Incorporating reproductive management of beef heifers into a veterinary practice

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2013 Nov;29(3):667-78. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2013.07.010. Epub 2013 Sep 4.

Abstract

Veterinarians play an important role in reproductive management of dairy herds across the United States; however, in many cases, their involvement in reproductive management of beef herds has been limited. The reasons for this vary; however, there are ways for veterinarians to become more actively involved in reproductive management of US beef herds. Veterinarians can have an impact on producers' profits by implementing their skills and knowledge to beef heifer development programs. This article provides an overview of the services veterinarians can provide to beef cattle producers that pertain to reproductive management of replacement beef heifers.

Keywords: Fetal age; Fetal sex; Pelvic measurement; Reproductive tract score; Ultrasound.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animal Husbandry / organization & administration
  • Animals
  • Cattle / physiology*
  • Female
  • Meat / supply & distribution
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Veterinary Medicine / methods*
  • Veterinary Medicine / organization & administration