The Eastern Kentucky Integrated Reproduction Management Program was designed by the University of Kentucky Beef Extension Specialist Program to improve beef production in Eastern Kentucky. The Knott County Extension Agriculture Agent recruited three different cow/calf farmers to participate in the program. After two years in the program all three operations now have a controlled calving season. Also, the new opportunities and the ideas they acquired have enabled them to increase additional pounds of beef for an added growth in return-on-investments.  

The operations were grouped by length of calving season and the desire to improve productivity using estrous synchronization and artificial insemination. Individual production plans were written for each operation. A simple, electronic record-keeping system was developed to aid operators with implementation and determine impact of changes in the management system. The individual plans included: routine vaccinations, deworming, hay analysis, ration balancing, use of quality minerals, and developing a genetic and reproductive plan.

Over all eighty-two beef cattle farms have participated in the program. Operations have reduced the days in calving season by developing a single or dual (spring and fall) calving seasons, and improved pregnancy rates by 12% or 100 additional calves valued at $99,000. The estimated return-on-investment for this group of operators was approximately $4,000.

Of the twenty-one operations with extended calving seasons, adoption of recommendations resulted in a 14% improved pregnancy efficiently rate which equates to 77 additional calves (42,350 pounds) at a value of $84,700. By controlling the calving seasons, the return-on-investment was $5,811 per operation. Estrus Synchronization and AI (ESAI) are tools that have been available to cattlemen for years. Use of these tools have been shown to improve both reproductive efficiency and production efficiency. Use of these tools has been limited mainly

because cattlemen do not understand the impact using these tools can have on the reproduction and production impact on their farm.

Of the twenty-one farms with extended calving seasons, adoption of the recommended practices increased pregnancy rates by 14% and provided an additional $37,368 in revenue. The return-on-investment was approximately $6,000 per farm.

It takes about 10 years to realize the benefits of using ESAI. More data will be collected over the next several years to further validate these initial results through the Beef IRM Program and the improvement to beef cow-calf operations. This project received funding from the Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy through the Kentucky Beef Network.