Drought Conditions Affect Cattle Open Rates, Impacting Reproductive Efficiency

Recent years of dry conditions have significantly impacted beef operations, particularly affecting the open rates of cattle. The lack of adequate forage due to drought has reduced the energy available to cows, impacting their body condition and subsequently their ability to conceive. This situation has led to higher open rates, with farms needing to keep more replacement heifers and face the challenges of trace mineral deficiencies and increased nitrate toxicity risks, further complicating reproductive efficiency.