Management of Pregnant Heifers in the Feedlot

Abstract

Pregnant heifer management is a challenge to the feeding industry. Pregnant heifers represent a loss to the feedyard in numerous areas. Most packing plants don't mind pregnant heifers because they are buying the cattle on a grade and yield basis, and they get the fetal calf serum, which they sell for $25.00 to $110.00 per liter. Therefore when management strategies are evaluated, all of these areas need to be considered. If the last two decades of experience have taught us anything, pregnancy testing on arrival and the judicious use of abortifacients will generate the most cost-effective program.