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University of Wisconsin-Extension

Genetics & Reproduction

Selecting and breeding cattle with desirable traits for better fertility, growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass quality.

Articles

Edad y peso objetivo al criar vaquillas para carne

Edad y peso objetivo al criar vaquillas para carne

Para mantener su tamaño, la tasa de reemplazo anual de un hato para carne por lo general es igual a la cantidad de vacas que salen anualmente debido a la
muerte, a su comercialización o su sacrificio. Se ha sugerido una tasa de reemplazo típica del 15 % (Thomas). Entonces, para el hato promedio de vacas y becerros de Wisconsin con 25 vacas, se necesitan cuatro reemplazos por año. Los productores deben decidir entonces si adquirir reemplazos o criar sus propias vaquillas es lo mejor para sus operaciones.

Using Genomics as a Decision-Making Tool for Commercial Replacement Heifers

Using Genomics as a Decision-Making Tool for Commercial Replacement Heifers

Genomic testing can save beef producers time and money when deciding which heifers to retain within their herd. A comparison of two commercial heifers explains how to interpret genomic reports.

Calves born early in the calving season have more value

Calves born early in the calving season have more value

Calves born early in the calving season provide several advantages for beef cow-calf operations.

Target Age and Weight When Breeding Beef Heifers

Target Age and Weight When Breeding Beef Heifers

To maintain its size, a beef herd’s annual replacement rate typically equals the number of cows that exit annually due to death, marketing, or culling. A typical replacement rate of 15% has been suggested.

Determining cattle pregnancy status

Determining cattle pregnancy status

It is important to determine pregnancy status so action toward the non- regnant cows can be taken.

Evaluating the calving season

Evaluating the calving season

As spring calving season wraps up for some cow-calf producers throughout the state, now is the time to take a few minutes to evaluate how the calving season shook out.

Three Stages of Bovine Parturition

Three Stages of Bovine Parturition

There are three stages to the birthing process, or parturition: dilation of the cervix, delivery of the calf, and delivery of the placenta. Knowing the normal birth process will help you decide whether or not to intervene.

Selecting your Replacement Heifers to Meet Long-term Herd Goals

Selecting your Replacement Heifers to Meet Long-term Herd Goals

As the seasons come and go, the production cycle of the beef herd also changes. Cows calve, calves grow, and replacement heifers are selected. Selecting replacement heifers using production records, herd goals, and available resources can ensure the correct females are staying in the production system.

When to Cull Bulls

When to Cull Bulls

It is common practice this time of year to evaluate our cows to make culling decisions, but this is also a good time to evaluate our bulls to determine which sires we are going to feed through the winter and which have come to the end of their genetic contribution to the operation. Bulls, much […]

Comprensión de los resúmenes de sementales para carne

Comprensión de los resúmenes de sementales para carne

La selección de un toro de un hato es una de las decisiones más importantes que debe tomar un productor. La decisión de seleccionar qué toro para aparear con cada vaca o vaquilla tiene efectos genéticos duraderos en el hato.

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