Heat Detection Tips

Heat detection requires thorough observation regardless of which aid you choose to use. To help ensure success, follow these tips.

	Observe the cows for 30 minutes twice a day, early in the morning and early in the evening. Consider observations at noon when mounting activity is high.
	Observe cows away from the feed bunk.
	Hot weather, high production, crowded conditions or high stress environments may curtail mounting activity. Adjust your observations accordingly.
	Cows in standing heat average about 1.5 mounts per hour and are in heat 6-8 hours.
	Cows may be willing to mount others even though neither may stand for a mount.
	Cows in pre-heat may bawl, be restless or sniff, lick or headbutt other cattle.