If a ranch is capable of maintaining the cows flesh over winter, compensatory grass gain is usually realized from green grass. However, the profit must exceed the risk involved in retained ownership and the opportunity value of the money for that period of time. The open cows could be exposed to the bulls for fall or spring calving. The pregnant cows could then be sold as fall or spring calving cows or retained within the herd. There are varying opinions on this subject.
Most professionals recommend selling all open cows.
However, some cattle ranchers question the wisdom of this advice. Their thoughts are that young open cows should not be sold when certain market situations exist or when the cow is not pregnant for certain reasons. Open cows managed for prevention of reproductive failure make poor candidates for a second chance cow. They were given every opportunity to succeed and failed. Mismanaged open cows make good candidates for a second chance.