AMES, Iowa — To help producers optimize the success of getting more females bred earlier, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University will be hosting a webinar series focused on management preparations to ensure a successful breeding season.
The series will address how best management practices can impact overall reproductive success and kick off with a discussion on the benefits of crossbreeding. Other topics discussed include implementing reproductive technology when using artificial insemination or natural service, managing bulls and the importance of passing a breeding soundness exam, and ensuring the producer’s nutrition program is in check.
The 60 days prior to the breeding season sets the tone for what the 2021 calving season will look like.
In order to maintain a 365-day calving internal, there are approximately 80 days to ensure that each cow recovers from calving and is ready to conceive again. Additionally, research consistently shows that calves born earlier in the season are more profitable.
Each webinar begins at noon Central time and will conclude within 60 minutes. The following dates and topics will be presented:
- Tuesday, April 14 – Nutrition’s Role in Reproduction; Beth Reynolds and Erika Lundy; program coordinator and beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Thursday, April 16 – Using Reproductive Technology to Move Up the Breeding Season; Taylor Grussing, Vytelle.
- Tuesday, April 21 – Focusing on Bull Power; Tyler Dohlman, assistant professor at Iowa State University, in the department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine.
- Thursday, April 23 – Heterosis: Capturing the Benefit; Patrick Wall, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
To register for any of these free webinars, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org/BreedingManagementSeries.html.
Each webinar will also be recorded and available for viewing later at www.iowabeefcenter.org. For questions or for more information on the series, contact beefcenter@iastate.edu.
— Beth Reynolds, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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