ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION: ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST UNDER UTILIZED TOOLS

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION: ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST UNDER UTILIZED TOOLS

by: Steven B. Blezinger
Ph.D, PAS
sblez@blnconsult.com
Cattletoday.com

The last few years have provided some exiting developments in the area of biotechnology in the beef industry. Tools such as DNA markers for economically important traits, sexing of semen and embryos, in vitro production of embryos, cloning and other breakthroughs brought about for the most part by work in the field of molecular biology are some specific examples. Interestingly though, one of the most significant of these, a tool that has been around the longest and one of the most effective genetic improvement tools available today is largely underutilized by the beef industry – artificial insemination (AI). This article will review what AI has to offer to the beef cattle producer and attempt to illustrate some of the production and economic benefits of this powerful resource. A large portion of this text is taken from a discussion by Dr. Harlan Ritchie at Michigan State in Feedstuffs (Oct 05).

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Scientists study nature’s toolbox to identify and destroy Salmonella

Scientists study nature’s toolbox to identify and destroy Salmonella

By ANDREA JOHNSON, For The Prairie Star
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 2:53 PM MDT

When you hear the word “virus” you might think of something that makes you sick.

But scientists have found some good viruses – tiny needle-like structures that can actually make bacteria, such as Salmonella, explode.

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Drought reduces herds

Drought reduces herds

Some ranchers selling off cattle, or thinking about it

By Jaime Powell Caller-Times
May 10, 2006

The cows are awful hungry and thirsty, the fields and stock tanks mostly dry, and if South Texas ranchers don’t get some drought relief soon, a piece of this region’s heritage could dry up, too.

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Student Workshop to kick off Cattle Industry Summer Conference, July 10-13

Student Workshop to kick off Cattle Industry Summer Conference, July 10-13

KTIC Radio

DENVER (May 9, 2006) – On July 10, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and American National CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW) will host the second annual Student Day of Education – Knowledge and Practical Advice for a Successful Career. It will be held as part of the Cattle Industry Summer Conference at the Reno Hilton in Reno, Nev., July 10-13.

This event is designed for high school seniors and college students in any agricultural course of study, or that have an interest in working in agriculture.

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Rotational grazing systems will improve pasture productivity

Rotational grazing systems will improve pasture productivity

By George Rehm and Ryon Walker, University of Minnesota Extension
Tri State Neighbor
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:49 PM CDT

Pasture lands are an under-utilized and under-managed resource in Minnesota. Rotational grazing systems, when combined with adequate fertilizer use, will improve pasture productivity and animal performance. However, there is still a high percentage of cow/calf producers who use continuous grazing systems.

To respond to this educational challenge, a demonstration project was conducted in 2005 to compare animal performance in a continuous grazing system, using no inputs, to animal performance on a pasture that was fertilized and rotationally grazed.

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Bioterrorsim focus of ag program

Bioterrorsim focus of ag program

By STEVE SMITH Times Staff Writer
El Dorado Times
Published: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 10:06 AM CDT

The goal, James Lane said Monday evening, is not only to have a deterrent.

Yes, there is the posting of signs letting those who would do harm know suspicious activity will be reported – and “they have value,” he said.

“‘Neighborhood Watch’ proved it,” Lane said. “We’ve gotten a number of calls about agriculture because of an increased awareness.

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BeefTalk: Electronic identification – Two steps ahead, one back

BeefTalk: Electronic identification – Two steps ahead, one back

By KRIS RINGWALL, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service
The Prairie Star
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:21 PM MDT

Attempts to implement a national identification program for animal trace-back have been noticed. News about the outbreak of a disease with notable impact has increased the pro and con discussion, but the lasting outcome is far from defined.

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Vet’s Corner: A sound biosecurity plan can help keep BVD out of the herd

Vet’s Corner: A sound biosecurity plan can help keep BVD out of the herd

By David Barz, D.V.M., Northwest Vet Supply
Tri State Neighbor
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:48 PM CDT

Spring is definitely here to stay. Hopefully, we have seen the last snowstorm until next winter.

In my last article I talked about vertical and horizontal transmission of Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD) in a cow herd. This time I will discuss management procedures to remove BVD from your herd.

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Imported beef likely to capture record share of 2006 domestic market

Imported beef likely to capture record share of 2006 domestic market

By CHUCK KIKER, R-CALF USA president
The Prairie Star
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:21 PM MDT

The gap between domestic beef production and consumption is greater than ever, yet prices to cattle producers fail to reflect this fact. While some industry analysts may point to the loss of U.S. export markets to explain reduced production and falling prices, worth examining is another trend affecting cattle producers: rising imports of cattle and beef.

An industry review suggests we could soon suffer a repeat of 2002. Remember 2002? The U.S. cattle industry reeled from depressed prices, with Choice fed steers averaging only $67.30 per cwt – well below production costs.

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Consider anthrax vaccinations

Consider anthrax vaccinations

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:49 PM CDT
Tri State Neighbor

BROOKINGS, S.D. – More than 160 herds in South Dakota and North Dakota lost cattle due to anthrax during the summer of 2005. That was an unprecedented number, and the outbreak was largely unexpected, a South Dakota State University specialist said.

“Many of the cases were found in areas where the disease had not historically been known to appear,” SDSU Extension veterinarian Russ Daly said.

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Lean red meat good for your health, global congress told

Lean red meat good for your health, global congress told

May 11, 2006
By Neesa Moodley
Business Report & Independent Online

Durban – Increased consumption of lean red meat could help to reduce high blood pressure and the incidence of sugar diabetes, the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (Nerpo) said yesterday.

Aggrey Mahanjana, the managing director of Nerpo, was “hugely encouraged” by the finding, which emerged at the World Meat Congress in Brisbane last week.

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