Courses and Training

The National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics in Beef Cattle is envisioned as a national resource and training site. A main focus of NCARG will be development of educational programming, ranging from hands-on training opportunities to courses and online modules. An overview of some of the programming to be offered through NCARG is provided here.

Hands-On Training Opportunities to be Offered at NCARG

  • Reproductive tract scoring
  • Pelvic measurement
  • Early pregnancy diagnosis
  • Ultrasound determination of fetal age and sex
  • Semen handling
  • Artificial insemination (AI)
  • Embryo handling and embryo transfer (ET)
  • Bull breeding soundness evaluation
  • Oocyte pick-up (OPU)

Courses and Online Modules to be Offered at NCARG

Curriculum modules that support improvements in reproductive management

  • Understanding the estrous cycle – physiology & endocrinology
  • Overview of estrus synchronization programs
  • Factors that contribute to a successful estrus synchronization program
  • Choosing and implementing estrus synchronization protocols
  • Troubleshooting breeding programs

Curriculum modules that support improvements in genetic merit

  • Animal breeding concepts
  • Production scenarios and breeding simulations
  • Evaluating breeds of beef cattle, crossbreeding strategies
  • Data collection, whole-herd reporting
  • EPDs in the beef industry
  • Introduction to genomics
  • Economic selection indices in the beef industry
  • Mendelian inheritance