The following publications cover topics related to Pearls of Production. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Mobile Laying Hen Planning Budget
New
Learn about on-pasture egg production and the economics of small- to medium-scale egg-producing farms.
Mobile Poultry for Meat Planning Budget
New
Learn about the economics of producing poultry for meat in mobile houses at a small or medium scale and some common methods used.
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.
Culling the Commercial Cow Herd: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
Learn how to evaluate beef cow performance and make informed culling decisions to maintain a productive herd.
Grazing Management for Parasite Control in Small Ruminants
New
This guide outlines the importance of forages and grazing management for controlling internal parasites in sheep and goats.
Forestry Assistance for Missouri Landowners
Revised
Learn what federal and state agencies and private organizations are available to help Missouri landowners enhance the health and productivity of their woodland.
Guidelines for Implementing On-Farm Biosecurity Measures for Sheep
New
Biosecurity in sheep farming encompasses various management practices designed to protect the flock from infectious diseases, pests, and other health risks. The aim is to prevent the introduction and transmission of disease-causing agents to animals by direct or indirect means.
Hair Shedding Scores: More Than Heat Stress
New
This MU Extension guide is meant to provide background information on the economic importance of hair shedding scores, introduce the hair shedding scoring system, discuss how to implement hair shedding into a selection program, and promote hair shedding as a management tool.
Spring Lamb Management Tips
New
Spring lambing is a profitable production system. However, producers need to learn to deal with internal parasites and predator risk. This guide highlights management tips to ensure successful spring lambing enterprise.
Breeding Season Considerations for Sheep and Goats
New
When fall nears and daylight becomes shorter, sheep and goats are ready for breeding. This guide highlights management practices to ensure profitability during the breeding season.
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.
The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD
Reviewed
Understanding EPD variability: how genetic shuffling during reproduction leads to differences among full siblings in cattle.
Calving Season Considerations for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
New
Explore key factors in choosing the best time of year to calve for improved efficiency, herd health, and profitability in beef cattle operations.
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Cow
Revised
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.
Selection of Replacement Heifers for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
New
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.
Heritability and Its Use in Animal Breeding
Reviewed
Heritability has a large influence on livestock performance. Visit our website to learn about Heritability and Its Use in Animal Breeding.