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Open Cows
ELDON COLE
MT. VERNON, MO.
Last fall veterinarians found more open cows at preg check than usual. Dr. Scott Poock, MU Extension veterinarian shared these possible reasons. A high percentage of opens occurred after mid-May breeding. Elevated temperatures earlier than normal probably was part of the reason.
Fescue endophyte toxins can add to a cow’s body temperature concerns after it reaches 103 degrees, especially the first week after conception. Also, when the weather gets hotter, cows don’t express signs of heat as much and have a shorter heat duration.
Finally, the weather can also impact the bull’s fertility and fat, young bulls especially may not be in shape for high conception rates. ∆
ELDON COLE: Extension Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri
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