Cattle Pregnancy Checking in Starkville, MS
Non-productive cows drain profits from Oktibbeha County operations. Tri-State Livestock LLC. delivers accurate pregnancy diagnosis throughout Starkville and surrounding areas, enabling strategic culling decisions that improve overall herd efficiency and reduce unnecessary feed costs.
The Economics of Early Detection
Every open cow identified in early fall can be marketed before winter feeding begins. Consider: 150 days of hay feeding at 25 pounds daily equals 1.9 tons consumed. At $60/ton, that's $114 just in hay-before mineral, pasture opportunity costs, or labor. Multiply by multiple opens, and the financial impact becomes obvious.
Palpation vs. Ultrasound
Rectal Palpation: Immediate results, no batteries or screens. Highly accurate from 35 days onward with experienced practitioners. Cost-effective for commercial decision-making.
Ultrasound: Earlier detection (28 days) and precise fetal aging. Reserved for high-value situations or when exact breeding dates are critical.
What Happens After Checking
Results drive action. Young cows with first breeding failures often warrant second chances-rebreed via AI or bull exposure. Older, chronically open animals should be culled while body condition supports sale value. We discuss options based on age, condition, and your replacement availability.
Timing Recommendations
Check 35-45 days post-breeding minimum for reliable results. Fall checking (September-October) allows marketing decisions before winter hay feeding. Spring checking post-calving identifies open cows before the next breeding season.
Starkville Pregnancy Checking Pricing
$6-$9 per head for efficient groups (15+ head). Smaller herds subject to minimum trip charges. Includes recordkeeping, individual cow assessment, and management recommendations.
Integrated Herd Management
- Breeding services
- Forage testing for nutritional planning
- Grazing management
Service Area
Serving Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and adjacent areas including western Winston and Noxubee counties.
Schedule Pregnancy Checking