Getting cows bred in a timely manner and pregnant at first service is impacted by their ability to show a heat. If cows\u2019 environment isn\u2019t conducive to expressing heats with physical indicators like mounting, chin resting and sniffing \u2013 it could impact your herd\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\n
Many influences play a role in a cow\u2019s reproductive cycle. When dairy farmers have strategies in place to allow for cows to express heats, they can breed them at the optimum insemination time and better reach their reproduction goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
To make sure you\u2019re not missing a cow in heat evaluate these six management areas:<\/p>\n
1. Housing
\nToo many cows in one place can decrease the amount of activity in a group. Ensure cows have adequate space to allow cow-to-cow interaction by using the following parameters:
\nHave at least one lying stall for each cow.
\nInclude at least two feet of bunk space per cow.<\/p>\n
2. Floor surface
\nAny slippery or very coarse surface makes cows nervous. Continuously keep your freestall floors clean. Incorporate these cow-friendly floor characteristics on your dairy:
\nA dry walking surface
\nConfident and comfortable footing with sufficient floor grip
\nDurable floor<\/p>\n
3. Feet and leg problems
\nCows with sore feet or legs exhibit less mounting activity. When they\u2019re not in heat and have sore feet or legs, they may stand to be mounted by another cow because they don\u2019t want to move. Ultimately, showing a false heat. Additionally, sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) can cause lameness in cows. To help with mounting activity, consider the following tips:
\nIncorporate a hoof trimming routine
\nBreed for better feet and legs<\/p>\n
4. Status of herd mates
\nThe number of mounts per cow increases with the number of cows currently in heat. Therefore, the chance of more than one cow being in heat on any day becomes less for smaller herds or with an increase in pregnant cows in a group. Consider dividing your groups so higher producing, early lactation cows are together in a group. Not only does this offer more efficient heat detection and artificial insemination, but it also allows you to productively feed a diet for higher production.<\/p>\n
5. Keep cows cool
\nExternal temperatures above 85 degrees F cause less mounting because cows are uncomfortable in this high-temperature weather. Integrate proper heat abatement strategies for your farm to keep your cows cool and active during warmer weather. This could include fans, water sprinklers and shade canopies.<\/p>\n
6. Activity monitors
\nWatching for heats 24\/7 is another challenge you face. With an activity monitoring system and having the above tips set in place, you don\u2019t have to worry about missing a single heat. Even when you\u2019re not around to see it.<\/p>\n
\u201cInseminating cows at the right time matters to your herd\u2019s bottom-line, so it\u2019s important to catch cows in heat when it\u2019s most productive to breed them,\u201d says Aves. \u201cActivity monitors are a tool to track heats 24\/7 so you don\u2019t have to spend time watching for heats or worry about missing a heat. However, to catch cows in heat, cows need to physically show their heats. Having appropriate environmental and management protocols in place will help ensure you never miss a single heat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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