By Andi Anderson
For cow-calf producers aiming to increase herd profitability, pregnancy evaluation is one of the most effective and affordable management tools available.
While many farm decisions work together to ensure herd success, evaluating whether cows are bred or open can provide significant financial returns.
Recently, two herds underwent pregnancy checks—one with 100 cows and another with 30. The larger herd was tested for less than $5 per head, while the smaller herd's evaluation cost under $10 per head.
In both cases, the cost of testing was far lower than the potential cost of feeding an open cow all winter.
Feeding an open female cow that won’t produce a calf is not only wasteful but also affects the entire farm’s bottom line. Identifying these cows early allows producers to make timely marketing decisions, improve feed efficiency, and manage herd productivity more effectively.
Though there isn’t a single “most important” farm management decision—just like no organ in the human body can be singled out as the most vital—all decisions play a role in herd health and profitability. Still, pregnancy evaluation stands out as a cost-effective choice that offers quick, measurable returns.
Producers who routinely perform pregnancy checks can reduce expenses, improve breeding success rates, and maintain a more productive herd. It’s a small investment that supports better planning and greater financial stability.
In challenging times when every dollar matters, practices like pregnancy evaluation can make all the difference for livestock farmers aiming to stay efficient and profitable.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Ohio, Livestock