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SOUTH FLORIDA BEEF FORAGE PROGRAM REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

Extension Education

Bridget Stice
EXTENSION AGENT - LIVESTOCK IV
University of Florida
BARTOW

Abstract

\r\n Reproductive efficiency has long been recognized as the most important factor influencing the economic viability of commercial cattle operations.  Income in the beef cattle operation is based on pounds of weaned calves.  Therefore, profitability of the beef cattle operation is directly related to reproductive efficiency in the cow-herd.  Studies have indicated that reproduction efficiency can be increased between 5% and 20% by implementing recommended management practices in nutrition, forage management, reproduction, herd health, calf husbandry, and performance records.  In 2008 and 2010, a total of 53 South Florida cattle ranchers representing approximately 3,750 head of cattle attended two Reproductive Management Schools that lasted three-days each.  Each day began with an on-ranch lab in pregnancy diagnosis.  This was followed by additional labs on reproductive physiology, obstetrics, and bull soundness evaluation; as well as classroom instruction.  Program evaluation indicated a 57% overall increase in knowledge of participants.  Of surveyed participants, 100% indicated that they had adopted two or more management practices.  As a result of their knowledge gain and subsequent adoption of management practices, reproductive efficiency in their herds can increase between 5% and 20%.  This translates to approximately 140,000 more pounds of calves weaned annually.  Depending on the cattle market, this could translate to an annual economic increase of from $107,000 to $160,000.  Increased use of profitable management practices improves reproductive efficiency thus improving profitability of the beef cattle operation.   

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: B. Carlisle, L.E. Baucum, S.C. Crawford, C.B. Davis, R. Gornto, M.J. Hersom, P.J. Hogue, C.S. Holcomb, C. Kirby, G.C. Lamb, T.R. Prevatt
  1. Carlisle, B. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Polk County, Florida, 33831
  2. Baucum, L. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Multi County, Florida, 33935
  3. Crawford, S. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Hendry County, Florida, 33935
  4. Davis, C. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Okeechobee County, Florida, 34972
  5. Gornto, R. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Highlands County, Florida, 33875
  6. Hersom, M. Extension Specialist, Florida Cooperative Extension, UF Animal Science Dept., Florida, 32611
  7. Hogue, P. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Okeechobee County, Florida, 34972
  8. Holcomb, C. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Dairy Youth, Florida, 33831
  9. Kirby, C. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Manatee County, Florida, 34221
  10. Lamb, G. Associate Professor, Florida Cooperative Extension, North Florida REC, Florida, 32446
  11. Prevatt, T. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Glades County, Florida, 33471