Beef Magazine

Factors Influencing Fertility in Cattle Breeding Programs

Amanda Nolz February 8th, 2010

The most important job of any female on a beef cattle operation is to reproduce. Fertility plays a huge role in determining whether a female will stay on the ranch or head to the sale barn. Of course, there are several key factors that determine reproductive performance in females, and George Perry discussed these factors at the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop at the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX on Jan. 29, 2010. As promised, I will continue to share the information I gather while on my travels; read on for Perry’s conclusions on factors influencing fertility in synchronized breeding programs.



Perry shared some of the research studies conducted by him and his colleagues at South Dakota State University (SDSU). His findings indicate several key considerations for producers to keep in mind when planning synchronized breeding programs, either by artificial insemination or natural service.

According to Perry, there is an equation that influences fertility in females. This four-part equation includes:

1) Animals detected in estrus and inseminated

2) Insemination efficiency

3) Fertility level of the herd

4) Semen fertility level

When considering these four elements, Perry noted that all are equally important in getting females bred. Listen to a portion of his speech below:

Hey, readers! What’s going on in your neck of the woods? Are you in the midst of calving? Are you feeding steers? Are you fighting to get through the tough winter months? Leave me an update in the comments section below! Thanks for the conversation.

BEEF Daily Quick Fact: In 2009, cattle became the first livestock animal to have its genome mapped. (Source: Wikipedia “Cattle Breeding”)

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8 Comments to “Factors Influencing Fertility in Cattle Breeding Programs”

1. Albert Knapp Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am

   Amanda,
   We have three more heifers to calve. All the babies are doing good. Wet sloppy conditions today, going to 0 tonight.

1. Benita Wells Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 11:00 am

   We are really wet here in southeastern NC, but at least we dodged the snow! Cows and calves seem to be weathering the conditions pretty well, as long as we keep the hay and what grass we have this time of year in front of them. It is supposed to rain again tomorrow and remain cold (for us that is!).

   We will soon be preg checking cows…that means better weather coming!

1. Tracie Ann Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

   Maybe this will help you all understand where I’m coming from.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjanhKqVC4

1. Benita Wells Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 3:51 pm

   Tracie, you have only seen one misguided side of the story. What PETA has put together in that video is outdated and plain WRONG. I am so sorry you use that piece of garbage to gauge what you eat and dont eat. I challenge you to see the other side of the story and then make an educated decision that is right for you. I might add, that PETA and HSUS are NOT the sources you need to use to help you make a life-changing decision. They dont care what you eat as long as you send them your money!

1. Amanda Nolz Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 4:36 pm

   Tracie,

   From watching your video, I can very much understand how you might be persuaded to become a vegan. The atrocities shown in that mini-documentary are not acceptable by those of us in the agriculture community. Do you honestly believe that if these barbaric “clips” were the norm that myself and others would still be in the beef cattle business? Do you peg me, and all farmers and ranchers, as a heartless people?

   Liken this video to one on abusive pet owners, and it would be indicative that ALL pet owners mistreat their dogs and cats, totally not true. I can assure you that I have my calves’ needs as a first priority, even before my own, and I urge you to visit farms instead of watching PETA videos for your source of information.

   Thanks for sharing your opinions, Tracie. I encourage you to continue a dialogue with the BEEF Daily readers. If you would, check out a video from my perspective, “Manipulating Media Messages.” It might just show you how PETA and HSUS create their video montages to manipulate dollars out of well meaning citizens.

1. Steve Duke Says:
   

   February 8th, 2010 at 6:57 pm

   Well said Amanda thank you, and Tracie I still thank you for your input. It helps us to see your side and to allow us to give the facts and correct the problems that would affend you and others. Remember the saying “there are two sides to every story”….I too would be affended if people treated my animals that way but I also know from being around livestock producers and workers that most care about athe well being of their animals. After all taking care of cow generally produces better meat which in turn make a happy customer who will buy more.

1. susan bristol Says:
   

   February 9th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

   Tracie, thank-you for your input and the web address. I, too, am shocked by the video. I have a small family farm. My husband works outside our home so we can have this lifestyle. In January I went to the New York State Beef Producers conference (in conjunction with Cornell Department of Animal Science and Cornell Cooperative Extension). One of the topics was animal “well-being”"( a positive term for animal care). Farmers are interested in more than a business. We are stewards of this industry. As farmers we are responsible to teach each other and the public. I have people come to the farm all the time to interact with the animals. Is there people who do wrong? Sure- you will find that in every segment of society. Do I agree with it? NO. Look what we do to each other as humans.
   How can the people in this video stay in business if they have no stock to sell because of improper management techniques? It costs a lot of money and time to obtain the animals, feed the animals, feed and feed storage costs, veterinary care, transportation, employees (and all that goes with employee benefits), fuel, equipment, cost of land bought or rented, farm buildings, land taxes, animal supplies, animal registrations and organization fees. You get the idea- the list goes on. This is a 7 day a week, 24 hour a day job. Who would take this job if it were advertised? Only the most dedicated and caring bunch of people you’ve ever written to-farmers. We want to hear every side of the story to show you that we really care.

   My oldest daughter doesn’t eat meat. It’s her choice. She is not opposed to those who do. She sees how we run our farm and likes the lifestyle. What do I mean by lifestyle? It encompasses caring for animals, the land and water in a responsible manner. It develops personality traits like being hard working, developing dedication, good character and perseverence to get all our responsibilities completed. Tell everyone-farmers care!

1. susan bristol Says:
   

   February 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 pm

   Thank-you for posting my comment. Here is my best cow Julia giving a small kiss. She loves her corn silage. Our farm takes on a special glow at the end of the summer. The cows know special treats are ahead; out of the garden and the extra corn stalks that were missed for silage. Sincerely, Susan Bristol

   P.S. If you refresh the page you will lose all of your comments.

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