Heat detection seems to be the buzz topic of conversation on most farms today. Increasingly farmers are adopting new methods of heat detection to improve overall profitability.  Current UK heat detection rates are only 35%; combine this with a conception rate of 35-40% and it becomes clear that each cow in a typical herd only has a 20% chance of getting in calf when she is ready to be served.

All dairy farmers are aiming to improve herd profitability  - one of the simplest and most effective ways of doing this is to improve heat detection rates. The more cows that are seen bulling, the higher number of services performed which finally translates to more cows in calf! Calving intervals in the UK have been steadily on the increase for some time and are not uncommonly over 400 days. High yielding holsteins show fewer signs of heat over a short time frame. Increasing cow numbers and declining labour availability means that a bulling cow only has a slim chance of being seen!

The most recently reported figures suggest that the cost of keeping a cow whose calving index exceeds 365 days is between £3-£5 per day. Using the lower figure of £3 per day, by reducing your calving interval from 410 to 400 days in a 200 cow herd, you could save over £6000 per year. There are many methods of improving heat detection on farms: tail paint and kamars® being the cheapest, right through to computer linked electronic recording devices. It is important to find the tool that works best for your system. However, do not forget that even the most advanced heat detection aids rely on healthy cycling cows!

By Victoria Dixon

Paragon Vet Group