Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction

321 Pages·2001·4.49 MB·English

by  Michael J. Fields

FACTORS
AFFECTING
CALF CROP
Biotechnology of Reproduction
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FACTORS
AFFECTING
CALF CROP
Biotechnology of Reproduction
Edited by
Michael J. Fields
Robert S. Sand • Joel V. Yelich
CRC PR ESS
Boca Raton London New York Washington, D.C.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Factors affecting calf crop : biotechnology of reproduction / edited by Michael J. Fields,
Robert S. Sand, Joel V. Yelich.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-8493-1117-9 (alk. paper)
1. Beef cattle—Breeding. 2. Beef cattle—Reproduction. 3. Beef cattle—Biotechnology.
4. Calves. I. Fields, Michael J. II. Sand, Robert S. (Robert Sherman), 1941- III. Yelich,
Joel V.
SF201 .F33 2001
636.2′13—dc21 2001043175

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Preface
Factors Affecting Calf Crop, published in 1994, included the following in its preface:
“Evolution of knowledge and understanding of the biological processes involved in the
reproduction of beef cattle has contributed to the growth and profitability of the industry
in the Southeast as well as the rest of the nation. The integration of knowledge of genetic
and physiological processes in a difficult environment so that improvement is made
both in productivity and product quality has been a tremendous achievement that led
to the development of a large dynamic industry producing a product that is in great
demand. This book is dedicated to two of the leaders in this effort who utilized their
skills as scientists to further our understanding and knowledge of the basic processes
involved and at the same time assisted in conveying the information to students,
producers, and industry leaders in a way they could understand and apply.”
Our goal for this book is to continue the tradition established with Factors
Affecting Calf Crop and to summarize the current knowledge of the biotechnologies
impacting the beef calf crop, particularly in the subtropics. Not all of the technol-
ogies discussed here are applicable today, but we feel it is important for both the
scientific community and today’s well-trained ranch managers to be aware, not only
of what can be used today, but also of what is being developed for future application
so they can anticipate how this technology can best be applied to produce a better
product at less cost.
This project has depended on the cooperation of a large number of people for
its completion. We appreciate the chapter authors who have agreed to donate the
royalties from this book to a scholarship fund. We are deeply indebted to Glenda
Tucker, Pam Gross, and Dr. Shou-Mei Chang for their help in preparing the manu-
scripts for publication and to Hilary Binta, Nicole Nichols, and Sarah Balaguer for
editorial assistance.
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About the Editors
Michael J. Fields, Ph.D., is a Professor of Animal Physiology, Department of
Animal Sciences, Institutes of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida,
Gainesville. Dr. Fields graduated in 1966 from the University of Florida with a B.S.
degree in animal science and obtained his M.S. degree in reproductive physiology
from the same institution. Following service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he received
his Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Fields is a member of the American Society for the Study of Reproduction,
American Society of Animal Science, and the American Registry of Professional
Animal Scientists. He has served as president of the Florida Chapter of Gamma
Sigma Delta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Xi.
He has published over 200 scientific and popular articles of his research and has
been awarded grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of
Health, and U.S. Department of Agriculture for his internationally recognized work
on hormones secreted by the corpus luteum and their function in the cow. For these
and other activities, he received the Florida Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Inter-
national Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture and the chapter’s Senior
Faculty Award, the University of Florida Professorial Award of Excellence, as well
as recognition as the Outstanding Teacher in the College of Agriculture.
Robert S. Sand, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Extension Livestock Special-
ist, Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr. Sand graduated from Colorado State Univer-
sity with a B.S. in animal production in 1963. Following a tour in the U.S. Army,
he earned an M.S. degree in 1969 and a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology in 1971
from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Sand was a Ralston–Purina and N.D.E.A.
Fellow during his graduate program.
Dr. Sand provides leadership for the statewide beef cattle extension program,
with special emphasis on reproductive management and cow–calf production. He is
responsible for development of educational materials, and demonstrations for county
extension personnel, producers, and youth. Additional responsibilities include serv-
ing as liaison with the Florida Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and as super-
visor of the Florida Bull Test. Another responsibility is evaluating and determining
research needs in the area of applied beef cattle management.
Dr. Sand is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, the American
Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Sigma
Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Epsilon Sigma Phi, and has served over 20 years as secretary
of the Florida Beef Cattle Improvement Association.
Joel V. Yelich, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in reproductive physiology, Depart-
ment of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of
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Florida, Gainesville. Dr. Yelich graduated from Montana State University in 1986
with a B.S. degree in animal science. He earned his M.S. in animal science from
Colorado State University in 1989 and went on to receive his Ph.D. in animal
breeding and reproduction from Oklahoma State University in 1994.
Dr. Yelich is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, Society for
Reproduction, Society of Range Management, and the National Cattleman’s Beef
Association. Dr. Yelich is actively involved in undergraduate teaching as well as
maintaining a production-oriented research program investigating factors that affect
reproductive efficiency in cattle of Bos indicus breeding.
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Contributors
R. L. Ax S. K. DeNise
Department of Animal Sciences Department of Animal Sciences
University of Arizona University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona Tucson, Arizona
M. Gurevich
W. E. Beal
Department of Hormone Research
Department of Animal Science
Kimron Veterinary Research
Virginia Tech
Bet Dagan, Israel
Blacksburg, Virginia
E. Harel-Markowitz
M. E. Bellin Department of Hormone Research
Department of Animal Sciences Kimron Veterinary Research
University of Arizona Bet Dagan, Israel
Tucson, Arizona
John F. Hasler
L. Benvenisti Em Tran, Inc.
Department of Hormone Research Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Kimron Veterinary Research
H. E. Hawkins
Bet Dagan, Israel
King Ranch, Inc.
Kingsville, Texas
C. R. Burke
The Ohio State University T. R. Holm
Columbus, Ohio Celera Ag Gen
Davis, California
Chad C. Chase, Jr.
USDA/ARS E. Keith Inskeep
Subtropical Agricultural Research Division of Animal Science
Station West Virginia University
Brooksville, Florida Morgantown, West Virginia
F. N. Kojima
Robert J. Collier
Department of Animal Science
Department of Animal Sciences
University of Missouri
University of Arizona
Columbia, Missouri
Tucson, Arizona
G. Cliff Lamb
M. L. Day North Central Research and Outreach
Department of Animal Science Center
The Ohio State University University of Minnesota
Columbus, Ohio Grand Rapids, Minnesota