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Vitamin A Matters: Supporting Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Emma Briggs, beef production systems, Hays

Vitamin A deficiency in cattle can manifest through a range of clinical signs, including reduced feed intake, growth issues, night blindness, and reproductive failures like low conception rates and stillborn calves. Calves born to vitamin A-deficient cows can exhibit signs of a depressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. Recent concerns about the rising incidence of stillborn and weak calves across the United States have led some nutritionists to emphasize the critical importance of vitamin A supplementation in beef cattle production. Continue reading “Vitamin A Matters: Supporting Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle” →

Striving for Improvements in Reproductive Performance

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

Producers know the importance of reproductive performance to the bottom line. Those who use artificial insemination (my type of AI) want to maximize the number of AI-sired calves.  This raises the question: what are reasonable expectations for AI and season-long pregnancy rates? While industry-wide data on fertility is limited, several pieces of information shed light on this question. Continue reading “Striving for Improvements in Reproductive Performance” →

Considerations for Replacement Heifer Management

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

Heifer development is an expensive enterprise for which the return on investment does not begin until the first calf is weaned. The management decisions made during that development period can have a major impact on her productive lifespan and correspondingly cow herd profitability. Costs of production continue to increase and are one of several items of consideration when producers are making plans for raising or purchasing replacement females. Continue reading “Considerations for Replacement Heifer Management” →

Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop In Athens, GA Sept. 4-5

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

COLBY, Kan. – The Beef Reproduction Task Force and the University of Georgia will host the 2024 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop in Athens, GA on Sept. 4-5. The meeting will be held at the Classic Center, 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA. Continue reading “Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop In Athens, GA Sept. 4-5” →

How Does Estrus Synchronization Work?

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

As we go through each breeding season, questions arise about changes, intentional or otherwise, regarding various synchronization protocols. What if I gave X rather than Y, or did something on day W rather than day Z; will it matter? In order to understand how estrus synchronization works and the importance of what happens in each step, a basic understanding of the tools used and how they influence the components of the estrous cycle is needed. Continue reading “How Does Estrus Synchronization Work?” →

Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop in San Antonio, TX, Aug. 30 – 31

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

The Beef Reproduction Task Force and Texas A & M University will host the 2022 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop in San Antonio, TX on Aug. 30-31. The meeting will be held at the Westin San Antonio Riverwalk, 420 S Market Street, San Antonio, TX. Continue reading “Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop in San Antonio, TX, Aug. 30 – 31” →

2021 Virtual Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting scheduled for September 15-17.  There is no cost to participate however, preregistration is required.  Continue reading “2021 Virtual Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle” →

Access workshop materials from Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Beef Reproduction Task Force LogoOver 200 cattlemen, industry representatives and academia interested in increasing the reproductive efficiency of beef cattle gathered at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Ruidoso, N.M., for the 2018 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle symposium Aug. 29-30.

The newsroom at the meeting website (appliedreprostrategies.com) provides summaries of the presentations, proceedings, audio and slides from the various speakers.  Each presentation was shared via Facebook live on the Beef Reproduction Task Force Facebook page and the Angus Journal’s Facebook page.  Take advantage of these great resources to sharpen your skills on your own time schedule.