How cattle producers can rebound from 2023 high open rates
High cattle open rates recorded in areas across Western Canada last year mean affected beef producers should be setting up their herds for success now.
A report from the Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WECAHN) said that open rates were “all over the map” – from 2 to 3 percent up to 40+ percent in the third quarter of 2023. The averages were a bit higher at 10 to 12 percent versus 8 to 10 percent in 2022.
Experts agree it’s a multi-year, multi-factor problem. Drought, early snow and other adverse weather conditions have resulted in poor forage quality and compromised water quality in many regions. The results have manifested in lower calving distribution
rates.
Dr. Jason Mcgillivray says that, in the Kamloops, British Columbia area, the problems started in the 2021-22 winter when there was lower feed quality followed by a dry spring.
In Brooks, Taber and Lethbridge, Alberta, Dr. Blake Balog says data from his practice indicated that, on average, open rates were about 12 percent for cows and 14 percent for heifers.
In the southeast area of Manitoba, Dr. Kurtis Swirsky says his clients have experienced similar situations, with some chronically affected herds that run higher open rates and some that have lower rates.
Keeping a close eye on body condition scores and improving nutrition and water quality are some of the best ways to decrease open rates in cows.
Both Dr. Swirsky and Dr. Mcgillivray point out that making sure the cows have good body condition before being put out on grass is important, even if it costs more in feed.
Dr. Balog says the careful genetic selection of cattle to match changing environmental conditions, managing stocking densities and better managing grass will go a long way to helping alleviate problems.
“In the last few years, improving water quality with structures has been important, too, along with better grazing strategies,” he says.
Yaremcio also says when you work with the cattle every day it is difficult to recognize changes in condition. Having a second set of eyes on cattle can help evaluate body condition.
Hands-on body condition scoring is even more accurate, especially for evaluating the cows’ fat stores, and the BCRC has resources to help beef producers with that.