In a smaller herd (25 head) with a good bull in natural service 100% preg rate is a realistic goal and achievable. I can't afford to keep an open female for a year at which time she may be open again. The cost of keeping an open cow is unlikely ever to be made up in the future.

After preg check in Nov any open females, or ones way out of sync with the others, if that occurs, get sold immediately. I've had one open in 3 years and that was probably my fault.  I feel a good mineral prgram is an important part of having them all preg and calving hopefully in one cycle but no more than two.

In a larger more dipersed herd there are a lot more reasons a cow might be open and maybe the cost of keeping an open cow are not as high. Yes 100% may not be achievable in a large herd but I think it can still be a goal. jmho.

Jim at Dawn