The strength and duration of a cow’s heat reduces when there are less other cows on heat at the same time. To put it another way, if there are more cows bulling at the one time there will be longer and stronger heats so it is easier to pick up the bulling cows. Farmers who have vasectomised bulls at the ready should release them now. Some farmers will use additional heat detection aids for the final three weeks of AI.

Scratch cards and Kamars are a bit more sensitive to mounts than just tail paint. If sticking with tail paint, keep it topped up more regularly for the next few weeks. Some farmers are obsessive about keeping the paint topped up, and rightly so. Even a reduced shine on the paint could be a sign that the cow was bulling.

Update records and look back over them if unsure of whether a cow is in heat. There is a reasonable chance that a “doubtful cow” served within the last 18 to 24 days is bulling again. Say it to the AI technician that you are unsure about whether she is in heat or not. Those experienced at AI will know, in most cases, by the tone of the cervix whether she is bulling or not.

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Special focus: Spring AI 2017

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