Comparisons of pregnancy rates of fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols in mature, suckled beef cows have generally favored the five-day, progesterone-impregnated, controlled internal drug release (CIDR) synchronization protocol over the seven-day CIDR program. Unfortunately, the five-day protocol is more labor intensive, which may offset the observed fertility advantages....More

Given the high prices in all cattle sectors and optimistic expectations for the future, everyone expected a higher bull market this spring. While it hasn’t materialized to the level of the other sectors, the strength of the early bull sales is surprising some folks, particularly when you consider that U.S. herd expansion hasn’t really yet begun....More

The newly released Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) 2011 Spring EPDs include two new genetic prediction tools for carcass weight (CW) and yield grade (YG). RAAA says the incorporation of the two new carcass EPDs will have a direct impact on carcass value by empowering producers to better predict the profitability of their beef product through carcass traits and feedyard profitability...More

Doc, a cloned steer, raised eyebrows this fall when he was crowned 4-H grand champion steer at the Iowa State Fair...More