The following publications cover topics related to Mizzou Repro — Reproductive Management of Beef Cattle. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
How to Use the Hair Shedding Scale
New
Hair shedding scores represent a visual appraisal of the extent an animal has shed their winter coat. This MU Extension guide is meant to provide further detail and guidance on hair shed scoring animals.
Hair Shedding Scores: A Tool to Select Heat Tolerant Cattle
Revised
Learn how hair shedding scores can help select heat-tolerant cattle, improving productivity and adaptability in challenging environments.
Adding Value to Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Using Show-Me-Plus
New
This guide helps producers join Show-Me-Plus, highlighting genomic testing’s role in finding genetic variability and profit potential.
Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving Time
Reviewed
Six to 10 percent of all calves born in beef cow herds in the U.S. die at or soon after birth. About half of those deaths are due to calving difficulty (dystocia). The purpose of this guide is to acquaint cattle producers with calving management principles that will help minimize calf loss in their herds.
Pelvic Measurements and Calving Difficulty
Reviewed
Learn how pelvic measurements can help estimate calf birth weight and reduce calving difficulty in beef cattle.
Whole System Management of Reproduction in Beef Cattle
Revised $45
By managing reproduction with a multiyear perspective and taking a whole system approach, beef cattle producers can manage both proactively and reactively to achieve profitable, sustainable reproductive outcomes. Learn more in this comprehensive manual.
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. Heat detection, fixed-time artificial insemination and split-time AI approaches are described in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
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 in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
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 in this MU Extension guide.
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.
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Bull
Revised
Good reproductive performance of a bull is necessary to obtain a high percent calf crop when natural service is used for breeding. Gain a basic knowledge of the reproductive tract and an understanding of the bull’s reproductive system in this guide.
Determining Reproductive Fertility in Herd Bulls
Revised
Learn how to assess and enhance bull fertility through breeding soundness evaluations, puberty indicators, and nutrition strategies.
Care and Maintenance of a Liquid Nitrogen Tank
Revised
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.
Systems to Facilitate Multiple Services of Artificial Insemination in Beef Herds
New
Learn efficient systems for artificial insemination in beef herds to improve reproductive success and manage costs effectively.
Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle
New
Assess beef cattle fat reserves using a 1–9 body condition scoring system to inform feeding and management decisions throughout the production cycle.
Facilities for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cattle
New
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
New
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
New
Track key metrics like breeding, calving, and weaning to enhance cow-calf herd productivity and profitability through effective record-keeping.
Inbreeding: Its Meaning, Uses and Effects on Farm Animals
Reviewed
Mating schemes of animals are classified as either inbreeding or outbreeding. Mating closely related animals is inbreeding. Outbreeding is mating less closely related animals, but people disagree about where to draw the line. Learn more in this guide.
Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products
Revised
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.