The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Natural Service Bull Breeding
Revised
Learn about simple synchronization protocols the can be used effectively with natural service bull breeding that capture some benefits of estrus synchronization without the need to adopt an artificial insemination program.
Buying Meat Direct From the Farm
Revised
Learn how to buy meat directly from a farm, what questions to consider, and how to interpret a cut sheet and price sheet.
Sexed Semen for Artificial Insemination: Recommendations and AI Approaches
Revised
Learn about using sexed semen in a planned mating of cattle and how it differs from conventional semen.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cows
Revised
Learn about Select Synch, 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 7 & 7 Synch, 5-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, PG 6-Day CIDR, and Bos indicus PG 5-Day CIDR estrus synchronization protocols for artificial insemination of beef cows.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers
Revised
Learn about recommended protocols for artificial insemination of beef heifers using 1-Shot PG, 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 5-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 14-Day CIDR-PG, and MGA-PG in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Farmland Values for Midwestern States
Revised
Find farmland value price trends in Missouri and other Midwestern states since 1912.
The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD
Revised
Understanding EPD variability: how genetic shuffling during reproduction leads to differences among full siblings in cattle.
Using Beef Cattle Sire Summaries: A Practical Guide to Selecting Better Bulls
Revised
Learn how to effectively use sire summaries to make informed breeding decisions, enhancing herd genetics and productivity.
Sorghum-Sudangrass: Grazing Management
New
Get practical recommendations for grazing sorghum-sudangrass as a complement to cool-season pastures: rest and rotation, stocking, toxicity prevention and more.
Control of Anaplasmosis in Missouri
Revised
Learn how anaplasmosis affects cattle, how it's spread, and ways to manage and prevent this disease to reduce herd loss and economic damage.
Selection of Replacement Heifers for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
Revised
To maintain herd numbers, commercial cow-calf operations must buy or develop females to replace culled cows. Learn about different strategies so you can make the most economical decision for your farm or ranch with long-term profitability in mind.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance
Revised
See how LRP insurance helps farmers manage market price volatility risk. Missouri producers may apply for feeder cattle, fed cattle, lamb and swine policies.
Missouri Grazing Manual
Reviewed $20
Learn how soil, forages and animals interact in grazing systems, and get ideas for improving pasture quality and extending the grazing season for beef or dairy.
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.
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.