Research on reproductive performance to be presented at Driftless Beef Conference
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Beef Specialist, and colleagues at the Orr Research Center near Baylis, Illinois, have looked into the effect of lush, spring pastures on beef cow pregnancy rates. The wet, high protein grass may cause nutritional challenges to high producing beef cows leading to lower conception rates. Their research showed a benefit from supplemental feed on AI conception rates. With the high cost of bred cows and feeder calves, some additional feed to improve conception rates may increase profitability.
As part of the 2015 Driftless Beef Conference in Dubuque, Meteer will present a breakout session on this research that includes the effects of supplementation on spring pastures.
The Driftless Beef Conference begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 22 and continues at 11:45 a.m. Friday, January 23. The Thursday afternoon program focuses on improving efficiency and profitability of beef production in the upper Midwest, with an evening discussion focused opportunities to capitalize on the diversity in the beef industry. The Friday morning agenda includes four breakout sessions each for feedlot operations and cow-calf producers, including Meteer’s session.
The early registration fee for the conference is $85 per person and must be received prior to midnight, January 14. The price increases to $115 after that date. More information about the conference, including topics, speakers, and lodging is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/beef. Registration began December 1. Links for online and mail forms are available on the conference website.
The Driftless Region Beef Conference is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the University of Minnesota Extension, and University of Wisconsin Extension. The planning team strives to deliver the latest in research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information or to receive a brochure, contact a county ISU Extension office or Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Specialist, at 319-472-4739.
