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.
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.
Beef Cow Nutrition Through the Year: Managing for Efficient Reproduction
Reviewed
Profitable cow-calf operations manage so that a large proportion of the cow herd calves in the early portion of a short calving season. In order to maintain this, cows need to conceive on approximately a 365-day calving interval.
Beef Production Glossary: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
This glossary lists terms and phrases beef producers should be familiar with.
Decreasing Generation Interval to Increase Genetic Progress
Revised
To enhance genetic progress in cattle breeding, reducing the generation interval by using younger sires and dams can significantly accelerate genetic change.
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.
Cow-Calf Systems That Minimize Cow Depreciation Costs
New
Cow depreciation is one of the largest expenses in a cow-calf budget, ranking second to feeding costs. Learn how to understand and limit depreciation expenses.
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.
Crossbreeding Systems for Small Herds of Beef Cattle
Revised
Crossbreeding in commercial beef cattle production improves efficiency through heterosis and breed complementation.
Managing the Effects of Stress and Temperament on Beef Cattle Reproduction
New
Learn how stress and temperament affect beef cattle reproduction and discover management strategies to improve breeding outcomes and herd health.
The System Concept of Beef Production: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
The systems concept of beef production incorporates an awareness that there is more to consider in a beef cattle enterprise than simply the level of production. What is most important is the overall efficiency of the enterprise.
Dairy Grazing: Reproduction
New
Dairy producers, learn about the cow’s reproductive structure and its more critical hormones, plus various ways to get cows and heifers pregnant in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Using Performance Data in Judging Classes: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
Judging contests are an important educational tool. Someday young cattle producers will be faced with selection decisions that affect the profitability of their operations. This guide can be used to train youth interested in modern beef selection practices.1