USA - Successful Methods of Insemination to be Discussed in Oct.

Cow herd owners in a four-state region can learn the latest research on beef reproduction at an evening meeting, Oct. 21, at Joplin Regional Stockyards just off Interstate 44 at exit 22 in Jasper County, Mo. "New methods to control and improve reproductive success in beef cows are available," said David Patterson, University of Missouri Extension beef reproduction specialist, Columbia. "We have reached an exciting point in the U.S. beef cattle industry, where technology makes it feasible to use AI as never before." "There are new opportunities for genetic advancement in beef herds." Six years of research in MU cow herds, as well as on cooperating farms, shows that fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) is possible, Patterson said. Timed AI allows breeding all cows in a herd without labor-intensive heat detection. Cows can be bred in one day, instead of over a month or even six or seven days. MU faculty and graduate students will present their research results. The program starts at 5 p.m. in the sales arena with a break for supper at 6:30 p.m. Exhibits from the AI and pharmaceutical industry will be present. The program will end by 8:30 p.m., with speakers available for questions, afterward. Patterson will open the program with a report on "Current Status of Reproductive Technology in the U.S. Beef Industry." He'll be followed by graduate student Jackie Atkins telling, "Factors that contribute to managing a successful estrus synchronization and AI program." Richard Randle, DVM with MU Extension Commercial Agriculture, will tell of herd health considerations in synchronization and insemination. The Southwest Missouri meeting is a follow-up to a two-day conference in the Sand Hills of Nebraska held by the North Central Region Bovine Reproductive Task Force. Educators and beef leaders from 10 states shared new research on beef reproduction. More than 300 people, including ranchers and veterinarians, attended the North Platte meeting to learn new technology. The MU Agricultural Experiment Station has become a national leader in beef reproduction research. "This program is designed to improve understanding of current procedures to synchronize estrus and ovulation in beef cows," Patterson said. "It is an opportunity to explore ways to readily add value to cow herds, through improvements in genetics and reproduction." The Joplin meeting, supper included, is free and open to the public. Advance reservation is required at the MU Extension Center in Mount Vernon at (417) 466-3102.