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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.
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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.
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Determining Reproductive Fertility in Herd Bulls
Reviewed
Learn how to assess and enhance bull fertility through breeding soundness evaluations, puberty indicators, and nutrition strategies.
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Understanding and Minimizing Pregnancy Loss in Cattle
Reviewed
This publication details some common causes of pregnancy loss and provides management practices that can help minimize the incidence of pregnancy loss.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2026, No. 4 (July/August)
New
Learn the facts behind common home canning myths and how to safely preserve your food. This issue covers home canning practices, including proper tomato preservation, and discover tips for foraging, handling, preparing, and preserving wild foods.
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Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Assess beef cattle fat reserves using a 1–9 body condition scoring system to inform feeding and management decisions throughout the production cycle.
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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.
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Land Application Considerations for Animal Manure
Reviewed
Learn best practices for land applying animal manure to minimize nutrient loss, reduce pollution, and protect water quality.
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Systems to Facilitate Multiple Services of Artificial Insemination in Beef Herds
Reviewed
Learn efficient systems for artificial insemination in beef herds to improve reproductive success and manage costs effectively.
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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.
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Nutritional Management of Developing Heifers: Intensive Versus Extensive Systems
Reviewed
This publication aims to provide insight on prudent nutritional management of developing heifers while discussing the pros and cons of various heifer development systems.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7 & 7 Synch: An Estrus Synchronization Protocol for Postpartum Beef Cows
Reviewed
Researchers at the University of Missouri have evaluated a new protocol for synchronization of estrus among postpartum beef cows, 7 & 7 Synch. This protocol was found to be highly effective both for cows receiving embryo transfer (ET) and cows receiving fixed-time artificial insemination (AI).
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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.
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Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Bull
Reviewed
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.
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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.
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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.
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Separation Distances for Livestock Manure Management Systems
Revised
Separation distances for manure storage and land application help protect water quality by minimizing contamination risks from livestock operations.
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Reduce Environmental Problems With Proper Land Application of Animal Manure
Reviewed
Learn how to manage livestock manure to enhance soil health, reduce fertilizer costs, and protect water quality through proper application practices.