10

Heat detection

The importance of good heat detection 78

“I’ve been mating cows for years. Surely I know how to detect heat?” 78

Assessing heat detection using submission rates 79

“I think she’s on heat but I’m not sure. Should she be inseminated?” 80

What to look for in a cow that is on heat 81

How to improve your heat detection program 82

“Is there a simple way to check for non-cycling cows?” 83

“Boy, it doesn’t take long to miss a heat!” 84

Heat detection aids 85

“How do I make sure I get the tail paint on right?” 86

Heat synchronisation 93 10
“If we’ve got a big group to do, what else do we need to consider?” 94

“I hate the possibility of injuries being caused by all those cows riding each other.” 95 Heat detection
“How could I cope with all those cows calving at once?” 95

“I want to synchronise and AI my heifers, so what do I need to think about?“ 96

Managing cows not detected on heat 98

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 The importance of good
heat detection
Good heat detection programs can have a major impact on overall
herd reproductive performance. While it seems obvious that cows
not detected on heat will not get pregnant to AI, the key to
ensuring semen is not wasted and cows conceive at the right time is
accurate heat detection.

The first step towards getting better results is to assess current heat
detection practices to see if they can be improved. There are two
types of errors that can occur during heat detection. You can miss a
cow that is actually on heat or you can misinterpret the signs shown
by a cow and think she’s on heat when she’s not.

If you miss a lot of heats, the submission rate of your herd will be
low. The submission rate helps determine the numbers of cows in
the herd that you have detected on heat and inseminated. You are
aiming for high submission rates, but you don’t want to achieve this
by inseminating cows that are not on heat.

I’ve been mating cows for years. Surely I know how to detect heat?
It’s fine to say that you are a good heat detector but InCalf research has shown that in around
one-quarter of seasonal calving herds and three-quarters of year-round calving herds, heat
detection errors are likely to be limiting reproductive performance.
There are two mistakes that are commonly made by many farmers when detecting heat. They
miss heats and invent heats. It sounds unusual to invent heats, but how many times have you
recorded the wrong cow ID or confused the cow that was on heat. Sometimes these
misdiagnosed or misidentified cows are inseminated when they were not on heat? The results of
these mistakes are wasted semen, cows taking longer to become pregnant and poorer herd
reproductive performance.
Heat detection errors could well be holding you back.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
Assessing heat detection
using submission rates
Submission rates are a useful tool in assessing your current
management of heat detection.

Submission rates can be low for two reasons:

Cows are called ‘non-cyclers’ when
1. Your cows are showing heat normally but you are not detecting they have not started normal heat
them. cycles after calving. Excessive
numbers of non-cyclers can be due
2. You have lots of ‘non-cyclers’ in your herd that are not showing to low body condition at calving,
excessive body condition loss after
heat normally.
calving, lameness and other cow
health problems after calving. In
Low submission rates suggest action is required. Start by reviewing
seasonal/split calving herds, the
heat detection practices then look at other areas such as body number of non-cyclers is also
condition, health or heat stress. increased if more cows calve late in
the calving period.
Year-round calving herds, go to page 80

So, I don’t want too many

non-cyclers in my herd and
I’ve got to be careful not to
miss heats.
Seasonal/split calving herds

Using submission rates

Obtain your herd’s 3-week submission rate for early-calved, mature
cows on day 22 of mating. Early-calved, mature cows are cows
that are 4 or more years of age at calving and that calved 6 or 10
more weeks before the start of mating. The 3-week submission
rate of this group of cows in the herd is a good indicator of heat
detection accuracy. Heat detection
Top farmers achieve a 92% 3-week submission rate for The InCalf Fertility Focus report
early-calved, mature cows. calculates your herd’s 3-week
submission rate for early-calved,
If less than 85%, the low submission rate in early- mature cows.
calved mature cows is a strong indicator that heat Alternatively, you can calculate this
detection rates are low and reviewing detection figure manually, as explained in the
strategies should be a high priority. The only other InCalf Heat Detection Tool.
77–102
possible cause is an excessive number of non-cyclers
due to low body condition before Mating Start Date.
Check your body condition score records to determine
if cows have lost too much condition after calving
(page 69).
Continue reading, page 80

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 Year-round calving herds

Using submission rates

At least every 2 months, obtain your herd’s 80-day submission
rate.
Top farmers achieve an 80-day submission rate of
about 73%.
If the 80-day submission rate is less than 61%, the
low performance may be due to low heat detection
The InCalf Fertility Focus report rates and/or excessive numbers of non-cycling cows.
calculates your herd’s 80-day
The latter can be due to low body condition at
submission rate for you.
calving, excessive body condition loss after calving or
cow health problems. If your herd’s 100-day in-calf
rate is also low, seek an in-depth assessment of heat
detection by an adviser.
Ensure your heat detection strategy includes a method of
identifying cows in the mating group or cows due to be mated.
Try the tail tape system on page 88.
A word of caution: if excessive numbers of cows are being
inseminated when not on heat, the submission rate will be high
but conception rates will be poor. Check your herd’s conception
rate is at least 43%.

I think she’s on heat but I’m not sure. Should she be inseminated?
• Record a ‘?’ in the AI record whenever you inseminate a cow that is possibly on heat but you
are not sure.
• Look up any previous insemination and heat records for the cow that is possibly on heat.
• Inseminate if the cow has not been inseminated since calving and is showing reasonable signs
of heat.
• If the cow’s previous insemination was more than 20 days ago, inseminate.
• If the cow’s previous insemination was less than 20 days ago, inseminate if the previous heat
was weak (marked with a ’?’). Otherwise, look for more signs of heat. If these are seen,
inseminate.
• If you decide to inseminate a doubtful cow:
– if you have difficulty passing the insemination gun through the cervix, perform a deep
cervical insemination (in other words, don’t pass the gun right through into the uterus).
– consider using less expensive semen.
If more than 10% of inseminations are cows with weak heat signs, or many intervals between
consecutive inseminations are less than 18 days, then …
Take a long hard look at your heat detection practices.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
What to look for in a cow
that is on heat
A cow is most likely to be on heat if:

• she is standing to be mounted by other cows;

• tail paint is removed (page 86); or

• heat mount detector is triggered (page 89).

A cow may be on heat if:

Signs that a cow is on heat:
• she attempts to mount other cows;
> The cow that is standing to
• tail paint is rubbed but not removed; be mounted is on heat.

• she is restless or bellowing; > Tail paint is removed and

mud marks on flank.
• she has poor milk letdown;

• you see mucus around the vulva;

• you see mud marks on the flanks; or

• the heat mount detector is lost.

Cows with at least two of these signs are possibly on heat but
showing only weak signs. Some will not be on heat. Make sure
everyone knows what to do with cows that are showing weak signs
of heat (see bottom of page 80).

Normally, you can expect a cow to show signs of heat every

18–24 days with an average of around 21 days in cows and 20
days in heifers.

Cows often have a short cycle after their first heat and are in heat
again 8–12 days later. The average interval from calving to first
heat in pasture-fed cows in good body condition is 30–35 days. It is 10
about 10 days longer in first calving heifers.

It is important that everyone on the farm knows the signs of heat. Heat detection
You may know them, but do all the members of the farm team?

Signs that a cow may be on heat:

> Part of a restless groups of cows. > Trying to mount other cows.

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 How to improve your
CHAPTER 10

heat detection
The best heat detection programs start with careful timing, good
observation and the effective use of detection aids. Being able to
distinguish and interpret cow behaviour and other signs is critical –
so are good record keeping and training for the people responsible
for heat detection.

Step 1 is to review the heat detection skills available on your farm –

are they up to scratch? Does everyone involved know exactly what
to look for when detecting cows on heat? (page 81)

Step 2 involves determining which aids you will use; remember,

farmers with the best heat detection results use a combination of
observation and heat detection aids (page 84). No one method is
perfect. Be prepared to test several combinations of options to
identify the one most suitable to your herd. Tail paint is the most
commonly used heat detection aid (page 86).

Finally, keep an eye on the detail. Schedule regular times to monitor

the success of the program (page 79). This information is critical if
you are to spot trends early. A successful heat detection program
relies on monitoring and fine-tuning all through the mating period.

Recording heats before mating begins

The period before mating begins offers an opportunity to practise
heat detection skills, check for cows not detected on heat and
anticipate when cows may next come on heat. Farm team training
should be organised at this time. The most experienced person can
help less experienced team members interpret signs of heat.

Seasonal/split calving herds, go to page 83

Year-round calving herds

Heat detection before mating

• Record dates for observed heats between calving and
insemination (page 145). This allows you to anticipate when
cows may next be on heat.
• If you are using anticipated heat dates, be sure cows are not
being submitted too early, when they are coming on to heat,
rather than after standing heat has occurred.
• Records of past heats help confirm that cows showing weak
signs of heat about 3 weeks after a recorded date are actually
on heat.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 Seasonal/split calving herds

Heat detection before mating

• Monitor heats before Mating Start Date if you wish to treat
cows not detected on heat early (page 98). Use the Why Wait
heat synchrony option (page 97) or estimate the herd’s pre-
mating cycling rate.
• Record which cows have a heat before Mating Start Date.
• Calculate your herd’s pre-mating cycling rate (see below). This
tells you the percentage of non-pregnant cows in your herd
that have shown signs of heat before mating begins.
If less than 70%, your heat detection has not been
effective or you have too many non-cyclers in the
herd. You may need to modify your pre-mating heat
detection strategy (page 82), ensure that most cows
calve early in future calving periods (page 153), calve
your cows in better condition at the next calving
period (page 67) or make sure that heifers reach their
target liveweight at calving (page 46). Also check that
your cows have not lost excessive body condition after
calving (page 64).

Is there a simple way to check for non-cycling cows?

• Apply tail paint of one colour (e.g. red) to every non-pregnant milker 30 days before Mating
Start Date.
• Apply tail paint (red) to later calvers when they first enter the milking herd. 10
• Check tail painted cows for rubbed tail paint twice weekly until Mating Start Date.
• At these checks:
– ensure all cows have an unbroken strip of paint throughout the monitoring period; and Heat detection
– repaint rubbed cows with a different colour paint (e.g. blue).
The cows with the original tail paint colour (red) are unlikely to have come on heat since tail
paint was first applied. Cows with the other tail paint colour (blue) have had at least one heat
since tail paint was first applied.
You can also estimate your herd’s pre-mating cycling rate with this method:
Pre-mating cycling rate = No. of blue painted cows x 100 77–102
(No. of blue + No. of red painted cows)
It seems like an extra job at a busy time of year, but this system can let you know
early how many cows are cycling and is essential for treating non-cyclers early.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities

Boy, it doesn’t take long
to miss a heat!
The average duration of heat
in dairy cows is about 14
hours as long as weather
conditions are normal. Heats
can be as short as 2 hours
and as long as 28 hours.
Paddock checks should be
performed at least twice daily
to catch short heats.
Paddock checks twice a
day are a real
commitment – but doing
them well is the key to
achieving good results.
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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
Using paddock observations and detection aids
for best results
InCalf research has shown that the best heat detection results are
achieved by combining paddock observations and heat detection
aids such as tail paint and heat mount detectors.
During a paddock check, observe cows quietly, paying particular
attention to restless groups of cows. A twice-daily time commitment
is required. This is a very accurate method if your farm team are
well trained and cows can be easily identified.
Sexually active groups contain cows standing to be mounted as well
as those attempting to mount other cows and they help pinpoint
cows most likely to be on heat.
• Check that all cows in the herd are individually identified using
eartags, freezebrands, etc, that can be read from some distance.
• In year-round calving herds, use a coloured tail tape system
(page 88). Focus on cows with red tail tape when observing the
herd.
• Do paddock checks 2 hours after the morning milking and again
in the early afternoon. Cows show strongest heat signs once
most of the feed in their paddock has been grazed.
• After insemination, return cows to the milking herd as soon as
possible unless using vasectomised bulls or hormone-treated
steers (page 90).
• Consider evening paddock checks 2 hours after the afternoon
milking if you wish to maximise the number of cows detected on
heat.
• If several people are involved in heat detection, implement a
system to ensure that all involved share their records. For
example, a whiteboard at the dairy.
• Observe cows for heat without disrupting their activity.
• Only mark cows detected on heat in the paddock with paint or
aerosol raddle if this does not disturb the herd.
• Record the identity number of every cow detected on heat at
each paddock check.
Heat detection aids
Several options are available to aid heat detection and increase heat
detection rates. Each cow must have a unique number so that it can
be readily and accurately identified.

Determine which of the following options will suit your heat

detection strategy. Remember, for the best results use a
combination.

1. Tail paint (pages 86-88), when combined with paddock checks,

requires the least expensive materials. This combination can be
successful if implemented correctly and with diligence.

2. Heat mount detectors (page 89) are more expensive than tail
paint, but are easier to read, require less maintenance once
applied and can increase heat detection rates.

3. Vasectomised bulls or hormone-treated steers (page 90) are

useful when paddock checks are not convenient.

4. Activity meters (including pedometers) (page 91) can be

integrated into computerised herd information systems, but are
expensive.

5. Telemetric heat mount detectors (page 92) record time and

duration of mounts for individual cows, but are expensive.

6. Heat synchronisation (pages 93-97) allows for intensive periods

of heat detection, insemination and calving.

Each of the heat detection tools has advantages and disadvantages,

so it is a matter of working out what suits your work routines,
budget and goals.

10

Heat detection

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 1. Tail paint
Correctly used, tail paint is an inexpensive and effective aid for
people detecting heat.

A strip of tail paint is applied to the rear portion of the backbone of

each cow. Cows on heat will stand when mounted by herdmates or
a bull and the tail paint will be gradually rubbed off as the other
animal dismounts.

It is possible to achieve high heat detection rates using tail paint

when combined with paddock checks, provided the paint is
maintained appropriately.

• Apply tail paint to all cows on Mating Start Date (seasonal/split

calving herds) or as cows reach their Voluntary Waiting Period
(year-round calving herds).

• In seasonal/split calving herds, tail paint can be used earlier to

monitor for heats before mating (page 83).

Correct placement of tail paint.

Apply a strip:

> no more than 20 cm long;

> no more than 5 cm wide

over the rear segment of the
backbone;

> no further back than the

start of the tail; and

> sufficiently thick to cover the

skin with some hair fibres
still visible.

How do I make sure I get the tail paint on right?

When we first started tail painting, we often made the mistake of applying the paint too thickly
and in too wide a band. You only need to cover the uppermost ridge of the spine/tail head
region that will be rubbed by the brisket of the riding cow. A common recommendation is to
apply the paint with forward strokes to make the hair stand on end and leave a rough finish.
Be sure to use commercial tail paint or sprays, not house paint, roof paint or aerosol raddles.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Applying tail paint correctly can really improve detection rates.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
• Ensure every cow (except those actually on heat) has an
unbroken strip of paint throughout the AI period in
seasonal/split calving herds or if it is in the mating group in
year-round calving herds (page 88).

• Touch up tail paint at least weekly.

• At each milking, check for cows with rubbed or broken tail

paint.

• For cows on heat, re-check that the tail paint has been rubbed
immediately before each cow is inseminated. This will help avoid
inseminating cows that are not on heat.

• Reapply tail paint to recently inseminated cows once other cows

no longer try to mount them. Use a different coloured paint on
cows after their first insemination. This will help identify cows
that have not yet been inseminated and this helps you decide
whether to inseminate a cow that is showing only weak signs of
heat (page 80).

• Continue this until the end of the AI period in seasonal/split

calving herds, or until the cow has been confirmed pregnant in
year-round calving herds.

Seasonal/split calving herds, go to page 89

Try to tailpaint a couple of days

before you plan to check heats.

> Tailpaint is more effective if

it has weathered a bit.

> Only use commercial tail

paint.
10
> Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Heat detection

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities

Put the tape on firmly – a couple
of wraps – but not so tightly as to
risk disturbing blood circulation
to the tail.
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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
Year-round calving herds
Using tail tape for heat detection
Introducing a system of tail tagging your cows with coloured cloth
tape (not plastic electrical insulation tape) can increase detection
rates and make life easier.
Under this system, red tail tape always means that these cows
require a really careful look when heat detecting and should always
be wearing fresh tail paint and/or a heat mount detector (the
mating group).
Green tail tape always means that a cow has been inseminated,
but is not yet confirmed pregnant. Do not inject these cows with
prostaglandin, even if there is no insemination recorded in your
written records. Some cows will have both colour tags.
1. Identify cows that have been inseminated but are not
yet confirmed pregnant.
When cows on heat are inseminated:
• Remove activated heat mount detectors.
• Record insemination date, cow ID, bull and technician.
• Remove any red tail tape.
• Apply green tail tape to identify cows as being recently
inseminated.
2. Identify cows in the mating group that require
particular attention for heat detection.
At one milking every week:
• Use calving date records to identify cows that have recently
passed their Voluntary Waiting Period. Apply red tail tape and
apply either tail paint and/or a heat mount detector.
• Using insemination records, identify those cows with green
tape that are due back on heat in the next week. Apply red
tail tape leaving the green tape visible. Apply fresh tail paint
and/or a new heat mount detector to these cows.
• Check tail paint or heat mount detector on all other red tail-
taped cows; touch up tail paint if necessary or ensure that the
heat mount detector is okay.
At every milking:
• Examine cows with red tape for evidence of rub marks, rubbed
tail paint and/or activated or missing heat mount detector.
3. Identify cows that are due for pregnancy testing.
• From cows with green tail tape, select those inseminated more
than 5–6 weeks ago and have them pregnancy tested.
• For cows confirmed pregnant, remove all tail tapes and heat
mount detectors.
• For cows diagnosed as empty apply fresh tail paint or heat
mount detector. Apply new red tail tape. Remove green
(recently inseminated) tape.
Check that your farm team understand any system you implement.
2. Heat mount detectors
InCalf research has shown that heat detection rates are higher in
herds using heat mount detectors. They can result in higher
detection rates than tail paint, particularly in year-round calving
herds, or herds where less skilled or unmotivated stockhandlers are
checking for cows on heat. Best results are achieved when heat
mount detectors are combined with paddock checks for heat.

There are two types of heat mount detectors – pressure-activated

‘tubes’ or scratch-off ‘patches’. They are applied to the rear portion
of the backbone of each cow. Cows on heat will stand when
mounted by herdmates or a bull and the detector responds to the Applying a heat mount
pressure or rubbing from the mounting animal, becoming brightly detector:
> Follow the manufacturer ’s
coloured and easily recognised.
instructions for applying the
heat mount detector.
The detectors can also be activated by a ‘false mount’ which occurs
> Use the recommended
when a cow is mounted when it is not on heat but cannot escape a adhesive.
mounting herdmate in a confined area.

• Apply heat mount detectors to every cow on Mating Start Date

(in seasonal/split calving herds) or as cows pass their Voluntary
Waiting Period (in year-round calving herds).

• Check for other signs of heat if a heat mount detector is lost as

it may indicate a cow is on heat (page 81).

• Remove activated heat mount detectors from cows on heat at

the time of insemination.

• Replace the heat mount detector following insemination, when This heat mount detector
the cow is no longer being mounted. Continue this replacement signals that the cow has been
mounted and is likely to be on
policy until the end of the AI period (in seasonal or split calving
heat:
herds) or until the cow has been confirmed pregnant (in year-
> Remove activated heat
round calving herds).
mount detectors from cows 10
• In seasonal/split-calving herds only switch to tail paint after the on heat at the time of
insemination.
first insemination if you are confident high levels of heat
Heat detection
detection can be maintained.

• Check heat mount detectors regularly and replace if they are

damaged or are coming loose.

• Avoid using heat mount detectors if cows have access to low

tree branches that are likely to rub them off.
77–102

A scratch-off heat mount

detector.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 3. Vasectomised bulls or hormone-treated steers
In situations where paddock heat checks are not convenient,
vasectomised bulls can be used to identify cows on heat.

The general management of these bulls is the same as for entire

bulls run with cows. Vasectomised bulls need to graze with the herd
and be changed every 4–5 days to maintain libido. Bulls are fitted
with a chinball harness that is transferred between bulls as they
enter the milking herd. The harnesses require checking and refilling
before transfer.

The vasectomy operation should be performed by a vet at least a

month before the bull is used for heat detection. Vasectomised bulls
can potentially transmit venereal diseases. Penile operations can be
performed to prevent service and minimise this risk but these are
not usually necessary provided the bulls have been vaccinated
against Vibriosis.

Hormone-treated steers can also be used. A number of steers need

to be treated with hormones. Each steer must be libido-tested as
some are more sexually active than others. Consult your vet on
products, dose rates, withholding periods and libido testing. Steers
are less aggressive than vasectomised bulls and do not achieve
service. They are managed in the same way as vasectomised bulls.

• Use young bulls or steers.

• Attach chin ball harness.

• Observe treated steers to ensure they are keen to mount cows

on heat.

• Run at least two bulls or steers per 100 cows in the milking
herd. Prepare more than this so bulls or steers can be rested
from the milking herd.

• Swap the bulls or steers every 4–5 days.

• Draft out cows that are on heat and are marked by a bull or
steer at each milking, and keep them separate from the herd
until they go off heat. This helps keep the bulls or steers actively
seeking other cows on heat.

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
4. Activity meters (including pedometers)
Activity meters are electronic transponders that detect movement.
Pedometers are one type of activity meter that is strapped onto the
lower leg of each cow in the herd. Other meters hang around the
cow’s neck. Throughout the day, they record cow movement. Cows
on heat walk more as they are restless and mount other cows.
Walking is recorded and compared to the record of activity on
previous days when the cow was not on heat. Some brands make
the comparison to the rest of the herd on the same day. At the
dairy, the information is stored in a computer from which cows
most likely to be on heat can be automatically drafted if facilities are
installed.

• Before installing activity meters, visit herds that have used them
with measurable success (high submission and conception rates).

• Check the reliability and durability of more than one system

before you buy.

• Thoroughly train your farm team in the use of this technology.

10

Heat detection

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 5. Telemetric heat mount detectors
Telemetric heat mount detector systems allow high heat detection
rates to be achieved. A pressure-activated sensor is applied to the
rear portion of the backbone of each cow. Cows on heat will stand
when mounted by herdmates or a bull and the pressure from the
brisket of a mounting animal activates the sensor. These devices
provide the time of onset of heat, which is useful in determining
when to inseminate a cow.

Patches hold the pressure-activated sensors on. Correctly applied

patches remain on the cow indefinitely and are rarely dislodged.
The sensor can be removed from the patch for use on other cows.

Every cow to be mated requires a sensor, making this system more

expensive in seasonal calving herds than in split and year-round
calving herds.

Before installing telemetric heat mount detectors:

• visit herds that have used these systems with measurable success
(high submission and conception rates); and

• thoroughly train your farm team in the use of this technology.

6. Heat synchronisation
Heat synchronisation is such an important issue and there are so
many aspects to it, it is discussed separately in the following section.

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Heat synchronisation
Most synchronisation programs will have a limited effect on 6-week
in-calf rate in seasonal/split calving herds or 100-day in-calf rate in
year-round calving herds. Synchronisation programs are unlikely to
reduce the not-in-calf rate. It is the management benefits you need
to consider in deciding whether to use synchronisation or not.

Heat synchronisation can offer efficient use of labour as the work of

heat detection and AI is shortened into planned, intensive periods.

In some situations, particularly in year-round calving herds, heat

synchronisation can improve heat detection and submission rates by
increasing the number of sexually active cows. In seasonal/split
calving herds, heat synchronisation can be used to compress three
cycles of breeding (9 weeks) into a 7-week mating program, or two
cycles (6 weeks) into a 4-week mating program.

Synchronisation programs may help increase heat detection rates in

large herds, where less skilled or motivated people are employed or
where the herd manager’s time is limited. This is because people
detecting heat can focus on the job for short, predicted periods.

The benefits of synchronisation need to be offset against both the

extra costs involved and the time required to accurately plan and
implement the treatments. It is also important to investigate the
practical requirements of any program. Several heat synchronisation
programs are available; work with your vet to develop the best
strategy.

When detecting heat during a synchronisation program, simple aids

such as tail painting or heat mount detectors are essential. Some
programs allow fixed timed AI for first inseminations, meaning that
no heat detection is required at all during that period. Some options 10
allow resynchronisation of returns to service. This helps achieve
increased heat detection rates for returns to service.
Heat detection

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
 Planning is the key to a successful heat synchronisation program.
Start by talking to your vet to determine the best program for your
situation. Take the time to fully understand when and
how the treatments work. This will give you an idea of the
additional labour, facilities, time and cow identification required.
Check things like:
• How will the necessary synchronisation treatments be
administered at the recommended dose rates and times?
• How will synchronisation treatments and inseminations be
recorded?
• How will cows on heat be detected?
• How will cows be drafted for insemination?
• How will large numbers of cows on heat each day be
inseminated?
• Are extra staff required, including AI technicians and stock
handlers?
• Have sires been selected, semen supplies and storage arranged?
Discuss the required support with your AI Centre.

If we’ve got a big group to do, what else do we need to consider?

Administering treatments
• Treat cows during milking but check the safety of platforms.
• Although the synchronisation treatments should not affect milk yields, disturbances to the
normal milking routine can disrupt normal cow flow.
• Ensure animals for treatment are clearly identified.
• Ensure that pregnant animals or recently calved animals are not included. Mark these cows
with paint or marker at the start of the program to avoid treating them by mistake.
Coping with large numbers of cows or heifers on heat
• Consider providing extra feed to the synchronised cows on the day before the peak heat
period is expected to ensure adequate feed intakes and reduce damage to pasture.
• Monitor cows for signs of acidosis or milk fever in the two days following these heat periods.
Inseminating large numbers of cows or heifers
• Ensure that inseminating facilities allow efficient cow flow and minimise bending or walking by
inseminating staff.
• Rest AI technicians during these insemination programs.
• Do not exceed 3 hours. AI technician fatigue can be a bigger problem for novice AI
technicians or when inseminating poorly grown heifers.
• Before inseminating large groups of cows or heifers, seek advice from a professional AI
technician experienced in these programs.
Bull selection
• The most convenient form of inseminating is to use semen from one sire for 20 to 50
inseminations as they occur and then switch to another sire. This minimises errors in
recording, decreases the time taken, and avoids straws being left thawed for extended periods
before they are used. Check you are using bulls that won’t cause inbreeding with your cows
(page 112) if you adopt this approach.
Good planning saves time and helps ensure a good result.

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Managing cows that return to heat
When groups of non-conceiving cows return to heat you need to
consider how these cows will be detected and inseminated. Set up a
detection system for returns that considers the synchronisation
program selected.

• If returns will occur when bulls are running, double the ratio of
bulls to cows 18–24 days after the synchronised heats (page
122) or recommence heat detection and AI for several days.

• The second round of returns following synchronisation (36–48

days after the synchronished heats) can also result in moderately
large numbers of cows on heat over a short period.

The impact of synchronisation on calving pattern

You also need to think about how synchronisation will change your
calving pattern. Consider what people and facilities will be needed
to:

• feed a larger group of cows that are all close to calving;

• supervise more cows calving at the same time and provide

assistance and treatments as required;

• identify more AI heifer calves over a short period of time; I hate the possibility of
injuries being caused by all
• introduce more AI heifer calves to the calf rearing system over a those cows riding each
short period of time; other.

• store larger volumes of colostrum; Synchronisation programs in

large herds do not increase
• handle, feed and sell more bobby calves over a short period of the risk of injury among the
time; and riding cows, but you will
notice a drop in milk yield
• introduce more freshly calved cows to the milking herd over a for 24 hours because of the 10
short period of time. intense riding activity.

You will generally get the best results from synchronisation when
Heat detection
cows are well fed. Non-cycling cows can react abnormally to
synchronisation and lower conception rates. Sometimes it gets
confusing with different programs and products. Help from your vet
to complete the treatment schedule is really important.

How could I cope with all those cows calving at once? 77–102

Don’t worry; even if 100 cows conceived on a single day as part of a synchronisation program,
there would most likely be only one day when more than 20 cows calved. The others will be
spread over a period from 9 days before to 9 days after their due date.
Synchronisation lets you get mating over and done with so you can get on to other jobs.

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 I want to synchronise and AI my heifers, so what
do I need to think about?
• Check the pro’s and con’s of AI’ing your heifers
(page 54).
• Ensure heifers have achieved liveweight targets by
mating, have no sudden reduction in feed intake and
are gaining weight throughout the mating period.
• Heifers are not handled as frequently as milking cows,
so make sure you have suitable facilities to avoid
injuries to heifers and stock people while treating and
inseminating them.
• Decide which synchronisation program you will use
(page 97).
• Decide how you will detect heats and select a suitable
form of heat detection aid (page 85).
• Arrange to use a skilled AI technician who has had
previous experience with heifers.
• If you use fixed-time insemination, still use a heat
detection system and check that the treatment has
produced a high degree of synchronisation. Heat
detection is preferable to fixed-time insemination,
especially with underweight heifers.
• Think about how heifers will be mated 3 weeks after
their first insemination if they cycle again. Ensure bull
ratios (page 122) are doubled between 18 and 24 days
after the main insemination date or use a heat detection
aid to inseminate heifers a second time during this same
period.
• Leave bulls with the heifers for at least 7 weeks after
first insemination. If using AI for second inseminations,
remove bulls during that period.
• Consider pregnancy testing 12–15 weeks after Mating
Start Date to identify heifers conceived in the first 6–9
weeks of mating. Follow up with pregnancy testing
between 6 and 9 weeks after the end of mating to
confirm which heifers remain not pregnant.
• In year-round calving herds, run at least one bull with
pregnant heifers in case any abort.
Synchronising heifers takes the same level of
planning as synchronising cows.

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Heat synchronisation options
Several heat synchronisation options are available. If a heat
synchronisation option is appropriate for your situation, a strategy is
required for your herd. To successfully implement any of the options
below, you will need to discuss a series of issues with your vet and
plan the appropriate strategy. Further information is available in
Appendix 6, page 189. A successful outcome is much more likely if
these strategies are planned well in advance.

New synchronisation systems are constantly being developed. Keep

in touch with your vet to learn of new techniques.

Heat synchronisation options.

Option Summary For For Seasonal/ Year-
cows heifers split round
Prostaglandin (PG) options
Why Wait Inseminate all cycling cows ✔ ✔ ✔
in first 12 days of mating.
Requires pre-mating heat
detection.

Modified Inseminate all cycling cows ✔ ✔ ✔

Why Wait in first 12 days of mating
with no pre-mating heat
detection.

Aggressive PG Inseminate all cycling cows ✔ ✔ ✔

by day 5 of mating with no
pre-mating heat detection.

Aggressive PG Focus on heat detection for ✔ ✔ ✔ 10

(Targeted short periods (7 days).
Breeding)

Regular PG Low-cost option. ✔ ✔ ✔ Heat detection

Intravaginal devices
Compress three cycles of ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
breeding to 7 weeks and treat
non-cyclers. Allows for batch
mating in year-round herds.
Crestar®
Preferable if heifers are ✘ ✔ 77–102
substantially below target
liveweight at mating.
Ovsynch®
Fixed time insemination ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔
with all cows inseminated
on one day.

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 Managing cows not
detected on heat
Cows that don’t come on heat when you are ready to mate them
cost money, time and often annoy managers when there is already
enough to do.

The reasons why a cow wasn’t detected on heat vary but the result
is the same: she didn’t get inseminated and she won’t get in calf
according to your preferred schedule.

Planning well before the mating period is needed to minimise the

number of cows not detected on heat in your herd. Improving body
condition and nutrition, making sure heifers reach target weights,
implementing an effective heat detection program, and in seasonal
herds making sure the herd’s calving pattern is compact, are all
important factors in minimising the number of cows not detected on
heat. Excessive numbers (more than 30% when mating is due to
commence) indicate that your management has fallen down in one
of these areas.

Why cows are not detected on heat

Cows are not detected on heat for two reasons:

• the cows are showing signs of heat, but you failed to detect
them; or

• the cows are not showing signs of heat.

A simple failure to detect cows in heat is more common in year-

round calving herds but can still be a problem in seasonal/split
calving herds. Some cows have a ‘silent heat’ where the cows have
had a heat but it was very brief and difficult to detect. In these cases
the cows were fertile but were only mounted once or twice, if at all.

Non-cyclers are cows that have not commenced normal heat cycles
after calving. They may not have shown heat because they were
not well grown as heifers, calved in low body condition (below 4.5)
or lost excessive body condition after calving. Health problems such
as lameness (page 130) in early lactation may also cause cows to
become non-cyclers. In seasonal/split-calving herds, cows that have
calved late may not have had insufficient time to start normal heat
cycles.

Other causes of cows not showing signs of heat include cystic

ovaries or a severely infected uterus. Don’t forget that a non-cycling
cow may in fact be pregnant!

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What to do about cows not detected on heat
A range of options is available to treat cows that have not been
detected on heat. The benefits of treatment need to be offset
against both the extra costs involved and the time required to
accurately plan and implement the treatments. It is also important
to investigate the practical requirements of any program. Several
treatment programs are available. Work with your vet to develop
the best strategy for your herd.

Using intravaginal devices to treat cows not detected on heat.

10
> Consult with your vet on treating non-cycling cows.
Heat detection
> Consider identifying non-cyclers before Mating Start Date in seasonal/split calving herds
(page 83) or within 80 days of calving in year-round calving herds (page 101).

77–102

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Section 3: Acting on Priorities

Sometimes in seasonal/split calving
herds, cows are treated as non-
cyclers when they haven’t been
calved very long. The main reason
these cows are non-cyclers is they
didn’t calve early enough in the
calving period.
Cows that calve in the first 6 weeks
of calving are less likely to be ‘non-
cyclers’, so ensure cows calve as
early as possible in the calving
period.
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Section 3: Acting on Priorities
Seasonal/split calving herds
What to do about cows not detected on heat
Managers have a range of options when treating cows not
detected on heat. Assessment of the options should include what
each will do for the herd’s reproductive performance and what
herd managers must be able to do to successfully implement it.
• Compare the options shown below.
• If any option is appropriate for your situation, plan a strategy
for your herd well before commencement.
• Meet with your vet to discuss the strategy and its practical
implications. This is often the key to a successful program.
Treatment options
Treatment options for cows not detected on heat are being
frequently updated as further trial results become available. This
means that you should consult your vet about current
recommendations for each product.
Currently, four treatment options are available:
• intravaginal device before Mating Start Date;
• intravaginal device 12 days after Mating Start Date;
• intravaginal device around 3 weeks after Mating Start Date;
and
• Ovsynch®.
Check Appendix 5, page 185, for more details on these options.
 Year-round calving herds

What to do about cows not detected on heat

Managing cows not detected on heat requires a monthly routine.
Each month, you need to identify which cows calved more than
80 days before, but have not been detected on heat, and have
them examined and treated by a vet. This is particularly important
if less than 61% of cows in your herd are detected on heat by 80
days after calving (page 28).
This routine also allows you to determine the main causes for your
cows not being detected on heat.
Some cows will have had a heat that was not detected. In this
case, these cows can be injected with prostaglandin (PG) or treated
in the same way as other cycling herdmates due to be
inseminated.
• If most of the cows examined have had a heat that was not
detected, review your heat detection program (page 82) and
consider heat synchronisation options (page 97). Heat
synchronisation can help increase heat detection rates. Special
consideration could be given to using heat synchronisation
programs that enable fixed time insemination.
Some cows will not have been on heat since calving. In this case,
these cows can be treated as for non-cycling cows in seasonal/split
calving herds (page 100). It may be preferable to delay treatment
for cows that are in low body condition, are lame, or are first
calvers.
• If most of the cows examined have failed to show signs of
heat and are in low body condition, assess body condition and
nutrition (page 58). If first calvers are more commonly
affected, also assess calf and heifer management (page 42).
• If most of the cows examined have failed to show signs of
heat and have suffered disorders such as cystic ovaries, an 10
infected uterus, or lameness, plan to control these health
problems, with advice from your vet (page 130).
Heat detection

77–102

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 Boy, that tape
on the
I didn’t realise that tails helps
heat detection errors me focus
are such a problem. on the important
(Page 78)
cows. (Page 88)

Now I can use I saw those nifty heat

the InCalf Fertility detectors at the factory
Focus report – perhaps I’ll have to
to help give them a go.
assess (Page 89)
how our heat
detection is going.
(Page 79)

There are so many

synchronisation
I’d better get my facts options, I
straight before I show must be
Rob how to detect able to
heat. (Page 81) find one to suit me.
(Pages 93 and 189)

I’ve got to make Synchronisation helped

time after lunch get mating over and done
to check with quickly this year.
cows for (Page 93)
heat
in the paddock.
(Page 84)

I had the non-cyclers

checked this
I don’t think I can get year and
away with just tail the vet told
paint any longer. me they’d already
(Page 84) had a heat. (Page 98)

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