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
Selecting cattle that can cope with heat stress is important for sustainable beef production. Learn about tools for breeding cattle adapted to heat stress and see a photographic guide to a hair-shedding scoring system in this MU Extension guide.
Adding Value to Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Using Show-Me-Plus
New
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle
New
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Determining Reproductive Fertility in Herd Bulls
Revised
An important factor influencing the productivity of a beef cattle operation is the percentage of the calf crop weaned. This is determined by many factors, but certainly one is the number of cows bred during the breeding season.
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.
Artificial Insemination of Cattle Step by Step
New
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.
Herd Health Programs and Reproductive Efficiency of Beef Cattle
New
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.
Managing the Effects of Stress and Temperament on Beef Cattle Reproduction
New
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.
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.
Split-Time AI: Using Estrus Detection Aids to Optimize Timed Artificial Insemination
Revised
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.