Tag: heifers

Herd Health: Synchronization Strategies for Heifers and Cows

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This episode of Herd Health explores how cattle producers and veterinarians can choose the most effective estrus synchronization and fixed-time AI protocols for heifers and cows. Dr. Bob Larson explains that there is no single “best” protocol. Instead, the right choice depends on factors such as whether you are dealing with heifers or cows, time available, group size, handling logistics, and cost. The discussion highlights the roles of progesterone, GnRH, and prostaglandin, compares common protocols, and emphasizes using trusted resources such as the Beef Reproduction Task Force and working closely with veterinarians to ensure proper execution and consistent results.

Beef Reproduction Task Force

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Epigenetics and Udder Quality

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On this week’s BCI Cattle Chat episode, the experts answer a listener’s question comparing two genetically identical bulls raised in different environments. The group discusses whether early development and nutrition can influence fertility, longevity, or even the genetics passed on to offspring, diving into the emerging science of epigenetics. Lastly, the team tackles a listener question on udder quality, exploring how heritable udder traits are and when producers should use them as culling criteria in the herd.

3:13 Epigenetics

17:31 Udder Quality

For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!

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Herd Health: Estrus Synchronization Protocols in Heifers vs. Cows

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On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss how to choose the best synchronization protocol for artificial insemination in cattle. They explain the differences between protocols for heifers and cows, including timing, hormone use, and management considerations. The discussion highlights the importance of resources like the Beef Reproduction Task Force website and factors such as chute time, cost, and herd size. 

Episode Resource: https://beefrepro.org/

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Listener Questions: Castration, Feeding Heifers, Average Daily Gain

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Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! On this episode the experts answer your listener questions. They start by discussing what age you should castrate calves and what vaccinations could be given. Next, Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Phillip Lancaster discuss feeding heifers and some of the challenges that come along with that. Finally, they discuss average daily gain as well as feed to gain ratio. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!

3:00 Castrating Calves

11:10 Feeding Heifers

15:54 Average Daily Gain

For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news blast! Don’t forget if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!

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Herd Health: Mystery of Open Heifers

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Dr. Bob Larson brings us another mysterious episode of Herd Health a Bovine Science podcast. In this episode we have 20% of a herd come up open. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Larson discuss how this happened and what you can do to prevent this occurring in your own herd. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

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