Of the many reasons a cow may leave the milking herd, culling for reproductive problems is one of the most common. Commercial embryo transfer (ET) is one technology making waves in reproductive management and how we evaluate fertility.

The reproductive efficiency of cow-calf operations is one of the most important factors affecting the potential profitability of herds. The ideal cow calves early in the calving season every year, breeds back early in the breeding season and weans off a heavy calf year after year.

We’re fully into spring season by the month of May, and many operations are kicking out bulls or possibly preparing to artificially breed their herds, specifically potential replacement heifers.

As breeding season approaches, it is worth reminding that timely supplementation to first-calf heifers may be warranted. 

Rising operating costs, global competition and societal concerns about energy and the environment have created many economic challenges for the U.S. beef industry.