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Beef Cattle

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Breeding & Genetics

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[Image: cover of research results of tropical adapted beef cattle breeds]A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds The southern United States contains almost half of the nation's cow-calf population in the hot/humid Southeast and Gulf Coast areas. Even in more temperate areas of the United States, weaning productivity of Brahman x Bos taurus cows is virtually unequaled. [Image: Calves]Tools For Making Genetic Change These are presentation slides created by Dr. Tom Field discussing means for genetic change for cattle. This talk was presented at the Beef Cattle Genetic Shortcourse for beef producers on tools for making genetic change, cost effectiveness and traits that affect the cost of production. The presentation is in two different formats, PowerPoint and Acrobat Adobe. [Image: Beef Genetics & Measurement Basis]Beef Genetics and Measurement Basics Dr. Lisa Kriese-Anderson, Associate Professor & Extension Animal Scientist at Auburn University, will talk about beef genetics and measurement basics at the Beef Cattle Genetics Short Course Tuesday, November 1, 2005. The course will continue for two consecutive Tuesday nights. The LSU AgCenter, in cooperation with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Auburn University, is hosting the short course. Other talks will be on adaptability, crossbreeding and EPDs. [Image: This breed of bull is called Noble Line a composite breed of one third Brahman 1 third Gelbvieh and 1 third Red Angus.]Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) & Indexes This presentation was created by Dr. Scott P. Greiner for the Beef Cattle Genetics Short Course, which began Tuesday, November 1, 2005, and will continue for two consecutive Tuesday nights. The LSU AgCenter, in cooperation with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Auburn University, is hosting the Short Course to aid beef producers on EPDs and Indexes. [Image: Estrus Detection Patch on Heifers (HeatWatch)]Estrus Synchronization Using MGA or Altrenogest in Crossbred Beef Heifers Estrus synchronization had its humble beginnings in the 1940s when progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin were administered to cattle at varying stages of the estrous cycle to alter cyclicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of altrenogest for estrus synchronization of crossbred beef heifers. [Image: A Comparison of Mating Systems for Beef Cattle Production]A Comparison of Mating Systems for Beef Cattle Production The purpose of this research was to compare two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbred females produced in generation 4 of a long-term crossbreeding study to Brahman first-cross cows for calf performance in a commercial cow-calf setting in South Louisiana. [Image: Cow nursing calf in Dallis Grass]Evaluation of Angus-, Gelbvieh-, Brangus- and Gelbray-sired Crossbred Calves for Pre-weaning Performance In this crossbreeding study, one of the main objectives was to compare straight-bred and composite-sired progeny that vary in percentage of Brahman inheritance. 1 2 3 [Image: Effects of Breed Type, Creep Feeding and Growth Implants on Heifer Pre- and Post-Weaning Growth and Reproductive Performance]Effects of Breed Type, Creep Feeding and Growth Implants on Heifer Pre- and Postweaning Growth and Reproductive Performance Based on these results, a cow-calf producer wishing to retain suitable heifers as herd replacements and sell the remaining heifers at weaning can reasonably consider implanting all heifer calves. High-protein creep, limit-fed to suckling heifer calves had no effect on pre-weaning, post-weaning, or reproductive performance in this study. [Image: Document image]Supplementation of Mature Crossbred Cows Fed Bermudagrass Hay During the Last One-third of Gestation These data suggest that good quality hay fed free choice can meet nutrient requirements during the last one-third of gestation, a period when the nutrient requirements of the cow increase because of the growth of the fetus. [Image: Rotational Crossbreeding of Beef Cattle: Weaning Weight per Cow Exposed and Cumulative Weaning Weight per Cow in Breeding Herd]Rotational Crossbreeding of Beef Cattle: Weaning Weight per Cow Exposed and Cumulative Weaning Weight per Cow in Breeding Herd The purpose of this report is to compare the performance of two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbreeding systems and straight-breeds for calf weaning weight per cow exposed and for cumulative weaning weight per cow entering the herd. [Image: Cows]Estrual Behavioral Patterns in Prostaglandin-induced and Naturally Cycling Recipient Females from a Commercial Embryo Transfer Center The purpose of this study was to determine if the behavioral patterns exhibited by potential recipients during estrus could be used as an indicator of subsequent pregnancy rates following embryo transfer. The success of any embryo transfer operation ultimately resides in the reproductive performance of the recipient females. [Image: pregnant cows]Further Evidence for a Sire Breed x Calf Sex Interaction for Birth and Weaning Traits in Multi-breed Cattle Data These findings support earlier results suggesting a sire breed x calf sex interaction for birthand weaning traits when one of the sire breeds is Brahman. This data also suggests that breeders should be aware of interactions between sire breed and calf sex to plan for such things as larger birthweights of Brahman-sired calves. [Image: Logo]DNA Technology in the Beef Cattle Industry Beef industry innovators are looking at DNA technology as another selection tool for decisions that give them a marketing advantage. The most important thing for producers to consider is the cost of the DNA technology and what they will get out of it. [Image: bulls]Using Sire EPDs in Cow-Calf Production A large segment of the beef cattle industry is adopting expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a valuable selection tool in improving calf productivity. 1 2 3 [Image: cattle]Effects of Pasture Stocking Rate and Method on Cow-Calf Production To determine the effectiveness of short-duration, rotational grazing systems for cattle in South Louisiana, a three-year study (Phase 1 of a six-year project), designed to evaluate pasture stocking methods and rates, was initiated in the spring of 1999 at the Iberia Research Station near Jeanerette. [Image: Danny Coombs checking identification of bull]Bull Performance Testing Benefits Beef Industry An LSU AgCenter program that tests the performance of bulls benefits cattle producers and the state’s beef industry, according to experts. Known as the Bull Performance Testing Program, the effort operates out of the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research Station south of Alexandria. Animal Genetics Collected, Stored To Preserve Long-term Diversity Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in. 1 2 3