hour of veterinary continuing education (CE) credit through the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

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Syllabus

Course Description

This course focuses on replacement heifer selection from a commercial cow-calf business perspective, with emphasis on identifying females that offer long-term profit potential. Participants will review how conception timing influences longevity, calving distribution, and lifetime productivity, and how management tools such as estrus synchronization, pre-breeding evaluation, pelvic measurement, and reproductive tract scoring can be used to screen heifers more effectively. Emphasis is placed on practical decision-making that supports early conception, reduces calving difficulty risk, and improves the likelihood of retaining productive females in the herd.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Explain how conception timing affects heifer longevity, calving distribution, and lifetime productivity.
  2. Identify key screening points for replacement heifers.
  3. Use pelvic measurement and reproductive tract scoring as screening tools.
  4. Evaluate the role of estrus synchronization.
  5. Prioritize selection decisions that improve profitability.

Presenter: Jordan Thomas, Ph.D.

Jordan Thomas is an assistant professor in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri. Dr. Thomas is a Missouri native and University of Missouri alumnus, having earned his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences with an emphasis in Reproductive Physiology in 2017. Dr. Thomas maintains an active applied research program in reproductive management of beef cattle, coordinating the breeding program for cattle across the University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Research Center herds. Additionally, Dr. Thomas is active in collaborative efforts in education and outreach, such as the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program, the National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG), and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. The primary research focus of the Thomas lab is control of the bovine estrous cycle, specifically to facilitate use of reproductive technologies such as timed artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

This course is approved for 1 hour of veterinary continuing education (CE) credit by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

To earn CE credit, you must:

  • View the full presentation or read the transcript
  • Complete the 5-question quiz with at least 4 correct answers
  • Download your CE certificate (instructions are provided in the module)

Please note: It is the participant’s responsibility to verify whether CE credit from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college meets the requirements of their state or licensing jurisdiction.

Course Evaluation

A brief, optional evaluation is available at the end of the course. Your feedback is valuable and helps improve future offerings.

Accessibility & Support

  • All videos include closed captions and downloadable transcripts.
  • For disability-related accommodations, please contact MU Extension ADA Support (muextensionadasupport@missouri.edu)
  • Canvas Support: at@umsystem.edu
  • Course Coordinator: Craig Payne (payneca@missouri.edu)

Accommodations

We all learn differently, and we want every student to succeed. University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with this course, or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made.

MU Extension Equal opportunity, ADA institution information.

Inclusive Course Design

This course was created with a wide range of learners in mind. The materials are designed to be accessible and support different ways of learning.

Technical Requirements

Minimum Technology

  • A reliable high-speed internet connection (DSL or cable recommended)
  • A computer with an up-to-date operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • A current web browser, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari
  • A processor speed of at least 1 GHz (or higher)

Technical & Digital Information Literacy Skills

  • Ability to download, open, and save Microsoft Word and PDF documents
  • Basic familiarity with Canvas features
  • Use of basic computer peripherals: speakers or headphones for audio

Download the Canvas Student App to access your Canvas course from your mobile device.

For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome as your browser (Safari for Macintosh). If you don't have Google Chrome installed on your computer, you can download the latest version of Chrome.

If you have technical questions or need additional help, please email Canvas Support. You can find more information on the technical requirements on the Canvas website.

Course Completion

Upon completion of all required components, participants may download a CE certificate from within the Canvas course. If needed, a transcript of completed MU Extension online courses may also be accessed through your Catalog account.

Selection of Profitable Commercial Beef Heifers
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