Technical information

Reproduction

Cow size improving female production

By Lindel Greggery BRAHMAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2015 ISSUE #192 PAGE 22

The Australian Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) is taking a leading role in partnering with science to boost the profitability of beef herds through faster rates of genetic improvement.

By Ced Wise BRAHMAN NEWS DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE #189 PAGE 24

The most common definition of a fertile bull, as distinct from one that is capable of producing a pregnancy, is that a fertile bull should be capable of getting 60% of normal cycling cows in calf in the first three weeks of mating and 90% within nine weeks (pregnant at 42 days).

By Paul Williams BRAHMAN NEWS MARCH 2015 ISSUE #186 PAGE 22

A significant enhancement was made to the Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis in November with the incorporation of Direct Genomic Values in the 200 Day Weight and Days to Calving EBVs.

By Paul Williams BRAHMAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE #184 PAGE 30

A major research project within the Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies (Beef CRC) studied ways to define the genetic control of traditional and novel measures of reproductive performance in Tropical cattle in Northern Australia. One of the major project aims was to estimate the genetic association of young bulls’ reproductive traits with female reproduction and to identify the male genetic indicator traits that can be used to increase the rate of improvement in female reproduction in Northern Australia.

By Paul Williams BRAHMAN NEWS JUNE 2014 ISSUE #183 PAGE 46

A major research project within the Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies (Beef CRC) has provided very useful information on the success of lifetime production in Brahmans and Tropical Composites in Northern Australia.

By John CONDON BEEF CENTRAL, BRAHMAN NEWS MARCH 2014 ISSUE #182 PAGE 38

One of the largest and most comprehensive cattle research projects ever conducted across northern Australia has unearthed a treasure trove of opportunity to improve the region's reproductive performance.

By Paul Williams BRAHMAN NEWS DECEMBER 2013 ISSUE #181 PAGE 43

by Luiz Porto BRAHMAN NEWS JUNE 2013 ISSUE #179 PAGE 42

The conception rate and the number of calves in the field are undoubtedly factors which impact on the financial returns and profitability of any rural property.

Impressive increase in Brahman fertility in NT case study

"We have proven, beyond many people's expectations, that selection can strongly influence fertility rates within a pure Brahman herd." Tim Schatz, Principal Pastoral Production Research Officer, NT Department of Resources.

FAILURE IN MALES

Reproduction efficiency of bulls is a key driver of herd productivity and the economic viability of the beef enterprise. It is unfortunate that some stud bulls are sold to the meatworks because of reproductive failure.

Fertility and Infertility

Cattle are categorised as infertile when they are unable to deliver viable eggs/sperm or complete a pregnancy, or sub fertile when their reproductive ability is less than optimal. These conditions can be temporary or permanent.

Reproduction - Oestrus & Puberty

Developments in reproductive biotechnology have provided the opportunity to increase the numbers and availability of high genetic merit seedstock.

Unlocking the secrets to improved northern herd fertility

Beef CRC researchers have meticulously tracked a thousand Brahman females and 1100 Tropical Composite females, derived from about 100 sires, across six joinings in as many years.

Reproduction - Herd Health

Many diseases that compromise reproduction are also responsible for production losses, poor performance, wastage and serious economic costs.

Argentinean insight into Fixed Time AI benefits

South American cattle producers have embraced Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) technology enabling them to adopt cost-effective large scale artificial breeding programs achieving 50-55 per cent pregnancy rates.

Evaluation of breeding soundness in bulls

Vendors of bulls need to give serious thought to pre-sale assessment of their animals. The failure of a bull to reproduce can be an expensive exercise for both vendor and purchaser, with possible legal and insurance complications.

Planning AI programs

Artificial insemination (AI) is being increasingly used on south east Queensland beef properties. The reasons for its use are varied, however, mainly it is used as a cost effective method of introducing superior or new genetics into a breeding herd.

Artificial Breeding and Proper Techniques

All the advantages of artificial breeding can be lost with decreased conception rates by improper handling of frozen semen and insemination short cuts.

AB and Synchronisation

Synchronisation has been available for more than 20 years but more recently has witnessed increased use due to the mating of groups of heifers and/or embryo transfer programs.

Understanding semen evaluation

The following article is re-printed from the Australian Association of Cattle Veterinarians “Veterinarians Examination of Bulls” handbook; edited by M McGowan, D Galloway, E Taylor, K Entwistle and P Johnston.

Pregnancy Testing of Cattle

Beef producers can improve the efficiency of their enterprise by better managing reproductive performance in their herds, which has flow-on benefits for marketing, nutritional management and disease control.

Cost effective strategies for improved fertility

The paper reviews methods of improving fertility in extensive and semi-extensive conditions in the dry tropics of northern Australia. Basic issues such as sustaining the pasture resource and effective cattle control are prerequisites for efficient implementation of management options. Management options can be classified at 3 levels and should be incorporated sequentially into breeding herds to improve fertility.

Understanding Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE)

A BBSE can include evaluation of the Scrotum, other Physical attributes, Crush-side Semen assessment, laboratory evaluation of Sperm Morphology, and in many situations, Serving assessment. All components of a BBSE are important. Semen evaluation is critical because it is a bull’s genes that are really the objective in his purchase. Other aspects of a BBSE relate to a bull’s ability and willingness to deliver the semen.

Revolutionising the north Australian cattle muster

It’s a northern cattle producer’s dream: a single calf drop, timed to perfection, matched to environmental or production cycles, year after year.

Do fertile bulls breed more fertile progeny?

New Beef CRC research is investigating whether fertility traits in bulls, such as scrotal size, semen quality and various hormones and proteins are linked to fertility traits in both their male and female progeny.

Profiting from better reproduction in the north

The secrets of cow reproduction are being investigated by Beef CRC researchers, with the aim of bringing the power of genetic selection to bear on one of the major profit drivers in northern Australia’s beef industry.

Fertility Have you done the calculations?

Most cattle breeders would agree that fertility is an extremely important trait due to its huge economic impact on an enterprise.