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Maximizing beef reproduction
Optimal beef reproduction ensures a consistent calf crop, which leads to increased profitability and sustainability. That's why the primary objective for each cow in the herd is to produce a live calf annually. Reproductive failure indicators can be used to make culling decisions. Multiple factors, including genetics, management practices, and nutrition have an impact on fertility.
The pillars of efficient beef cattle reproduction
Beef cattle reproduction hinges on several critical factors. These include the genetic potential of the herd, the health and management of the cows and bulls, and, importantly, the nutritional strategies employed. Each of these elements interacts in complex ways to influence key reproductive metrics like conception rates, calving intervals, and calf survival rates.
Genetics set the stage by providing the blueprint for performance, but it is the management and nutritional strategies that unlock this potential. Herd health protocols, including vaccinations and parasite control, ensure cows are in optimal condition to conceive and carry pregnancies to term.
Meanwhile, strategic breeding practices, such as timed artificial insemination, heat synchronization and bull management, enhance the likelihood of successful breeding outcomes.
Nutritional strategies to improve fertility of beef cattle
Of all the management strategies, nutrition is perhaps the most dynamic and impactful on beef reproduction. Proper nutrition ensures that cows have the energy and nutrients necessary for ovulation, conception, and the maintenance of pregnancy. It also influences the health and vigour of the calf from birth through weaning1.
Among the nutritional components, trace minerals are particularly critical. These micronutrients play essential roles in numerous physiological processes, including those directly related to reproduction. Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium play vital roles in numerous physiological functions, including immune response, enzyme function, and hormone regulation, all of which are crucial for reproductive success. Deficiencies or imbalances in these trace minerals can lead to a myriad of issues in beef reproduction, from irregular cycles to poor conception rates, increased embryonic loss and reduced newborn calves’ survival rates2.
Figure 1: Pregnancy rates to Artificial Insemination - Years 1-3 means within a year with different letter differ (P<0.05)
Figure 2: Progressive motility of semen samples from beef bulls without trace mineral supplementation or supplemented with either Selko IntelliBond or sulfate trace minerals.
Figure 3: Sperm concentration of semen samples from beef bulls without trace mineral supplementation or supplemented with either Selko IntelliBond or sulfate trace minerals.
Semen samples of beef bulls in the trial presented in Figures 2 and 3 were taken before the trial started and after 71 days of feeding the trace mineral supplements for beef.
Trace mineral management for better beef reproduction
Hydroxy trace minerals offer improved bioavailability compared to inorganic and multiple organic sources. This enhances absorption and utilization by the animal3,4.
Hydroxy trace minerals also minimize interactions with other dietary components that can inhibit mineral absorption. This enhanced availability of trace minerals ensures that the beef cattle minerals are effectively utilized, supporting optimal productive, reproductive and health function. Moreover, hydroxy trace minerals have been shown to improve immune function, which is closely linked to reproductive health5,6.
Selko IntelliBond is the first line of hydroxy trace minerals designed for use in animal feeds. Trials have shown that feeding Selko IntelliBond trace minerals improves fertility of beef cows (See Figure 1) and fertility of beef bulls (See Figures 2 and 3) as well7,8,9,10,11.
The benefits of optimized trace mineral nutrition with Selko IntelliBond extend beyond successful beef reproduction. Cows receiving adequate and bioavailable trace minerals have shorter calving intervals and produce more vigorous calves, which translates to higher weaning weights and better overall herd performance. Furthermore, healthier cows with better nutritional status are more resilient to stress and disease, reducing veterinary costs and improving farm profitability.
Managing fertility of cow-calf operations
While the genetic potential of a beef herd provides the foundation for reproductive performance, it is the management and nutritional strategies that bring this potential to fruition. Embracing innovative approaches, such as the use of hydroxy trace minerals, can significantly enhance beef reproduction in cow-calf operations. By focusing on these critical elements, producers can ensure a more productive and profitable operation, with one healthy calf per cow per year.
Download more research and documentation
You can access all of our documentation about Selko protocols, sustainable dairy farming and latest research insights about Dairy Cow health & fertility.
Improving health and performance for your beef cattle with Selko IntelliBond
Reproductive performance is essential for beef cattle profitability. Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals are scientifically proven to improve trace mineral status, leading to better AI pregnancy rates, enhanced embryo quality in ET programs, and improved bull semen quality. This study measured the effects of different trace mineral sources on semen quality in 37 mature bulls across Angus, Hereford, and composite breeds. Feeding Selko IntelliBond trace minerals significantly boosted the success of reproductive technologies.
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