Pregnant heifers and cows arenât the only ones expecting. Cow-calf producers have expectations for a high pregnancy rate, as reproduction drives profitability. However, if the number of pregnant cows is far below expectations, thereâs guidance for troubleshooting key issues that contribute.
Two prominent beef specialists at Kansas State University recently provided detailed recommendations in a K-State article they wrote called âTroubleshooting Poor Reproductive Performance in Cows.â
It takes 45 to 55 days for mature cows in good body condition to resume normal cycles after calving, but young and thin cows need double this amount of time. Thatâs why adequate, solid nutrition is vital for heifers and cows. Heifers need sufficient growth for breeding, and cows need energy reserves to resume normal cycles and re-breed. When the female has proper nutrients, it supports the outcome of the pregnancy rate, and for developing immunity following vaccination. Without a strong immune system, the females can also be affected by several disease issues.