12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2026 PRODUCTION Integrating Reproductive Technologies in Cow-Calf Operations Practical Strategies for Efficiency and Profitability KACIE MCCARTHY, PH.D. | BEEF COW-CALF SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN Reproductive efficiency is a cornerstone of profitability in cow-calf production systems. Technologies such as estrus synchronization, artificial insemination (AI), sexed semen, embryo transfer (ET) and pregnancy detection offer producers tools to improve herd fertility, tighten calving seasons and enhance genetic progress. Despite these benefits, adoption remains relatively low, particularly among smaller operations. For example, the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) reported AI use among cow-calf operations increased from 6.1 percent in 1997 to 11.6 percent in 2017, with larger operations adopting AI at higher rates than smaller ones (29.4 percent vs. 8.7 percent). However, estrus synchronization was used by only 7.3 percent of operations in 2017. Adoption depends on factors such as current reproductive performance, facilities, labor availability and expected economic return. Reproductive failure and infertility represent significant economic losses. Cows or heifers that do not become pregnant are often culled, increasing costs and reducing profitability. Technologies that improve conception rates and calving distri-
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