The ECRC research effort presently is focused on beef cattle reproduction
and nutrition.
Extensive research has been conducted at ECRC in beef cattle estrous
synchronization. Early work evaluated the use of estradiol valerate
and progesterone to induce estrus in non-cycling heifers. Recently,
a low cost sytem using melengestrol acetate (MGA) and prostaglandin
F2a for synchronizing estrus has been developed. This system is highly
effective in replacement heifers and has been evaluated in lactating
cows and found to be effective when body condition is not limiting.
Beef cattle nutrition research is being done in both range and feedlot.
Work has been completed on the effect of time (A.M. vs. P.M.) or supplementation
on range. The effect of protein type upon finishing steer performance
when fed whole shelled corn has been studied and research has shown
positive effect on the economics of feeding whole shelled corn in
a finishing ration.
