Virtual Event Focuses on Bull Breeding Success

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is offering producers an opportunity to learn more about bull fertility through its annual Seedstock Council Virtual Webinar. The free online session is scheduled for November 20 at 6:30 p.m. and is open to seedstock producers and their customers.

Each year, the council hosts this educational event to help cattle producers better understand the factors that influence herd performance and breeding success.

This year’s feature presentation focuses on the question, “Why do some bulls get cows pregnant more efficiently?” The session will highlight the most important elements that affect bull fertility, including semen quality, reproductive traits and new tools that can help identify fertility markers in beef cattle.

Two livestock experts will lead the session. Dr. Lacey Quail, a livestock management Extension specialist with North Dakota State University, brings experience in reproductive efficiency and beef cattle pregnancy maintenance. Her work supports North Dakota producers by developing livestock management programs and collaborating with Extension teams and industry groups.

Joining her is Dr. Saulo Zoca, an Extension beef cattle specialist and assistant professor at the University of Tennessee. His research focuses on improving reproductive outcomes in cattle by studying sperm proteins, metabolites and other biological factors that influence fertility. He also examines how nutrition, herd health and general management affect pregnancy success and loss.

Together, Quail and Zoca will explain the science behind bull fertility and help producers understand how to improve reproductive efficiency in their herds. Their insights will give producers practical tools to support breeding programs and strengthen long-term herd performance.

Producers interested in joining the webinar can access the Zoom link on the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association website or contact the association by phone or email. Pre-registration is required to attend.

The Seedstock Council continues its mission to support the state’s seedstock industry through education, printed materials, planned programs and legislative involvement. The upcoming webinar is part of the council’s ongoing effort to provide helpful information that can strengthen cattle operations across North Dakota.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager