NAAB Symposium Abstract
Understanding the Estrous Cycle and Fundamentals of AI
Abstract:
A successful artificial insemination (AI) program depends on understanding the events that occur during the bovine estrous cycle. This presentation will “bring to life” critical events and hormonal changes occurring during the estrous cycle with emphasis on the series of events leading up to the exhibition of standing estrous and culminating in ovulation. The presentation will also include discussion of the “science” used to determine the optimum timing of AI.
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About the speaker:
Bill Beal began his career as an animal scientist at Michigan State University (B.S., 1974). He completed graduate degrees at the University of Wyoming (M.S., 1976) and Cornell University (Ph.D., 1979). Since joining the faculty at Virginia Tech 30 years ago, Beal has risen to the rank of professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences. Beal’s energy has been focused on teaching undergraduate students and conducting applied research in reproductive physiology of beef cattle.
He has received numerous teaching and advising awards at Virginia Tech, most notably the W.E. Wine Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the University Award for Excellence in Career Advising. In 2003, Beal received the National Award for Outstanding Teaching from the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS). In 2007, he was awarded the Sporn Award for Outstanding Teaching of Introductory Courses at Virginia Tech.
Beal is currently the Chair of the Virginia Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence. He has been active in research aimed at improving the reproductive efficiency of beef cattle. During his career, he has authored or co-authored four chapters in books, 35 proceedings papers and 60 refereed scientific articles, and he has presented 52 published abstracts. His expertise is in estrus synchronization, embryo transfer and the use of ultrasound technology.
Bill and his wife, Linda, have two grown children and live in Blacksburg. They have a family-owned Angus cattle operation, Beal Cattle Enterprises.
Editor’s Note: The above material is provided by and posted with permission of the Beef Improvement Federation. Please direct reprint requests to BIF via the “Contact BIF” page at www.beefimprovement.org.
