Late mating reports are generated weekly towards the end of the mating period. The focus on the report is 'phantom cows' which can be 10% of non-returning cows.
Phantom cows – What you need to know
Phantom cows have been mated and not returned to heat within 24 days despite not being pregnant. They can quietly increase empty rates, especially in late-calving, older, or low-condition cows. These can be identified by early pregnancy testing around six weeks after the start of mating. Treating phantom cows with CIDRs near the end of mating can boost in-calf rates and pay off well, especially when combined with short gestation semen.
Recommended actions:
Keep accurate heat and mating records (including bull matings).
Monitor cows that haven’t returned to heat after 24+ days.
Consider phantom scanning after 35 days since their last recorded mating.
Treat eligible cows late in mating with CIDRs for best return.
Combine with short gestation semen for maximum benefit
Exception reporting
The report summary highlights key exceptions, with detailed cow lists available in the attached Excel files:
Heats without a mating recorded – This is useful in detecting issues with your drafting gate
Matings without a heat recorded
Professional guidance
For herd-specific treatment plans we recommend consulting with your veterinarian or farm advisor.