A disappointing pregnancy test result is never welcome, but it can provide a valuable opportunity to improve herd reproductive performance when investigated properly.
When a bad pregnancy test indicates fewer confirmed pregnancies than expected, your herd vet becomes the critical link between the problem and the solution, guiding a systematic approach to reproductive issues.
Alison Gunn from Herd Solutions said that both beef and dairy herds across the region have recently recorded disappointing in-calf rates, with causes varying widely between properties.
“There is nothing worse than looking at the farmer’s face when you find a lot of empty cows, and they know that their income for the next year is going to be seriously impacted”, she commented.
If you do end up in this situation, it is always worth contacting your vet to find out why this problem has occurred.
Unfortunately, too many people think it is just due to poor seasonal conditions or a dud bull and don’t investigate, only to end up with the same issue the following year.
A thorough review of herd management follows, including joining duration, heifer mating weights, bull-to-cow ratios, artificial insemination (AI) protocols, cow condition and vaccination history.
These factors can significantly influence conception rates and early pregnancy survival.
Infectious disease screening is another key step.
Testing may include vibriosis (Campylobacter fetus), pestivirus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus (IBR), and trichomoniasis, depending on herd history and risk profile.
Bull fertility assessment is equally important.
Structural soundness, semen quality, and serving ability must all be confirmed to ensure adequate mating performance during joining.
Once the underlying issue is identified, a targeted herd reproductive plan can be implemented.
This may include tightening the calving window, improving AI timing accuracy, adjusting bull numbers, refining vaccination schedules, and strengthening on-farm biosecurity.
Attention to micronutrient status and heat detection practices can also deliver measurable gains.
Alison said that over the past year they have seen a number of cases of vibriosis, a preventable contributor, with effective vaccination programs available.
“We also commonly encounter issues with pestivirus and micromineral deficiencies and have also found problems with specific batches of semen and AI program timing,” she said.
Producers should note that most of the testing has to be done on the empty cows so it is important to contact vet before you sell those cows.
A poor pregnancy test result is not just a setback – it is a prompt to act.
With the right technical support, today’s problem can become next season’s productivity gain.
