title: Control of estrus and ovulation in beef heifers.
abstract: Expanded use of artificial insemination (AI) and/or adoption of emerging reproductive technologies for beef heifers and cows require precise methods of estrous-cycle control. New protocols for inducing and synchronizing a fertile estrus in replacement beef heifers and postpartum beef cows in which progestins are used provide new opportunities for beef producers to synchronize estrus and ovulation and to facilitate fixed-time AI. This article reviews the various estrous synchronization protocols currently available for use in replacement beef heifers. New methods of inducing and synchronizing estrus now create the opportunity to significantly expand the use of AI in the United States cowherd.
authors.affiliation: Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. Electronic address: pattersond@missouri.edu.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Jordan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Neal T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004973:Estrus Synchronization / Q000187:drug effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins
keywords: Artificial insemination; Beef heifer; Estrous synchronization; Reproductive management