We palpated our bred heifers this weekend. A few more were open than we would have liked (11 out of 67 - 16%), but we kind of expected it. We usually run less than 10% open. They came down with horrible foot rot last summer after weaning due to saturated pastures for the better part of two months. They are just now catching back up on weight after that little set back. Plus when we we dried up it never rained last fall and early winter so we didn't have any wheat to graze them on through breeding season. We breed them at 12-14 months old and they were only allowed a 85 day breeding window this past winter.
Good news is all of our top heifers were bred (perhaps I should say best looking heifers, I know - to be a top one they better breed) including every AI-sired heifer we had (Friction, Kadabra, & Paleface). We time AI'd virgin heifers for the first time last fall and 44 of the 56 breds appear to be within 30 days of one another by palpation. We'll see on actual AI conception rates come September. Our main goal was to tighten up the calving window somewhat and it looks good so far.
Good news is all of our top heifers were bred (perhaps I should say best looking heifers, I know - to be a top one they better breed) including every AI-sired heifer we had (Friction, Kadabra, & Paleface). We time AI'd virgin heifers for the first time last fall and 44 of the 56 breds appear to be within 30 days of one another by palpation. We'll see on actual AI conception rates come September. Our main goal was to tighten up the calving window somewhat and it looks good so far.