Phantom cows… what’s the deal? This is when a cow has been put up for insemination and doesn’t show signs of heat within 35 days. So, you assume she’s pregnant, but then at the final scan she’s empty – immensely frustrating.

The causes are multifactorial. There is strong evidence that problems in the herd like endometritis (dirty cows), BVD, low body condition scores, and high numbers of non-cycling cows increase the risk of phantom cows, but they also likely have a genetic predisposition.

Identifying these cows means an early scanning session. Timing is critical. We can then use a hormone plan to get any cows found to not be pregnant cycling again, giving them a chance to get in calf before mating ends.

Get in touch with your KeyVet if you think you have a phantom cow problem. We all know the cost of an empty cow and if this method can get a few extra cows in calf for you, then the return on investment will be a good one!