Cows get restless and their behaviour in the paddock and in the shed changes when they are on heat. They eat less and move more.
Observation of these changes is one of your best tools for determining the right time to put her up for AI.
Watch them
• between milkings - about 2 hours after milking is over
• before and after milkings in the paddock
• in the race on the way to the shed
Use the chart, photos and videos to assist you. It is important to differentiate between cows coming onto heat and those that are standing (and ready to be mated)
any or some of these...
always sniffing and licking at butts
walking around in lines following each other
"play" fighting
Cows in pairs or groups, standing close head to tail are other signs.
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If you have an internet connection watch this YouTube video about cows coming into heat |
These are the ones to be mated.
You need to look for the other signs as well - the behaviour signs as well as the rubbed paint, and standing to be ridden.
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If you have an internet connection watch this YouTube video about cows standing heat and ready to be mated |