New MU beef reproduction manual is basis of fall workshop series

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new manual, Whole System Management of Beef Cattle Reproduction, is available through University of Missouri Extension, said Jordan Thomas, extension state beef reproduction specialist.

Spiral-bound copies are available for purchase, but PDFs of each chapter are also available for free download, said Thomas.

The manual will be used in several MU Extension programs, including a new workshop series offered this fall in two locations: Oct. 26 at MU Wurdack Research Center in Cook Station and Nov. 12 at MU Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon. Thomas will guide participants in the full-day workshops.

“Reproductive technologies such as synchronization and artificial insemination are covered, but the emphasis is on yearlong management of the overall system,” he said.

Topics include:

• Managing for an ultra-short calving season in the cow herd.
• Managing cow body condition economically.
• Heifer selection and building a profitable heifer development enterprise.
• Maintaining cows in positive energy balance in variable forage conditions.
• Minimizing effects of stress (heat, fescue toxicosis, etc.) on reproduction.
• Bull management in season and out of season.

Workshops include presentations, group discussions and a tour of the reproductive management system at the MU research center where the workshop is being held.

All participants receive a copy of the new manual. Thomas said participants will leave with a new perspective about reproductive management of cow-calf herds, viewing common causes of variability in reproductive performance now as leverage points for future improvement.

After the workshop, participants are encouraged to schedule a farm visit with their regional MU Extension livestock specialist or with a cross-disciplinary team of extension specialists (agronomy, ag business, etc.) to address specific challenges faced on their own operations.

To register for the fall workshops, go to bit.ly/ReproSystems.

To order printed copies of “Whole System Management of Reproduction in Beef Cattle,” go to extension.missouri.edu/cb28. Each chapter is also available as a free PDF download at extension.missouri.edu/cb28#toc.