The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products
Reviewed
Several protocols and other resources allow beef producers to effectively synchronize estrus and ovulation in the herd. Read this guide for an overview of the function, handling considerations, and proper administration of estrus synchronization products.
Care and Maintenance of a Liquid Nitrogen Tank
Reviewed
Semen is a significant cost in a cattle artificial insemination program. Maintaining a liquid nitrogen tank’s integrity is key to protecting that investment. Learn how to properly care for and maintain a liquid nitrogen tank in this MU Extension guide.
Artificial Insemination of Cattle Step by Step
Reviewed
Using correct techniques when performing artificial insemination on beef cattle can help ensure success and minimizing risk of injury. Learn how to deposit the semen in the proper location in the female reproductive tract while using sanitary techniques.
Herd Health Programs and Reproductive Efficiency of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Comprehensive herd health programs enhance reproductive efficiency in beef cattle by addressing disease prevention, nutrition, and environmental stressors.
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Cow
Reviewed
The ability of a cow or heifer to successfully mate, conceive, give birth, and raise a healthy calf each year is essential for profitable and sustainable beef production. A good understanding of anatomy and physiology of both the male and female is helpful in successfully managing reproduction.
Facilities for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Access to functional artificial insemination (AI) facilities is a challenge for beef cattle producers. Learn what to look for in an AI facility and view a list of portable breeding barns available through University of Missouri Extension.
Detection of Estrus in Beef Cattle Herds
Reviewed
Correctly detecting cows and heifers in estrus can be critical for beef producers. Learn behavioral and physiological changes that indicate standing heat, how to use estrus detection aids and how to time artificial insemination in this MU Extension guide.
Production Records for Commercial Cow-Calf Operations
Reviewed
Track key metrics like breeding, calving, and weaning to enhance cow-calf herd productivity and profitability through effective record-keeping.
Calving Season Considerations for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
Reviewed
Explore key factors in choosing the best time of year to calve for improved efficiency, herd health, and profitability in beef cattle operations.
Preparation and Handling of Catheters for Artificial Insemination of Cattle
Reviewed
Learn proper semen handling to achieve maximum conception rates with artificial insemination in beef cattle. Reduced conception rates occur if semen is handled improperly before, during or after thawing. See this illustrated MU Extension guide for more.
Determination of Pregnancy Status in Beef Herds
Reviewed
Pregnancy examination provides valuable information that enables cow-calf operations to make management decisions that increase profitability and improve long-term reproductive efficiency. Learn about several methods in this MU Extension guide.
Reproductive Management of Bos indicus-Influenced Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Bos indicus cattle present challenges with estrus synchronization. Learn about the timing of estrus onset for them, their susceptibility to stress, and considerations and expectations when breeding them in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Split-Time AI: Using Estrus Detection Aids to Optimize Timed Artificial Insemination
Reviewed
Timed artificial insemination pregnancy rates in heifers can be optimized with a split-time AI approach. Estrotect estrus detection aids allow producer to determine the estrous status of females. Learn about the protocols in this MU Extension guide.
Pasture Fence Construction Budget
Revised
Use the breakdown of the costs of newly constructed pasture fencing in this guide to estimate fence construction costs before starting a fencing project.
Water Source Development for Irrigation Systems
Reviewed
This guide helps producers assess irrigation feasibility by evaluating water sources, legal considerations, and estimating storage needs.
Grazing Cover Crops
Reviewed
Explore strategies for integrating livestock grazing with cover crops to enhance soil health and profitability for Missouri farmers.
Strip-Grazing Milo as a Low-Cost Winter Forage
Reviewed
Learn how to utilize strip-grazing milo as a cost-effective winter forage option for livestock, reducing feed expenses and enhancing pasture management.
A Guide to the Common Forages and Weeds of Pastures
Reviewed $30
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available for purchase.
Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri
Revised
Get custom service rates for fieldwork, planting, fertilizer, crop harvesting, hauling and heavy equipment activities from a survey of farmers, agribusinesses and contractors.
Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Reviewed
Guide to identifying common Missouri plants toxic to livestock, including symptoms and habitats.
Weed and Brush Control for Forages, Pastures and Noncropland
Reviewed $41
Annual broadleaf and grass weeds can become a serious problem in pastures and forages. Learn about forage crop, soil and weed problems in Missouri. See color photos of weeds at different stages and select herbicides with the help of tables in this manual.
Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Opportunities for Local Beef in Missouri
Revised
Explore strategies for Missouri beef producers to market directly to consumers, including selling by the cut or in shares, to enhance profitability.
Calculating the Value of Manure as a Fertilizer Source
Revised
Use this worksheet to estimate the value of manure nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and gauge how much manure to apply to corn, wheat, soybeans.
Missouri Fence and Boundary Law Reference Guide
Revised
Learn about Missouri fencing and boundary laws, including duties, rights, and resolving disputes between landowners regarding fences and boundaries.
Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate costs and returns for a beef cow-calf operation (50-cow herd and purchased replacements) in Missouri for fall or spring calving season.