Heat Detection Solutions

by Dr. Armon Hetzel, ANIMART ProHealth Veterinarian

Good pregnancy rates are dependent on conception rates and heat detection rates. By improving heat detection, a producer will improve both their conception and pregnancy rate thereby increasing profitability.

Problems:

Many herds use heat synchronization programs to regulate estrus. These programs work well, but hormones are costly, and effectiveness is dependent on staff following proper injection protocol.

Other herds may depend on visual observation by employees for detection. Again, problems can occur if employees are busy or if they are unfamiliar with the signs of a cow coming into heat, in standing heat, and going out of heat.

Signs of heat:

Early Signs include increased restlessness/physical activity and attempts to mount other cows but will not stand to be mounted. WIll have red and swollen vulva.

Signs of Standing Estrus are a combination of early signs but will now stand to be mounted, have clear and watery mucus discharge, and have decreased intake and production.

Late Signs include mounting other cows but not standing to be mounted. Hair around tail head, hips or rear may be rubbed off due to mounting.

These are all subtle indications that a cow may be in heat. Cows should display estrus behavior within 60 days of calving.

When to inseminate:

Conventionally, the timing of insemination should be based on the onset of standing estrus, i.e., inseminated about 12 hours after onset of estrus.

Solution:

Several brands of electronic heat detection systems are available that automatically monitor the movement of cattle. Most systems involve the use of a cow tag, receiver and a computer program on a farm laptop.

ANIMART is introducing the Legend Heat Detection System, a system for continuously monitoring cow activity. It establishes a normal baseline activity for each cow, alerting producers to abnormal spikes. This dynamic program provides advanced, high resolution heat detection that continuously (every six minutes) sends signals to the receivers, and is constantly updating information on the farm computer.

Beyond use for heat detection, Legend Heat Detection System develops a standing lying ratio to help identify cows with decreased activity, alerting producers to possible sick and lame cows and cows due to freshen. There is a great advantage of detecting these problems before they develop into more severe cases.

More information about Legend Heat Detection System can be obtained via a trusted ANIMART representative at 800.255.1181 or http://www.animart.com/legend.