As we head into the summer, dry conditions in most of the West may force producers to evaluate alternative management strategies. Open cows or potential replacement heifers are costly, especially when feed resources are limited. Early pregnancy diagnosis provides an opportunity to make timely decisions. Unfortunately, pregnancy diagnosis is a cost and many factors determine its economic benefit (i.e., information received, potential management changes and ranch resources needed).
Understanding key differences associated with various diagnostic procedures can help when critically evaluating its value. Since identifying an open female is critical to our bottom line, here are a couple of considerations to help set us up for success.
1. Consider comparing pregnancy detection methods: Evaluating the various diagnostic procedures available is step one. Rectal palpation provides immediate results, allowing cows to be chute sorted at 35 days post-breeding. Palpation requires significant experience and can cause early embryonic loss (1 to 3 percent). Ultrasound is most expensive and requires a technician but can be performed at 28 days post-breeding.
Depending on when it’s used, ultrasound is the most informative tool available (i.e., results immediate and identify calf age-sex). Blood testing conducted by the rancher is the least expensive ($3 to $5) and invasive method, accurate at 30 days post-breeding. Results are delayed (two to four days), no calf information is available, and cows should be 90 days post-calving to avoid false positives.
2. Consider evaluating potential management and marketing changes: Early diagnosis is a tool used to manage and market cattle. Obtaining the highest value for every female is critical. Identifying late-calving cows that have market value and fit another ranch’s calving season is one way to capitalize.
Additionally, selling open cows or heifers prior to the seasonal cull cow market price decline (August) has huge economic benefit. If forage availability is below normal, selling known open cows or heifers extends forage resources and reduces feed costs.
3. Consider ranch resources available: Determining the best diagnostic option is difficult. Consider the resources available before making a final decision. A good veterinarian or technician capable of palpating or ultrasound is required. The type of female being evaluated is important. Since heifers don’t have a calf by their side, blood test and quick marketing is an option.
Conversely, cow-calf pairs not being weaned early, palpation at a later date works. If labor is limited, knowing when cows will calve allows for tactical hiring. Overcoming the challenges associated with managing open females requires spending some money and time. However, identifying them early can lead to increased profitability.
