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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal...
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ARSBC 2018: Considerations for utilizing reproductive technologies in Bos indicus-influenced cattle

Jordan Thomas
University of Missouri

Bos indicus cattle are different from Bos taurus cattle. They were domesticated at a different time, in a different location from a different population than Bos taurus cattle.

The big difference between Bos indicus cattle and Bos taurus is the attainment of puberty. Bos indicus cattle reach puberty later on average. Nutrition does not cause earlier puberty, but adequate nutrition is necessary to express potential for puberty. Brahman influenced animals are very sensitive to lower target weights and their ability to reach puberty.

Modern compound bows have multiple sights for different distances. Even if we use perfect form, but use the 20 yard sight to shot a target at 60 yards, we will miss the target. We often make this same mistake when trying to hit mature cow weight targets. Cull cow weights can help us better identify the mature cow weight target.

Reproductive tract scores are a helpful tool in managing Bos indicus-influenced heifers.

Bos indicus-influenced cows are likely to have higher rates of anestrus at the start of the breeding season.

Bos indicus cattle also appear to be less sensative to GnRH products. This affects which protocols work best in Bos indicus-influenced cattle.

Generally, Bos indicus-influenced cattle are more susceptible to stressors. Stress from handling and sorting can reduce success when using reproductive technologies.

Acclimating heifers to human handling can improve temperament, reduce cortisol, and hasten puberty. Temperment is moderately heritable and will respond to selection pressure.

Bos indicus-influenced cattle have a shorter length of standing estrus and are more likely to express estrus at night.

Bos indicus cattle and Bos indicus-influenced cattle really are different.

Estradiol is not FDA approved for use in cattle in the USA. This is not likely to change, due to fears of increased cancer risk from exposure to estradiol. Most Bos indicus synch protocols are developed in South America, where they do use estradiol.

The recommend protocol for Bos indicus-influenced cattle is the PG 5-Day Co-Synch + CIDR protocol. This protocol is also known as Bee Synch. GnRH may be removed from this protocol as additional research is conducted.

Field data suggests the 14-Day CIDR protocol in mixed puberty status groups of heifers.

Bos indicus-influenced heifers who are prepubertial really struggle in a fixed-time artificial insemination program. However, pubertal heifers do really well in an AI program.

Link to video of Thomas' presentation: https://www.facebook.com/AngusJournal/videos/333712244040324/

See ARSBC Newsroom for more information. http://www.appliedreprostrategies.com/2018/newsroom.html

Note: this post was live blogged and may contain errors.
Location: Ruidoso, NM, USA

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