Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction PDF

Preface

Factors Affecting Calf Crop , published in 1994, included the following in its preface:

"Evolution of knowledge and understanding of the biological processes involved in the reproduction of beef cattle has contributed to the growth and profitability of the industry in the Southeast as well as the rest of the nation. The integration of knowledge of genetic and physiological processes in a difficult environment so that improvement is made both in productivity and product quality has been a tremendous achievement that led to the development of a large dynamic industry producing a product that is in great demand. This book is dedicated to two of the leaders in this effort who utilized their skills as scientists to further our understanding and knowledge of the basic processes involved and at the same time assisted in conveying the information to students, producers, and industry leaders in a way they could understand and apply."

Our goal for this book is to continue the tradition established with Factors Affecting Calf Crop and to summarize the current knowledge of the biotechnologies impacting the beef calf crop, particularly in the subtropics. Not all of the technologies discussed here are applicable today, but we feel it is important for both the scientific community and today's well-trained ranch managers to be aware, not only of what can be used today, but also of what is being developed for future application so they can anticipate how this technology can best be applied to produce a better product at less cost.

This project has depended on the cooperation of a large number of people for its completion. We appreciate the chapter authors who have agreed to donate the royalties from this book to a scholarship fund. We are deeply indebted to Glenda Tucker, Pam Gross, and Dr. Shou-Mei Chang for their help in preparing the manuscripts for publication and to Hilary Binta, Nicole Nichols, and Sarah Balaguer for editorial assistance.