A multi-state extension group has provided funding for a Bovine Estrus Synchronization Planner. The Beef Reproduction Task Force and the Iowa Beef Center (IBC) have teamed up to allow producers to use the planner free of charge to help them in reproductive efforts on their farms and ranches.

A Web page that explains the planner and allows producers to register and use it is available at this link: http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/estrus_synch.html. Producers who use the tool will be asked for information that only the Iowa Beef Center will view, including name, address, and e-mail address. The IBC will follow up with producers that use it from time to time, but it costs nothing and there are no requirements for its use.

South Dakota State University is among the eight universities taking part in the program. South Dakota Cooperative Extension Beef Reproductive Management Specialist George Perry said this new tool is a good way to share expertise with producers.

“The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) helped to develop the Bovine Estrus Synchronization Planner, and I’d encourage all cattle producers to check it out as it can be a money-saving tool that will cost them nothing to investigate,” Perry said. “It offers up-to-date breeding information on a wide range of synchronization protocols and it gives cattlemen and cattlewomen a great no-cost option for adding more information to their efforts.”

The Beef Reproduction Task Force comprises Extension beef specialists from SDSU as well as Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, University of Idaho, and University of Florida. The group’s objectives include improving producer understanding of physiological processes of the estrus cycle, procedures available to synchronize estrus, and proper application of these systems. The Bovine Estrus Synchronization Planner is one result of this collaboration designed specifically for use by cattle producers.

“With a single visit to this website, producers can not only draw upon the work of leading scientists from across the Midwest, they can get critical information on estrus synchronization research and a comprehensive explanation on how this planner can benefit their operation,” Perry said. “I’d encourage any producer who has questions about this tool to give me a call so that I might explain how it can help him or her.”

Reach Perry at 605-688-5456, or e-mail him at this address: George.Perry@sdstate.edu.

-- South Dakota State University ag communications