Several Methods of Estrus Detection in Cattle Dams: A Review

• Main Authors: Mária Mičiaková, Peter Strapák, Iveta Szencziová, Eva Strapáková, Ondrej Hanušovský
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mendel University Press 2018-01-01
• Series: Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis
• Subjects: cows; detection; insemination time; methods; observation; oestrus
• Online Access: https://acta.mendelu.cz/66/2/0619/

The oestrus is defined as a complex of physiological signs and changes of behavior occurring immediately before the ovulation. It is the period of sexual receptivity of the cow and this period characterized by, typical cow behaviour which is standing when mounted by a bull or companion cow. Cow indicates this willingness by a slight arching of the back and immobility when approached. The bovine estrus cycle averages 20 days in heifers and 21 days in cows, but the fluctuations in the cycle length is laying between 18 and 25 days. As a result of this progress often only 50 % of the estrus cycles are recognized, and it is extremely hard to find all cows on heat. We state a few methods for estrus detection such as visual observation, locomotion activity and rumination time measurement and other.