Pregnancy checking gives cattle producers more than a yes or no answer. It provides a reproductive report card that can help guide culling decisions, manage feed costs, and prepare for calving season. In this episode of Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media, hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, welcome Elle Terhaar, CEO of ReproScan Technologies, for a conversation about pregnancy diagnosis in cattle.

Drawing on her ranching background and experience teaching bovine reproductive ultrasound, Elle explains how pregnancy testing helps identify open cows, evaluate herd performance, and allocate resources effectively. The discussion compares heat detection, blood testing, rectal palpation, and ultrasound, highlighting how herd size, available labor, equipment, and timing influence which approach fits an operation.

Elle shares what ultrasounds can reveal beyond pregnancy status, including fetal age, viability, twins, and, under the right conditions, fetal sex. She also explains why accurate results depend on training, understanding equipment limitations, and presenting cattle at an appropriate stage

of pregnancy. Kaid shares an experience with incorrectly identified open cows, underscoring the importance of confidence and accuracy before making culling decisions.

For producers and practitioners building their ultrasound skills, the conversation emphasizes practice, reviewing images, and confirming an open uterus rather than assuming a cow is open simply because a pregnancy is not immediately visible. Elle also explores fetal sexing, its potential value for seedstock operations and bred female marketing, and why this advanced skill requires experience and careful scheduling.

The episode wraps up with considerations for a successful day at the chute. From cattle preparation and image quality to calm handling, secure restraint, and safe facilities, the hosts and Elle discuss ways producers and veterinarians can work together more efficiently.

Whether you are planning your next herd pregnancy check, exploring ultrasound technology, or sharpening your reproductive management skills, this episode offers useful perspectives on turning pregnancy data into informed decisions. Tune in for a conversation focused on working relationships, better herd information, and an organized calving season.

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