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Beef cattle reproduction workshops utilize multi state partnerships to improve efficiency in Florida herds

Animal Science

Caitlin Justesen
Livestock Extension Agent
University of Florida
Ocala

Abstract

Extension has historically been called upon to relay the latest information to beef cattle producers to positively affect the bottom line of their operations. An area of concern to the cow/calf producers of Florida is reproductive management. A regional group of livestock agents, University specialists from Florida and Georgia, and industry representatives answered the call for action to provide producers hands on knowledge and experience in utilizing chute side techniques for pregnancy diagnosis and improving the reproductive management of the beef herds in North Florida. A three-day workshop was held biannually in 2022 which combined classroom and chute side learning. The objective of these programs was for producers to gain knowledge in beef cattle reproduction and based on this knowledge; adopt practices that will increase ranch profits, specifically manage the herd for reproductive success and utilize palpation for pregnancy detection. Educational topics taught are reproduction basics, reproductive tract anatomy, reproductive health, expected progeny differences (EPD’s), breeding season management, using palpation to determine pregnancy, and bull selection and management. 32 beef producers participated in the 2022 workshops. Based on the pre & posttests an overall knowledge gain of 40% was achieved. Post program surveys (n=24) indicated 46% of respondents would implement a controlled breeding season, 67% will adopt palpation for pregnancy diagnosis on their operation, and 33% indicated adoption of heat synchronization protocols for artificial insemination. As a result of these workshops, approximately 4,500 head of beef cattle were represented, saving $5 per head in palpation fees, saving these producers collectively, $22,500/year. Using a pregnancy detection method can allow producers to identify an open cow and make culling decisions instead of spending an average of $750 to carry an open cow for the rest of the year.

Authors: Caitlin Justesen, Cindy Sanders, Ed Jennings, Tim Wilson, Pedro Fontes
  1. Caitlin Justesen Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34470
  2. Cindy Sanders Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32669
  3. Ed Jennings Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32621
  4. Tim Wilson Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32092
  5. Pedro Fontes Animal Science Assistant Professor, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30602