EVALUATION OF METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE ESTROUS CYCLE

Truly effective estrous cycle synchronization techniques are of great potential value to commercial producers of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and swine. Many commercial beef cattlemen recognize the merits of using outstanding sires through artificial insemination (AI) to produce greater numbers of faster gaining cattle having the most desirable carcass characteristics. The relatively high heritability of feedlot gains makes this idea particularly attractive. Nevertheless, progress in attaining this goal has been rather slow, mainly because of the practical problems involved in breeding range cattle artificially and the low conception rates frequently obtained. Methods for cycle regulation compatible with the most commonly used management practices can play a major ,role in facilitating the widespread use of artificial insemination and improved selection techniques in the beef industry