Cows in colour
A good heat detection system and staying focused on the job ensures cows truly on heat are submitted to AI as soon as possible after calving. Staying focused on heat detection for at least two cycles will get more AI calves.
Every cow that you find truly on heat is worth $200. If you miss heats or submit cows not on heat you will have fewer AI calves and lose dollars.
Your heat detection system is working well if:
- Seasonal herds - 9 out of 10 cows are inseminated within the first three weeks of mating
- Year-round herds - 3 out of 4 cows are inseminated within 80 days after calving (if you are aiming for a 12-month calving interval)
Get a Fertility Focus Report for your herd to check submission rate and heat detection efficiency.
All farms should use heat detection as it helps identify cows on heat. For best results combine paddock checks with the use of aids to look for signs and indicators of heat.
Key resources
To order free copies of the Cows in Colour booklet – print out and fax back this order form.
Farmer case studies