Current and emerging reproductive technologies for beef breeding cows.
W.H. McMillan
AgResearch Ruakura, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 1994,
54: 345-350
Reproductive technologies may be defined as any technology which
impacts on the reproductive potential of the herd. Reproductive technologies
applicable to beef breeding cows can broadly be classified into those requiring
either a low, medium or high technical input. The examples of 'Low
Technology' options discussed are: age at first joining, breed/cross or strain of
cow, time of calving, and pregnancy diagnosis. In traditional breeding cow
herds, cow productivity can be increased by modest amounts (5-10%) if only
single-option 'low tech' changes are implemented. However, these
fundamental technologies need to be well developed before higher technologies
can be successfully applied. Two examples of 'Medium Technology' strategies
that have been available for some time include oestrous synchronisation and
multiple suckling. Oestrous synchronisation has the potential to facilitate an
increase in the number of herds adopting yearling heifer mating. Twin suckling
through fostering an additional calf has been demonstrated to significantly
increase the number of calves weaned per cow. Emerging 'High Technology'
options include: twinning, controlling the sex of calves at conception and
cloning. Future developments in embryo technologies are vital in many of the
emerging reproductive technologies for beef cows.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
breeding cows; reproduction; cow efficiency; reproductive technology;
oestrous synchronisation; twinning.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
