1. Improving Beef Cattle Reproductive Rates Through Management Part 1 Dr. Tom R. Troxel Professor and Associate Department Head – Animal Science

2. Reproduction is the Single Most Important Factor in Beef Production

3. What is Reproductive Efficiency?

4. Net Calf Crop Number of calves weaned Number of cows exposed to a bull x 100

5. Average Net Calf Crop Percentage and Standard Deviation (SD) Arkansas Beef Improvement Data

6. Advantages of a short calving season Uniform calves Concentrates labor Increases efficiency Improves overall management – herd health, nutrition, culling, etc. Improve weaning weights

7. Disadvantages of a short calving season Bull management Money management

8. ABIP – Breeding and Calving Season Objectives – Reduce the length of the calving season (< 90 d) – Document the production and economic impact 6 cow-calf herds

9. Results 4 yr to achieve desired calving season Cows calving in the desired months: – Benchmark year: 46% – Final year: 92% Length of the calving season: – Benchmark year: 273 days – Final year: 85 days

10. Results Cow calving percentages: – Benchmark year: 89% – Final year: 87% Herd Breakeven (decreased 30%): – Benchmark year: $0.62/lb – Final year: $0.44/lb

11. Results Specific cost/AU (decreased 40%): – Benchmark year: $210/AU – Final year: $126/AU Income over specific cost/AU (improved 100%): – Benchmark year: $95/AU – Final year: $190/AU

12. Final Remarks A few producers adjusted their time of calving Some producers want to reduce the calving season even more (75 d) Reducing the calving season demonstration can be very successful

13. Estrous Synchronization/AI Tips ► Days postpartum (cyclic vs. anestrous) ► Work cattle calmly and quietly ► Dogs ► Handle all animal health products according to labeled directions ► Handle semen correctly

14. Estrous Synchronization/AI Tips ► Good working facilities

15. Estrous Synchronization/AI Results ► 84% of AI cattle calved the first 21 days of the calving season vs. 68% ► AI conception rates ranged from 50% (with problem cows – yr 1) to 63% in yr 2 ► 60% AI conception rates Arkansas Beef Improvement Program

16. Thank you