After a late spring when not a lot of grass was in the diet of dairy cows, body condition score is lower than normal and many cows are still displaying their winter coats.
This shaggy appearance is not a good look in the run up to the breeding season when cows need to be in top shape in order to go back in-calf.
Over the next few weeks dairy farms across the country will be starting the breeding season. Good heat detection is a key plank of any breeding season.
ADVERTISEMENT
In total there are 10 signs of heat but within these, there are probably only three sure signs of heat, but a good stockperson will spot the other signals and use these to build up the case as to whether the cow is “on” or not.
1) The most definite sign is when a cow is seen standing to be mounted by other cows.
2) Tail paint is removed.
3) Heat mount detector (kamar or scratch card is triggered).
4) The cow attempts to mount other cows.
5) Tail paint is rubbed but not removed.
6) The cow is restless or bellowing or acting out of character such as running on the farm roadway.
7) The cow has poor milk let-down.
8) You see clear mucus around the vulva.
9) You see mud marks on the flanks.
10) The heat mount detector is lost.
It’s easy to identify the easy cases, what is more challenging is to identify the maybe cases where weak heats are shown.
Given the condition cows are in, there may be more weak heats this year compared to other years. Regular monitoring of cows is important, as is correct use of heat detection aids such as tail paint, scratch cards or automated aids.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
After a late spring when not a lot of grass was in the diet of dairy cows, body condition score is lower than normal and many cows are still displaying their winter coats.
This shaggy appearance is not a good look in the run up to the breeding season when cows need to be in top shape in order to go back in-calf.
Over the next few weeks dairy farms across the country will be starting the breeding season. Good heat detection is a key plank of any breeding season.
In total there are 10 signs of heat but within these, there are probably only three sure signs of heat, but a good stockperson will spot the other signals and use these to build up the case as to whether the cow is “on” or not.
1) The most definite sign is when a cow is seen standing to be mounted by other cows.
2) Tail paint is removed.
3) Heat mount detector (kamar or scratch card is triggered).
4) The cow attempts to mount other cows.
5) Tail paint is rubbed but not removed.
6) The cow is restless or bellowing or acting out of character such as running on the farm roadway.
7) The cow has poor milk let-down.
8) You see clear mucus around the vulva.
9) You see mud marks on the flanks.
10) The heat mount detector is lost.
It’s easy to identify the easy cases, what is more challenging is to identify the maybe cases where weak heats are shown.
Given the condition cows are in, there may be more weak heats this year compared to other years. Regular monitoring of cows is important, as is correct use of heat detection aids such as tail paint, scratch cards or automated aids.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS