Pregnant heifer?

Well-grown heifer calves are capable of becoming pregnant from about 6 months of age.

Bull calves can be fertile from around the same age. But pregnancies in yearling heifers are bad news and the younger the heifer, the more serious the consequences.

It’s far better to prevent heifer pregnancies than to deal with the aftermath.

Don’t allow any bull over 4 months old to run with heifers older than 6 months.

Can Young Heifers Get Pregnant?

Yes. It’s not uncommon for heifers as young as six months to become pregnant if exposed to bulls, particularly on mixed grazing blocks.

What Happens If a Heifer Gets Pregnant Too Young?

But accidents do happen. What if a bull jumps the gate and your heifer is mated?

Letting nature take its course is rarely a good option. Here's why:

• The heifer is too small to safely carry and deliver a full-term calf.

• Difficult births are likely, with a high risk of stillbirths.

• Surviving heifers may suffer internal damage, leading to paralysis, infection, or permanent infertility.

• If the calf gets stuck, both animals may die.

• If the calf dies in utero, it will have to be removed by a vet—often in pieces.

• The foetus takes priority, stunting the heifer’s own growth and compromising her long-term health.

What To Do If You Suspect a Heifer is Pregnant

If you think a young heifer has been mated:

• Call your vet immediately - ideally within a few days.

• If it’s very early, abortion can be induced easily.

• In later stages, your vet might recommend:

• Drug-induced calving

• Caesarean section

• Euthanasia of the calf or heifer

• If a normal calving is considered, you’ll need:

• A well-grown heifer

• A small calf

• Good yards and facilities

• A vet on call

Veterinary Costs and Welfare Considerations

Every option requires veterinary involvement, and that means cost.

But vet bills are usually small compared to the long-term damage a heifer pregnancy can cause.

Humane Slaughter as a Last Resort

In some cases, the only humane option is to euthanise the heifer.

You may get some return via the works or a home-kill butcher, but it’s still a difficult decision.

Final Advice: Keep Bulls and Heifers Separate

The bottom line?

If your young heifer gets pregnant, there’s rarely a happy ending.

Prevent it from happening:

• Maintain secure fencing

• Use electric outriggers where needed

• Keep bulls well separated from young females - preferably a long way downwind!