The Beef Podcast Show - #25 - Reproductive technologies in beef cattle production

In today's episode, Dr. Pedro Fontes – a researcher and professor of beef cattle production and management – discusses the importance of reproductive technologies for improving the efficiency and productivity of the beef industry. He highlights the benefits of estrus synchronization programs, pre-synchronization protocols, and Doppler ultrasounds for early pregnancy diagnosis, along with the importance of assessing the value of these technologies before adopting them in specific scenarios. Additionally, Dr. Fontes emphasizes how using synchronization protocols to optimize the breeding season is key, particularly for heifers, and delves into his team's research on the effects on sperm quality of excessive body weight gain in young sires.

What you’ll learn:

1.  Brazilian vs. American beef productions: a comparison
2. Estrus synchronization programs in Brazil
3. Pre-synchronization protocols
4. The Doppler ultrasound revolution
5. The effects of excessive body weight on the reproductive performance of bulls
6. The value and fit of reproductive technologies for optimal results
7. Synchronization protocols in heifer development
8. Teaching and applied research on beef production

Meet the guest

Dr. Pedro Fontes

Experience

     ○ Current: Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia

Background

     ○ Ph.D., Physiology of Reproduction (Texas A&M University)

Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn