Determining potential pregnancy status differences based on a new method of yearling heifer prebreeding examination.

The study objective was to evaluate the Ready-Intermediate-Problem (RIP) replacement heifer evaluation matrix's ability to classify heifers into groups with differing reproductive outcomes. Beef heifers (n = 341) from six Kansas herds were classified according to RIP matrix guidelines and then exposed to AI breeding, bull breeding, or a combination of both as per the management plans for each participating herd. Following the breeding season the heifers were evaluated to determine pregnancy status, AI pregnancy status, days bred, and the number of 21 day cycles needed during the breeding season to become pregnant. After the breeding season, 298 (87%) of the heifers were pregnant, 204 (68%) of which became pregnant in the first 21 days of the breeding season. There was a significant interaction (P = 0.01) in RIP classification and pregnancy by 21 day cycle. Ready classified heifers had a significantly greater risk of becoming pregnant after a single AI exposure (P = 0.03) and in the first 21-day cycle (P = 0.02) compared to Problem classified heifers, and significantly less risk of being non-pregnant at the end of the breeding season (P < 0.01) compared to Problem classified heifers. The RIP matrix can be useful for classifying heifers prior to the onset of the breeding season. Further research is needed to evaluate the matrix in other settings and populations of U.S. beef heifers as well as at different intervals between evaluation and the start of breeding season.

Rumen cannulation: procedure and use of a cannulated bovine.

Rumen cannulation can be done on a healthy animal currently in the herd with minimal expense. The surgery is no more difficult than most other routine surgical procedures performed by bovine practitioners. A cannulated animal provides a long-term, readily available source of rumen content that can be used to transfaunate herd mates that have suffered various digestive upsets.

Evaluation and treatment of decreased libido associated with painful lumbar lesions in two bulls.

Painful lesions of the vertebral column may cause decreased libido in bulls. Radiographic evaluation of vertebral skeletal problems in mature bulls is limited because of high body mass. Two breeding bulls with signs of decreased libido and spermatozoa production were evaluated. Initial systemic medical treatment for the conditions had not focused on localized lesions and was unsuccessful. Nuclear scintigraphy was performed in both bulls to determine the location of vertebral column lesions and facilitate localized treatment. Localized medical treatment was successful and resulted in decreased signs of pain and increased spermatozoa production in both bulls.