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Signs to observe may include:
P R A C T I C A L G U I D E
Heat Detection in
Dairy
Cows
Increases in herd size and the decrease in availability of farm labour have led to
a reduction in heat detection rates and accuracy.
...that not all of the signs will be seen in all cattle.
The only definitive indicator of oestrus is a cow
standing to be mounted by another cow.
Signs of oestrus behaviour
vary greatly between
cattle and can differ in the intensity of expression.
Some cattle display marked signs of heat with
others being more subtle and therefore difficult
to observe. Heifers tend to demonstrate oestrus
behaviour more strongly than cows.
Remember...
When to observe oestrus behaviour
Accurate heat detection requires regular observation of
cows for signs of oestrus behaviour. Cows should be
observed for a minimum of 3 times a day, and at least
20 - 30 minutes each time.
Ideal times for heat detection:
l
Before collection for morning milking
l
Mid-morning
l
Before collection for evening milking
l
Late evening - bulling activity is frequent at this time
Good heat detection also depends upon
numerous other factors:
l
Cows willing to mount and be mounted,
i.e. a sexually active group in the herd
l
Suitable housing conditions
- good light and non-slippery
flooring
l
Healthy cows
- free from
disease, lameness and in
good body condition
Accuracy of heat detection can
be improved by the utilisation
of heat detection aids such
as tail paint (Figure 2), milk
progesterone assays, heat
mount detectors and activity
monitors including pedometers
and neck collars.
Improving knowledge and skills in this type of area is just the sort of thing that the
XLVets' FarmSkills initiative is designed to achieve. FarmSkills training is hands-on,
interactive, and led by trained facilitators who are vets or experts in their subject.
FarmSkills
Mill Farm, Studley Road, Ripon,
Yorkshire HG4 2QR
T:
(01765) 608489
E:
farmskills@xlvets.co.uk
www.farm-skills.co.uk
l
Mounting other cows is sometimes observed
either just before or just after oestrus
l
Restless or aggressive behaviour
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Reduced appetite, rumination and milk yield
l
'Fleshman lip curl'
- cows curl their upper
lip when detecting the pheromones of
other cattle
l
Standing to be mounted by other cows
l
Clear, elastic mucus discharge from the vulva,
which may be seen sticking to tail and flank
l
Slight elevation of the tail head
l
Ruffling of the hair on the tail head and rear
l
Rubbed areas of skin around tail head (see
Figure 1)
l
Soiling with dirt or mud around rear, and
on the flanks
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Bellowing
l
Wandering away from the main herd
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Vulva appears red and swollen
l
Rise in body temperature
l
Chin resting (see Figure 3)
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3