Early embryonic loss is a major reproductive challenge in cow–calf systems and is defined as losses that occur from conception to day 27 of gestation (Cipriano et al., 2016). Strategies to enhance early embryonic survival are thus warranted for optimal reproductive and overall efficiency of cow–calf operations. Our research group reported that supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) for 21 d beginning after AI increased pregnancy rates by 30% in Bos indicus beef cows (Lopes et al., 2009; Lopes et al., 2011). This outcome was credited to enhanced early pregnancy maintenance and later associated with incorporation of linoleic acid and its ω-6 derivatives into maternal and embryonic tissues (Cooke et al., 2014). Complementing these findings, Cipriano et al. (2016) reported that CSSO supplementation to B. indicus beef cows increased mRNA expression of interferon-tau (IFNt) on day 15 of gestation, which is the signaling molecule responsible for pregnancy recognition by maternal tissues to prevent luteolysis and subsequent pregnancy loss (Spencer and Bazer, 2004)...