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Why do I have so many open cows? Causes of reproductive failure

By Bethany Johnston and Rick Funsto, Nebraska Extension
Jan 24, 2026
Jan 24, 2026

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By Bethany Johnston and Rick Funsto, Nebraska Extension

When the veterinarian calls out and marks an “O” on the hips of “open” or non-pregnant cows during pregnancy checks, producers figure the herd percentage bred by dividing the number of pregnant cows by the total cows exposed. Armed with these numbers, the question can arise, “Why is my open rate so much higher this year?”

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