There have been lots of anecdotal reports this year about exceptionally high open rates in beef cow herds at pregnancy checking time. I’ve spoken to many producers and veterinarians across Western Canada who describe open rates of 20 percent or higher. This is distressing for anyone who experiences it, and nothing can be done now to rectify the situation. Those cows won’t produce a calf in the upcoming calving season and although cull prices are reasonably good, it is still a major economic loss in not having those calves to market at the end of next year.

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