Using the Estrus Synchronization Planner

Mar 03, 2020

By Robin Salverson

The Estrus Synchronization Planner has been available since 1998, developed by Iowa Beef Center. It has evolved over the years, proving to be an effective and easy tool to help select and implement synchronization protocols.

The program is available as a free excel spreadsheet download or as a mobile version. Both include the protocols recommended by the Beef Reproduction Task Force.

The excel spreadsheet can be downloaded from Iowa Beef Center website or by visiting the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle website. Excel is required to download this version.

The mobile version can be downloaded from the EstruSynch website. It contains the critical features to function, but it will not be identical to the full excel spreadsheet version. A wireless or internet connection is required to use this version, therefore, use in pastures may be limited depending on cellular coverage.

Features of the download and mobile version include: creating a synchronization and breeding calendar with exact dates and times when hormones should be given and/or removed, when heat detection and breeding should occur, and allows for a cost comparison between protocol systems and cost response analysis.

Timing is critical for a successful program, and this planner provides options to ensure those critical times are being met. There is a multi-group version, which allows up to 12 herds to be scheduled.

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Video: Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

On-demand webinar, hosted by the Meat Institute, experts from the USDA, National Pork Board (NPB) and Merck Animal Health introduced the no-cost 840 RFID tag program—a five-year initiative supported through African swine fever (ASF) preparedness efforts. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible sow producers, exhibition swine owners and State Animal Health Officials can order USDA-funded RFID tags through Merck A2025-10_nimal Health.

NPB staff also highlighted an additional initiative, funded by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services through NPB, that helps reduce the cost of transitioning to RFID tags across the swine industry and strengthens national traceability efforts.

Topics Covered:

•USDA’s RFID tag initiative background and current traceability practices

•How to access and order no-cost 840 RFID tags

•Equipment support for tag readers and panels

•Implementation timelines for market and cull sow channels How RFID improves ASF preparedness an