How to Know When to Breed Cattle
Knowing when to breed cattle requires you to detect when cows are in heat. A cow will conceive only when she is in heat, or estrus, which occurs every 18 to 24 days. Estrus is the period of time when a cow or heifer is sexually receptive and an egg is ready to be released for fertilization. A cow in heat is identified by changes in her behavior and physical appearance.
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Instructions
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Number your cattle either by branding or with ear tags so they can be identified.
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Observe cattle at least twice a day. Optimum times to detect animals in heat are early in the morning and at sunset. If you cannot get close to your cattle, make your observations through a good set of binoculars.
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Record the identification number of any cow that stands still when mounted or ridden by another animal. Note cows that regularly walk and bawl while the other cattle are stationary. Cows in heat may also periodically graze and make frequent trips to the feed bunk. Record this information on a calendar or in a day planner under the observation date. These actions occur 4 to 48 hours prior to onset of estrus and last until the animal is out of heat. Breed the cow within one to two days after these actions are observed.
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Watch cows for somewhat reddened and swollen vulvae, hair on the tail-head flattened and pointing toward the tail, or both sides of the animal's rear marked with signs of rubbing. These are indications of the latter stages of estrous. Breed these cows immediately.
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Record the identification numbers of cows that display bloody discharges. This indicates the heat period is over and if the cow has not been bred, it is too late. Resume watching the cow in about 15 days for her next heat period.
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References
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