Page 7 - MWC 08-5-2021s

Consider Early Pregnancy Checking The Midwest Cattleman · August 5, 2021 · P7

Beef Cattle During Drought

In a drought year, live- for more timely management
stock management decisions decisions.
become more difficult when Early pregnancy testing
feed resources are limited. helps producers make im-
“Many North Dakota pro- portant management deci-
ducers already have culled sions related to nutrition
old cows, cows that lost their programs and marketing
calves and even cow-calf plans, as well as evaluating
pairs, yet further reductions the reproductive efficiency of
in stocking rates may be nec- the cow herd. If possible, pro-
essary,” says Janna Block, ducers can collect weights at
livestock systems special- pregnancy checking time to
ist based at North Dakota help calculate livestock feed
State University’s Hettinger needs for fall and winter and An ultrasound is one way of checking cows' pregnancy early. (NDSU photo)
Research Extension Center. utilize forage supplies more
“Early pregnancy testing is efficiently. If producers are performed by a skilled tech- tests are another option for
one way to identify and cull weaning calves early and nician at around 40 days pregnancy diagnosis that can
unprofitable open cows or conducting an early pregnan- post-breeding; however, ac- be used within 60 to 90 days
cows that conceived late in cy check at the same time, curacy is increased when post-calving and 25 to 30
the breeding season.” weaning weight ratios can performed at around 55 to days post-breeding, depend-
Pregnancy testing for most be calculated and considered 60 days after breeding. Ul- ing on the type of test used.
spring-calving herds typical- when making later culling trasound can be utilized as Test kits can be purchased
ly is carried out in late sum- decisions. early as 28 days after breed- from several commercial
mer or fall in conjunction Standard methods for ing. The experience level of sources, and blood samples
with weaning or precondi- pregnancy checking include the technician and method can be collected on the ranch
tioning calves. However, cows rectal palpation, ultrasound, used will determine the ear- by the producer.
can be checked as early as 28 or blood-based pregnancy liest date that tests can be Because the pregnan-
to 30 days after the end of tests. conducted. cy-associated glycoproteins
the breeding season to allow Rectal palpation can be Blood-based pregnancy continued on page 17

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