Opinions on recip cows

Do you guys see a difference in conception rates from implanting 3-6 year old cows as opposed to say 8-11 year old cows. We average over 80% conception on our younger cows. We had 7 older cows that were treated the same and got the same embryos as the youger group and every one didn't take. This is the first year we had used cows this old we had some extra eggs to put in and just used those cows. Any opinions or past experiences would be appreciated.

There are probably more people than myself to give their opinion, but it stands to reason that older cows may have more repro problems than younger ones. I try to have all my recipts palpated  a couple weeks in advance of any setup shots. Identifying cystic or non cycling cows, etc. I know guys that have good luck with older cows and some will not use anything over six yrs. It could have just been bad luck. Just my opinion.

We've had no significant difference in conception rates....the only thing that I'd say is that the older cows probably can't raise them as well...smaller calves in the end.

We have one old recip that has carried an egg every year (sticks first time) since the late 90's...she's "retiring" this year.  Hate to see cows like that go.

There are so many factors that come to play here--genetics, nutrition, etc that it is hard to know for sure what caused your bad success rate.  I agree with Sparty--the problem is more with the calves being smaller out of older cows than conception rate.  Also, I would like to know if those extra eggs where threes and fours?  If so, then that could have been a factor more than the age of the cows.  We have had really good conception rates with first calf heifers but then you are back to smaller calves and possible calving issues.