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