AgNIC Beef Cattle

Physiology

Beef Cattle Reproductive Cycle, Estrous Synchronization Protocols

Learn more about the understanding and application of estrous synchronization protocols for beef cows and heifers. This is an audio recording.

Body Condition : the Beef Cow's Energy Gauge

Briefly describes how to judge a cow's body condition, the use of body condition scoring, the effects of body condition on calving and how to feed according to body condition. This tool can also be used to monitor the nutritional status of beef cows.

Comparison of the Productivity of Suckler Cows of Different Breed Composition

A report on the comparison of 5 suckler dam breed types {Limousin x Friesian (LF), Limousin x (Limousin x Friesian) (LLF), Limousin (L), Charolais (C) and Simmental x (Limousin x Friesian) (SLF)} and their progeny through to slaughter.

Dr. Temple Grandin's Web Page

A webpage that provides links to articles authored by Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin has researched livestock behaviour during handling and transport, humane slaughter, the design of facilities and restraining systems.

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Ruminal Function and Animal Performance

This full text source is a bibliography of articles about feeding frequency along with a brief discussion of the positive effects on cattle of feeding more frequently.

Effects of Pre-Journey Fasting on the Physiological Responses of Young Cattle to 8-Hour Road Transport

This study evaluated the effects of fasting animals for 8 hours prior to an 8-hour road journey and their ability to cope with the stress of transport.There was no significant difference in rectal body temperature, pre and post transport and there were no significant differences in liveweight among treatments on days 0 (pre-transport), 1, 4 and 10 (post-transport). n conclusion, from the physiological and haematological measurements, an 8 hour journey time, even without access to feed for 8 hours prior to transport did not impact negatively on animal welfare. This document is also available to download in PDF format (127 KB).

Evaluating the Breeding Soundness of Beef Bulls

Evaluating breeding soundness of bulls is an often neglected management practice. This guide, from New Mexico State University, discusses how and when to evaluate breeding soundness.

Management of Replacement Heifers for a High Reproductive and Calving Rate

This extension bulletin presents a plan for management of replacement heifers.

Management Software Tools

These software tools, from The Beef Cattle Institute, are in a variety of formats and include calculators for cow/calf producers, feed lots, marketing, and nutrition.

Pregnancy Diagnosis for the Beef Herd

This web page discusses the benefits of culling nonpregnant cattle after the breeding season and how to check for pregnancy.

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Bull

This guide from University of Missouri Extension is an overview of the reproductive anatomy and physiology of the bull.

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Cow

This page discusses how a good understanding of anatomy and physiology of both the male and female is helpful in successfully managing reproduction.

Synchronizing Estrus and Ovulation in Cows and Heifers

This publication offers latest techniques for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in cows and heifers.

Synchronizing Estrus In Beef Cattle

Synchronization of estrus (heat) involves manipulating the estrous cycle of beef females so they can be bred at approximately the same time. There are several protocols available for synchronizing estrus among beef females. Traditional protocols are designed to mimic or control the corpus luteum on the ovary. New protocols have been designed to control ovulation and/or the follicular waves that occur on the ovary during the 21-day estrous cycle.