With the breeding season kicking off in the south of the country, it’s time to brush up on the basics of recognising if a cow is coming in heat, in heat or going off heat. Key ingredients for any farmer at this time of year are to have your notebook in your top pocket and your breeding chart on the wall of the dairy.
With the breeding season kicking off in the south of the country, it’s time to brush up on the basics of recognising if a cow is coming in heat, in heat or going off heat.
Key ingredients for any farmer at this time of year are to have your notebook in your top pocket and your breeding chart on the wall of the dairy.
Signs of cows coming into heat
It is essential to make a note of cows that are coming into heat. You may be unlucky not to see them standing later on.Lasts six to 10 hours.She will not stand to be mounted, even though other cows will try.She smells other cows.She attempts to mount other cows and is in the group when another cow is bulling.Vulva is moist, red and slightly swollen.She is restless and bellows.Signs that indicate a cow is bulling
She stands to be mounted.Hair and skin rubbed off crest of tail.Nervous, excitable and restless.May mount other cows.Stands with back arched and tail in the air.Spends less time grazing.Produces less milk.Vulva is moist and red with a clear mucus discharge.May come in first or last to milking parlour.Signs that indicate the bulling period is over
Cow doesn’t stand.May smell others.She has a clear mucus discharge.She has blood around the vulva.You are now wasting a straw by insemination (6% chance of success). Read more
Plan for breeding maiden heifers
Breeding season kicking off in Cork
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