Here at ReproScan, we certainly think that ultrasound offers valuable management information that helps producers manage their herds. From the simple “bred and open,” to looking for twins, or fetal aging, ultrasounding cattle is a value-add for all producers to make better-informed decisions.
The economics of preg checking include many variables- region, rainfall, hay crop, regional pricing of preg checking, cull cow and bred cow markets- the list goes on and on. These factors are going to vary from state to state, and even county to county across the country. As of the summer of 2024, we are experiencing higher than average cattle prices, with reason to believe that we have not yet hit the peak of the current cattle cycle: heifer retention has barely begun and new packing plants will soon be adding to the nation’s harvest capacity. One way that ranchers can position their operations for future success is by utilizing ultrasound technology to get accurate fetal aging information. By utilizing this information strategically, producers can sell later calving cows and second and third cycle bred heifers into the strong bred cattle markets.
There are several reasons to pregnancy test that are beyond short-term economic gains. Ultrasound pregnancy testing can provide valuable information about your herd management and herd health. Bull problems from the previous breeding season, disease problems, such as Trichomoniasis, and nutrition concerns have all been detected by astute veterinarians using ultrasound technology. For example, if too many open and late calving young cows are detected while older cows have a good conception rate, there is most likely a nutrition problem that needs to be corrected.
Luke Neher, a farmer from Southern Iowa, runs about 350 mama cows. His veterinarian preg checks his cattle every year, providing valuable information on fetal aging and twins, as they have a high instance of twins each year. Ultrasound provides valuable information for Neher Family Farms, especially when it comes to detecting multiples. “With twins comes trouble,” Neher said. “Knowing that there’s twins saves easily… 75% of death loss on twins.”
Neher also utilizes the information provided by ultrasound to sell cattle strategically. They retain many heifer calves each year, so by utilizing fetal aging information, they can sell off the cattle that bred later in the season. They run a 60-day breeding window, and, operating a diversified cattle, sheep, row crop, and hay operation means that the sooner they can finish up with calving, the sooner they can devote time and energy to other parts of the farm.
“Here in Southern Iowa, we figure that one cow will eat about four bales of hay per winter. On any given hay year, $75 per bale, you’re looking at $300 of feed per that one cow.” Neher discussed the importance of knowing that his cattle are bred. Losing $300 per open cow adds up. Preg checking in the fall provides producers the foresight to know which cows will cause sunk costs in the spring, if they remain on feed all winter, allowing for proactive, rather than reactive, management choices.
For farmers like Luke, ultrasound technology can help save time, money, and resources. Check out the rest of his story in the video below.
We would love to hear from you regarding your thoughts and opinions on the economics of preg checking in your area. Are producers excited about the information that ultrasound provides, or are they reluctant to work that into their fall schedule? Give us a shout at 877-890-2411 or drop us an email at inquiry@repro-scan.com.