PS5-11. Utilization Rates and Implementation Barriers of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Within Beef Cow-calf Operations.

Abstract In beef production systems, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including estrus synchronization, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer (ET), are used to enhance herd performance, improve genetic merit, tighten breeding seasons, and produce uniform calf crops. However, a 2017 USDA Census reported low adoption rates among U.S. beef cow-calf operations, with only 11.6% and 3.0% of producers utilizing AI and ET, respectively. This study evaluated current ART use among beef cow-calf producers and how production goals, management practices, and economic factors relate to adoption. A quantitative survey design was used, employing a researcher-developed, pilot-validated Qualtrics questionnaire assessing producer demographics, herd management practices, and use of reproductive technologies. The target population was reached between November 2025 and March 2026 through Extension services, social media, departmental newsletters, cattlemen's conferences, and association listservs. Data from 270 producers across 28 states were analyzed in R statistical software using descriptive statistics. Respondents were classified as ART adopters (n = 161) or non-adopters (n = 109). Adopters and non-adopters had a mean age range of 45-54 years and reported owning or managing cattle for an average of 18.2 and 19.1 years, respectively. Education and income were also comparable, with 72.8% of adopters and 66.1% of non-adopters holding at least a bachelor's degree and reporting mean annual incomes of $88,618 and $89,286, respectively. Production goals differed descriptively between groups. ART adopters reported a more diversified focus, including beef production (46.8%), genetic progression (25.9%), replacement heifer development (16.5%), and show stock (10.8%). In contrast, non-adopters primarily focused on beef production (88.1%), with fewer reporting genetic progression (2.8%), replacement (8.3%), or show stock (0.9%). Adopters managed slightly larger herds on average (125 head; 103 females bred annually) compared with non-adopters (100 head; 78 females). A defined breeding season was reported by 95.0% of adopters and 76.9% of non-adopters. Sire breeding soundness examinations were conducted prior to the breeding season by 71.3% of adopters, compared with 35.2% of non-adopters. Pregnancy diagnosis practices were more common among adopters, with 69.6% utilizing ultrasound and 80.5% using palpation, compared with 22.9% and 56.9% of non-adopters, respectively. Additionally, 75.8% of adopters reported using expected progeny differences, compared with 31.5% of non-adopters. Among adopters, nearly all (98.8%) reported implementing artificial insemination. Embryo transfer was utilized by 53.3% of adopters, with 38.7% using conventional embryo flushing and 36.4% using in-vitro fertilization. While 97.2% of adopters considered ART a valuable management tool, only 20.0% of non-adopters reported similar perceptions. ART adopters differed from non-adopters in production focus and management practices, while demographic characteristics remained similar. These findings suggest that adoption aligns closely with management approach. Future work will incorporate producer interviews and multivariable analyses to further evaluate factors influencing ART adoption.