Heat Detection Breeding • Use of AI • Heat detection • Factors affecting conception rate Primary Sign of Heat Secondary Signs of Heat • Sliming • • • • • • • Restlessness Mounting activity Trailing other cows Bellowing Mounting or dirt marks Skin Marks Met-oestrous bleeding Mucous vaginal discharge Chin resting Factors affecting the Expression of heat Teagasc, Athenry Results No. Mounts Effect of underfoot surface on number of mounts received per heifer during standing heat. 40 20 0 30 40 48 20 Slats Straw Plastic Pasture Underfoot surface Effect of underfoot surface on duration of heat Hours 20 14,2 15 10 12,3 14,7 8,6 5 0 Slats Straw Plastic Underfoot surface Pasture Effect of number of heifers in heat simultaneously on the number of mounts received heifer during standing heat. No. Mount s 40 20 0 17 29 40 1 2 3 No Heifers in Heat Simultaneously Duration of Standing Heat • Average = 8 -14 hours (Range 3-30 hours) • Similar for cows and heifers • Range 3-30 hours • Interruptions in standing activity Pattern of heat Onset % of cows first observed at 7:00 10:00 13:00 16:00 23:00 47% 5% 5% 20% 20% Improving heat detection • Commitment and understanding heat behaviour • Tail paint • Oestrus Alert Patches • Teaser Bull Teaser Bulls • Use yearling bull • Vasectomise 6 weeks before intended use • Fit with chin-ball 2-3 weeks before introduction to herd • Castrate or sell at end of breeding season 1 FEFC88F