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Consequences of Long-term Commitment to Estrus Synchronization

By Dr. Pedro Fontes

The use of estrus synchronization programs has substantially increased over the last few decades. These programs allow cattle producers to manipulate the estrous cycle of cows and heifers, facilitating the adoption of biotechnologies such as artificial insemination (AI). Cow-calf operations can combine estrus synchronization with fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) and AI all cows from a given herd at a pre-determined time without the need of estrus detection. The development of these estrus synchronization protocols has significantly impacted reproductive management commercially, leading to a remarkable global increase in the use of AI by beef cattle producers. In fact, the number of beef semen straws sold yearly in the United States increased by 145% between 1990 to 2017.

beef

Studies have repeatedly evaluated the effectiveness of estrus synchronization protocols in combination with FTAI, and pregnancy rates usually range between 40-60%. These are great numbers considering that approximately half of our females are becoming pregnant on the first day of the breeding season. Nevertheless, there is still some variation in . . .

Source : osu.edu

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CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

Video: CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.