Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the bull (1993)

Good reproductive performance of a bull is necessary to obtain a high percent calf crop when natural service is used for breeding. A bull must be fertile, capable and willing to mate a large number of cows during a short breeding season for optimum production. A basic knowledge of the reproductive tract is beneficial for improved management. An understanding of the bull's reproductive system will also help the producer better understand breeding soundness examinations, reproductive problems and breeding impairments.Reviewed October 1993 -- Extension web site

Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the cow (1993)

The ability of a cow to successfully mate, conceive, give birth to and raise a healthy calf each year is essential to economical beef production. A good understanding of anatomy and physiology of both the male and female is helpful in successfully managing reproduction. Causes for failures in reproduction must be identified and overcome. Research has led to the development of numerous techniques for manipulating the reproductive processes of animals. These techniques in beef production provide many options to help modern beef producers accomplish their management goals.Reviewed October 1993 -- Extension web site

Hot weather livestock stress (1993)

During periods of high temperatures and humidity, livestock losses can occur from hot weather stress. Hot weather stress is particularly hazardous to closely confined livestock (those in feedlots, sorting and holding pens, trucks and rail cars). High relative humidity when the temperature is at 80 degrees or more adds to the likelihood of profit-stealing losses if necessary precautions are not taken

Hot weather livestock stress

Date taken from stamp on the front page."During periods of high temperatures and humidity, livestock losses can occur from 'Hot Weather Stress.' Hot weather stress is particularly hazardous to closely confined livestock (those in feedlots, sorting and holding pens, trucks and rail cars.) High relative humidity when the temperature is at 80 degrees or higher adds to the likelihood of profit-stealing losses if necessary precautions are not taken."--First page.Jack C. Whittier (Animal Sciences Department, College of Agriculture

Genomics for the Rancher: How does it work and what does it mean?

Introduction I am continually amazed at the tools we have in today’s world to assist in making better and better decisions. This is true in most aspects of our lives – from communications to computers; from entertainment to eating; from politics to travel; and many, many more components of what we do and how we live. The digital age has created an information explosion, and livestock production has not been left out of this progress. Another amazing aspect of today’s world is the vast knowledge being uncovered and refined in the world of biology and science. Gregor Mendel, an Austrian friar, now known as the father of modern genetics , studied variation in plants in 1830. Mendel’s work later lead to Mendel\u27s Laws of Inheritance which are key components of modern genetic predictions today. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA was first isolated by the Swiss physician Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages that later was characterized and determined to be integral to the mechanisms of inheritance. James D. Watson and Francis Crick proposed the double helix or spiral staircase structure of the DNA molecule in 1953. This led to their being awarded a Nobel Prize in 1962. Today, information from DNA is used widely in forensic investigations, genetic counseling in humans, study of disease susceptibility, and in genetic merit of cattle. DNA as an Information Source DNA is the genetic material of most living organisms, and is the major constituent of chromosomes within the cell nucleus of all cells. DNA plays a central role in the determination of inheritance characteristics in organisms by controlling protein synthesis in cells. DNA is a specific type of a chemical molecule called nucleic acid and is composed of two chains called nucleotides in which the sugar called deoxyribose makes up the backbone chain and four chemical bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine) provide cross bars between the backbone chains. The two chains are wound round each other and linked together by hydrogen bonds between specific complementary bases to form a spiral ladder-shaped molecule. The sequence of bases in DNA forms the genetic code. A group of three bases (a triplet) is the key signal for the production of a particular amino acid in the cytoplasm of the cell. A sequence of triplets in the DNA molecule may code for a complete protein. The different amino acids, and the order in which they are joined up, determine the protein being produced. The sequence of the triplets forms a gene. There may be thousands of base pairs in any one gene

Freeze branding cattle (1993)

Freeze branding as a method of livestock identification has been received with enthusiasm. When super-cold or chilled branding irons are applied to the hide of the animal, the pigment-producing cells are destroyed or altered. When the hair grows back, it is white. The method is not foolproof, and those using it should be aware that the results may be variable

Branding livestock

"Branding is a long-recognized and widely used means of dentifiying livestock. It is an excellent method of identifying ownership, and good legible brands may offer protection against livestock theft. In range areas, branding is essential for establishing ownership at roundup time."--First page.Jack C. Whittier and James E. Ross (Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture)Revised 6/86/6

Freeze branding cattle

"Freeze branding as a method of livestock identification has been receieved with enthusiasm. When super-cold or chilled branding irons are applied to the hide of the animal, the pigment-producing cells are destroyed or altered and when the hair grows back, it is white. The method is not foolproof and those using it should be aware that the results may be variable."--First page.Jack C. Whittier and James E. Ross (Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture)Revised 5/86/6

Body condition scoring of beef and dairy animals (1993)

Body condition scoring (BCS) of cattle allows cattle producers to assess the level of fat reserves of cows during various production phases. When regularly used, this information can be used to formulate management and feeding decisions.Reviewed September 1993 -- Extension website

Increase your calf crop by good management, pregnancy testing and breeding soundness examination of bulls (1993)

This article discusses proper nutrition and testing for optimum beef cattle reproduction.Reviewed October 2012 -- Extension website