Second annual Genetic Symposium will focus on female reproduction
11/5/24
Heifer development is vital for reproductive success in your herd.
AMES, Iowa – Building on the success of the first Genetic Symposium that was centered on the bull, Iowa Beef Center has refocused the 2024 event on the female and improving reproduction. Iowa State University extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson said reproduction is the most economically significant trait of a cow-calf operation.
“If you want to make genetic improvements, you first have to get your cows pregnant,” she said. “Understanding the technologies available can help you improve the reproductive efficiency of your herd.”
A combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom-style learning will be used by a renowned group of speakers as they cover topics ranging from maternal indexes to breeding protocols. Reproductive physiologists, economists, geneticists, and producers will share their experiences implementing modern technology on a regular basis to improve the reproductive success of their cow herd.
Back by popular demand, an evening of fun activities is planned the first night of the symposium. This includes a prime rib dinner and a mock female auction, designed to help cattlemen study if females being purchased are aligning with their herd’s production goals and fitting into their local environment.
Featured symposium topics include:
- Current events in reproductive technologies
- Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization
- Economics of replacement heifers
- Maternal indexes
- AI protocols
The symposium will run from noon on Monday, December 16, through noon on Tuesday, December 17, with all sessions at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames.
Registration is $75 per person and includes refreshment breaks, dinner and symposium materials. Deadline for registration is midnight, December 11. A block of rooms at $99 per night per room is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th St., Ames. Hotel reservation deadline is December 15. See the symposium website for program schedule, links to registration and lodging, and sponsorship opportunities.
For more information, contact Culbertson at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Randie Culbertson, ISU extension cow-calf specialist, 515-294-6304, rculber@iastate.edu
