Thanks to financial support from a multi-state Extension group, beef producers are now able to get the Bovine Estrus Synchronization Planner at no charge. Garland Dahlke of the Iowa Beef Center (IBC) at Iowa State University (ISU) says the Beef Reproduction Task Force decided that providing the spreadsheet tool for free was a good way to share expertise with producers and be better able to offer assistance and updates. Access and additional information are available through the IBC website.

“We know that this is a popular tool among producers and we want them to have the most up to date breeding and scheduling information,” Dahlke said. “In addition to the most current version, we also provide a wealth of supporting documents so people can get the most from the product. We at IBC appreciate being asked to host this data and spreadsheet access and look forward to working with producers everywhere.”

The Beef Reproduction Task Force comprises Extension beef and other specialists from eight universities: ISU, Kansas State University, University of Nebraska, South Dakota State University, University of Missouri, University of Illinois and University of Florida. The group’s objectives include improving understanding of physiological processes of the estrous cycle, procedures available to synchronize estrus and proper application of these systems. The Estrus Synchronization Planner is one result of this collaboration designed specifically for use by cattle producers.

“Those who’d like to download the planner are asked to register with their name, address and e-mail address,” Dahlke says. “This is primarily for us to be able to provide updates to those we know are using this tool. Your information will not be shared outside the task force and is not available for other purposes by anyone else.”

To learn more about the Estrus Synchronization Planner and to register for access to the spreadsheet itself, visit the IBC website at www.iowabeefcenter.org/estrus_synch.html

IBC was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more info on IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org or check out the IBC blog at blogs.extension.iastate.edu/iowabeef/.
-- Iowa Beef Center