Dr. Angela Gonella: Beef Repro Efficiency | Ep. 84
Jul 3, 2024
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Dr. Angela Gonella, an expert in beef cattle reproductive efficiency, discusses the importance of detailed record-keeping, challenges in adopting reproductive technologies, and the significance of breeding seasons insights. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and research to optimize cattle reproduction and achieve sustainable beef production.
Maintaining detailed records is crucial for enhancing reproductive efficiency in beef cattle operations.
Adopting reproductive technologies and establishing breeding seasons can significantly improve cattle reproductive outcomes.
Deep dives
Reproductive Efficiency Vital for Breeding Season Success
Reproductive efficiency plays a crucial role in determining the success of the breeding season. A farm's effectiveness can be gauged by the percentage of cows cycling at the start of breeding, with 70-80% already cycling being a positive sign. This early cycling can lead to improved outcomes during artificial insemination, ensuring a greater proportion of cows become pregnant within the initial 30 days of breeding.
Dr. Angela Gonella's Background and Career Journey
Dr. Angela Gonella, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, shares her deep-rooted connection to the beef industry, stemming from her family's ranching background in Colombia. Her exposure to agriculture and veterinary practices from a young age molded her career path. Transitioning from veterinary studies to advanced reproductive physiology and molecular biology research, she now focuses on enhancing reproductive efficiency through a blend of scientific exploration and practical application.
Enhancing Reproductive Efficiencies Through Research and Extension Programs
Dr. Gonella's research initiatives include exploring biomarkers for reproductive success in cows, aiming to identify indicators that can predict fertility and performance. Additionally, she delves into embryo and fetal programming through nutritional interventions during pregnancy to assess their impact on calf growth and productivity. Her work underscores the importance of continuous research to uncover mechanisms that optimize reproductive outcomes and ultimately enhance cattle management practices.
Empowering Producers with Reproductive Management Tools and Records
Dr. Gonella advocates for the adoption of reproductive technologies across all scales of cattle operations, emphasizing the significance of maintaining breeding records. By utilizing available reproductive tools and practices, producers can enhance reproductive efficiency regardless of the operation's size. Encouraging a shift towards established practices like breeding seasons can significantly contribute to improved cattle reproductive outcomes, aligning with the industry's drive towards enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Angela Gonella shares her extensive knowledge on improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. Dr. Gonella discusses the significance of maintaining detailed records, adopting reproductive technologies, and addressing labor shortages to enhance productivity. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for optimizing cattle reproduction and achieving sustainable beef production.
"58% of operations in the United States do not have a defined breeding season, which significantly impacts reproductive efficiency."
Meet the guest:Dr. Angela Marรญa Gonella-Diaza is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, specializing in Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiology. She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Reproduction from the University of Sรฃo Paulo and a Master's in Animal Health from the National University of Colombia. Dr. Gonella focuses on improving reproductive efficiency and integrating reproductive technologies in beef cattle.
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:44) Introduction
(11:08) Importance of reproductive efficiency
(14:21) Challenges in adopting reproductive technologies
(17:44) Importance of detailed record-keeping
(28:44) Developing reproductive biomarkers
(33:58) Breeding seasons insights
(36:42) Final three questions
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