Beef cattle breeding : publication
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).
This MU Extension guide serves as a resource for producers interested in participating in Show-Me-Plus, including information on the importance of genomic testing and its ability to identify genetic variability and ultimately potential for profitability.
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.
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…
Eric Bailey
Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences
Jordan Thomas
Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences
This glossary lists terms and phrases beef producers should be familiar with.
Managing when cows calve can have significant implications for the profitability of a cow-calf operation. Learn how to manage for a short, defined calving period and thus reduce costs and optimize productivity of the cow herd in this MU Extension guide.
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.
Matthew McClure, Robert Weaber and KC Olson
Department of Animal Science
Jordan ThomasAssistant Professor, Animal SciencesWesley TuckerField Specialist, Agricultural BusinessGenevieve VanWyeGraduate Research Assistant, Animal Sciences
Crossbreeding in commercial beef cattle production improves efficiency through heterosis and breed complementation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An excellent herd health program is an important component of overall management for reproductive efficiency in a beef cattle operation. Learn ways to mitigate health risks through consistent monitoring and proactive management in this MU Extension guide.
Heritability has a large influence on livestock performance. Visit our website to learn about Heritability and Its Use in Animal Breeding.
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.
Commercial beef producers can improve herd temperament by selecting for docility and culling flighty, aggressive animals. Learn management practices that might improve reproductive outcomes in this guide.
Eric BaileyAssistant Professor, Animal SciencesJordan ThomasAssistant Professor, Animal Sciences
Although researchers agree that birth weight is the most important measurable trait affecting calving difficulty, there is evidence that the size and shape of the pelvis also affect a heifer’s ability to calve.
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.
Learn what cow-calf production records are needed for making management decisions in a beef cattle operation, the basic metrics to consider monitoring, and how to interpret the results in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
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.
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.
Jordan ThomasAssistant Professor, Animal SciencesErin LarimoreSenior Research Specialist, Animal SciencesGenevieve VanWyeGraduate Research Assistant, Animal Sciences
To maintain herd numbers, commercial cow-calf operations must buy or develop females to replace culled cows. Learn about different stratgegies so you can make the most economical decision for your farm or ranch with long-term profitability in mind.
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.
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.
Jordan ThomasAssistant Professor, Animal SciencesEmily SmithGraduate Research Assistant, Animal Sciences
Jared DeckerAssociate Professor, Animal Sciences
Jordan ThomasAssistant Professor, Animal SciencesGenevieve VanWyeGraduate Research Assistant, Animal Sciences
Sire selection is one of the most important decisions cow/calf producers make. If it is effective, sire selection will account for nearly 90 percent of the genetic improvement in a herd.