Early Pregnancy Checks Boost Heifer Profits

By Blake Jackson

Early pregnancy checking of replacement heifers offers multiple advantages, according to Patrick Davis, a livestock field specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

As part of the Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program often referred to as the “black and gold standard” in heifer development producers are required to perform pregnancy checks within 90 days of the start of the breeding season.

“Early pregnancy checking allows more accurate determination of days pregnant and calving date of your heifers,” says Davis. After 90 days of gestation, determining pregnancy stage becomes more difficult because the fetus moves beyond the pelvic rim.

Early checks provide producers with a more precise expected calving date, helping them prepare for potential birthing complications. Additionally, if ultrasound is used during this window (60 to 90 days), fetal sex can also be determined.

A recent review of SMS sale data from 2018 to 2024 by Martins and Rocha Jr. revealed that heifers with fetal sex determined earned an average premium of $143 per head. Including this in your pregnancy checking protocol can significantly enhance sale values.

“It is important to cull heifers that failed to conceive in their first breeding season to promote optimum cattle operation reproductive efficiency,” says Davis. Research from Montana, cited by Oklahoma State University, found that heifers not conceiving during their first season produced just 55% annual calf crops over their lifetimes.

A 2020 review by Moorey and Biase, referencing three studies, also noted that first-season reproductive success is a strong indicator of lifetime fertility.

Davis advises prompt culling of open heifers to ensure better salvage value. “Cull these open heifers as soon as possible to get optimum salvage value,” he says. At around 18 months of age, these animals can still qualify for the choice grade. Waiting too long to market them may reduce their value.

“Marketing these open heifers as soon as possible also helps reduce the negative impact on feed resources,” Davis adds. Unproductive animals consume valuable feed without contributing to herd profitability, making timely replacement a smart financial decision.

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