The most publicised development in heat detection aids over the last decade has been the use of electronic devices, whether on the cow or on the bull. The advantages are obvious – heat detection and in some cases health recording are now managed over the phone. The downsides are also obvious, with high costs of entry and in some cases annual usage charges.

However, not all new technology involves microchips and cloud computing. The trusty tail paint is still the most widely used method of heat detection (see last week’s article on the Tailpainter device) while scratch cards are gaining in popularity.

The first two types of scratch cards are self-adhesive, whereas the scratch cards on the roll need to be stuck on to the cow using Super 77 or similar spray-on carpet glue

There are a couple of brands of scratch cards available on the Irish market. Most are sold by AI companies and through co-ops and merchants. The Irish Farmers Journal recently made a video about the correct way to apply scratch cards. Three cards were used – Estrotect, AI Tags and AI Tags on a roll.

Scratch cards should be applied to clean and dry cows.

The first two types of scratch cards are self-adhesive, whereas the scratch cards on the roll need to be stuck on to the cow using Super 77 or similar spray-on carpet glue. The first thing to do is to clean the cow. A rubber brush should be used to remove any loose hairs and dirt from the area where you intend to apply the scratch card. Don’t rub this area too vigorously or you will bring up more oily hair, which will make it harder to stick. This area shouldn’t be clipped as you want the card to stick to the hair. After a few gentle rubs with the rubber brush, wipe off the area with a cotton cloth.

At this stage, the cow is ready for the scratch card to be applied. If using the self-adhesive cards, you need to activate the glue before you apply the card. If you’re doing a small number, this can be achieved by placing the pack of cards next to your chest and letting your body heat warm them.

There’s no glue on the roll of cards, so the carpet glue should be sprayed on to the card 30 or 40 seconds before applying the scratch card

If applying a larger number you should heat up the cards by placing them in a cooler box along with a hot water bottle. After a few minutes of heat, the glue in the cards becomes soft and sticky.

There’s no glue on the roll of cards, so the carpet glue should be sprayed on to the card 30 or 40 seconds before applying the scratch card. Spray an area slightly larger than the card and leave it get tacky before putting on the card. Some farmers will use the spray-on glue even when using the self-adhesive cards in order to get a better hold.

The location of the scratch card on the cow is very important.

The card should be applied between the hip bones and the top of the tail head but very close to the hip bones. The card should be applied sideways on the cow, so the long side of the card is running in line with the hip bones, and not from head to tail. Clip the animals’ tails to prevent the tail from swishing too much and activating the scratch card.

Judgement

Use your judgement to determine if the cow is on heat or not. If 50% of the scratch card is activated then the cow is almost certainly bulling. Sometimes, only 10% or 15% of the card might be activated. In these situations the cow might be coming into heat or else it got rubbed off accidentally.

Cost wise, the cards are more expensive than tail paint. The Estrotect scratch cards cost between €2.00 and €2.70 each depending on the quantity being purchased. Self-adhesive AI tags are cheaper at €1.30 each, while the roll of 100 scratch cards and can of glue costs €75 or 75c each. Tail paint is not recommended to be used on heifers. AI Tags are available from Progressive Genetics and North Cork Dairy Services