National conference to enhance beef reproduction scheduled for Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Beef is produced in every state in the union and accounts for approximately $67 billion in revenues annually across all aspects of cattle and calf production, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Successful bovine reproductive strategies influence the bulk of the profit involved.

That’s why animal scientists from across the nation gather annually to discuss topics ranging from cattle genomics to pasture quality and nutrition. This year’s Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium will take place in Knoxville. The conference is hosted by the Beef Reproduction Task Force, a multi-state Cooperative Extension group made up of specialists from some of the nation’s most beef production-intensive states. The University of Tennessee Department of Animal Science is co-hosting the event.

Scheduled for August 20-21 at the Knoxville Hilton, scientists from nearly a dozen land-grant institutions will discuss a range of topics related to cow herd reproduction, including nutritional interactions, heifer management and development and more. Jonathan Beever, the recently appointed director of the Genomics Center for the Advancement of Agriculture at the UT Institute of Agriculture, is among the speakers. His topic will be genomic selection for reproductive traits. A number of other UT animal scientists will present sessions, including Lannett Edwards and Neal Schrick, known in scientific circles and across the industry for their advances in cattle fertility and estrous synchronization. Edwards will present a session on “The Making of a Calf.” As head of the UT Department of Animal Science, Schrick will welcome the group and kick off the conference.

Justin Rhinehart, UT associate professor and beef reproduction specialist, is chairing the event and will present a session titled “Know the Game You’re Playing” where he will discuss the long-term implications of reproductive management decisions made in a given year. UT College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members Marc Caldwell and Andi Lear will discuss herd health protocols for reproductive success and placental immunity and fetal infections, respectively.

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The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in beef cattle reproduction, including producers, technicians, veterinarians and professionals in related industries.

Registration information, including fees and the full schedule of talks, is available at the conference website: Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. Attendees may also visit an industry trade show. In addition, a series of interactive laboratory simulations will allow participants to see first-hand the newest technology in cattle reproduction.

Through its mission of research, teaching and Extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.