By Andi Anderson
Pregnancy checking remains one of the most valuable management practices available to cow-calf producers. By identifying open cows early, farmers can avoid unnecessary expenses, improve herd efficiency, and make better business decisions that support long-term profitability.
According to Dean Kreager, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources Licking County, weaning season is often the ideal time to conduct pregnancy checks. When calves are separated from their mothers, producers can examine cows without additional sorting, saving both time and labor.
There are three common methods used for pregnancy checking: palpation, ultrasound, and blood testing. Each option is relatively affordable and can provide valuable information about herd reproductive performance. The cost of testing is typically much lower than the expense of maintaining an open cow through the winter months.
The financial impact of open cows can be significant. Estimates suggest that raising a cow-calf pair in 2026 costs more than $1,000 per head annually, while variable expenses such as feed, minerals, and veterinary care can range from $650 to $750 per cow. In a herd of 50 cows, if 10% are found open, producers may spend thousands of dollars feeding animals that will not produce a calf the following season.
Pregnancy testing allows those unproductive cows to be identified early. Rather than carrying them through winter, farmers can market them as cull cows while prices remain favorable. In many cases, the value of the cull cows can be used to improve facilities, invest in equipment, or purchase productive bred cows for future calf crops.
Several factors may contribute to open cows or delayed pregnancies. Challenging weather conditions, including drought, can reduce nutrition levels and negatively affect body condition. Heat stress during breeding periods may also impact conception rates. In addition, diseases such as anaplasmosis and theileriosis can create reproductive challenges in some herds.
Most pregnancy losses occur within the first 60 days after breeding. Conducting pregnancy checks around weaning helps producers identify open cows before significant winter feed costs are incurred. While pregnancy testing cannot prevent reproductive problems, it provides critical information for making timely management decisions.
Each testing method offers different advantages. Blood testing is highly accurate and can be performed by producers with proper training. However, it does not determine how far along a pregnancy is. Ultrasound and palpation require greater skill and experience but can estimate fetal age and provide insight into the timing of the next calving season.
Working with a veterinarian during pregnancy checks can provide additional benefits, including maintaining a current Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) and ensuring timely access to veterinary services and medications when needed.
Pregnancy checking is widely considered one of the highest-return investments in the cow-calf industry. Every cow must produce a calf each year to remain profitable. Identifying open cows early helps producers control costs, improve reproductive performance, identify breeding issues, and build a more productive and profitable herd. As weaning season approaches, establishing a pregnancy-checking plan remains one of the most effective ways to improve overall cattle operation success.
Photo Credit: istock-emholk
Categories: Ohio, Livestock