Electronic Heat Detection Systems

[Steve123]

Call Al Bruhn in Iowa.  I don't know what their AI Synchronization program is but they sell 600-800 bred cows and heifers in their sale.  All AI bred. 

https://www.bruhncattle.com/contact-us

 

[SEA]

Artificial Insemination of cows is a great topic and one which there are many options and NO TRULY GREAT ONES, IMHO. 

I like CAB's plan, but in my situation, I run 25-30 brood cows and a Gomer Bull with Chin Ball is too costly to carry.

I have used "Observation for Natural Heat" twice a day however, it is extremely time consuming (if you have the time).  Also, the evening observation is my favorite but hard to accomplish with kids and/or grand kids in sports and school activities, as well as your own evening meetings and social events.  When done in a timely fashion and not missing "observations and breeding's" it has been my best percentage of service-to-bred A.I.

I like synchronization protocol the best for having an actual "start of calving date" with a group of cows and not just one or two here and there over a 21 day window while getting a chance to service all of the cow group.  Thereby shortening my A.I. calving time.  It allows me the dates to get help for working cows.  It allows me to breed on weekends when I am home and/or is an easier time to get help.  However, my conception rate on synchronization groups has not been satisfactory or high enough on a year-in-year out basis and I have been using synchronization for quite a few years and quite a few protocols (working with a cattle repro vet).

What works best?

 

[GoWyo]

I prefer a 7-day CIDR protocol and PG shot and Estrotect patches.  I start watching the next day, but really nothing has ever stood before 36-48 hours and I do not recall any cow ever done standing by 48 hours.  54-72 hours and up to 84 hours is the prime time, so just schedule to be in to work late for a couple of mornings is the best thing I have found to do.

 

[knabe]

If you are in a confined situation, chalk works great. You don’t have to wait to see activity.

 

[SEA]

I have said for years the best heat detector is a bad float on the water trough.

Please explain your comment "the best heat detector is a bad float on the water trough".

 

[Medium Rare]

I have said for years the best heat detector is a bad float on the water trough.

Please explain your comment "the best heat detector is a bad float on the water trough".

Mix water with the right kind of clay and it sticks to the sides of their ankles and will out mark just about anything. If you can force them to walk through or stand in two different mud holes for just a little while it's even better. One at the waterer and one at the mineral station generally works well.

 

[SEA]

Thanks Medium Rare.

 

[SEA]

I would be interested in knowing if there have been any improvements in technology on the electronic devices for heat detection?

 

[matt999]

Here’s one.

 

[hntwhitetail]

I use the standing heat patches with a homer.  I really like the standing heat patches, no guess was she with random patch scratches.  The late calvers I will do a 5 day synch to get them caught back up with the group at the end of my natural a.i. heat period.  I a.i. on natural heats for roughly 45 days.  I have an off the farm job, and can usually just a.i. in the evenings after work.  I feel this worka, since most will come in at night during the cool period anyways.  I put my patches on while they are feeding in the evenings with a quick slap.  I had a manager at the local livestock tell me that he only gets 10% a.i. because he has an off the farm job and assumed since money is so high that i dont have another job.  I'm at 90 % and the only reason I miss is if 1 short cycles.  Little does he know I have an off the farm job and I run 2 other businesses and still can get them bred.

 

[hntwhitetail]

That electronic monitoring system is interesting.  It could probably pay for its self in 1 to 2 years with more a.i. calve or in 3 to 4 with conventional synchronization. 

 

[knabe]

Little does he know I have an off the farm job and I run 2 other businesses and still can get them bred.

there might be something else he doesn't know

 

[BroncoFan]

I’m always looking to improve and learn but I have to ask if any of these methods will help a silent cycler or one that doesn’t try to get in on the riding each other action?

 

[Heretolearn]

I used to have the original Heatwatch system and liked it a lot and had my best AI and ET conception rates with it. I basically went commercial for about 10 years and have learned a lot more about cows and my registered cows now work for me instead of the other way around. Now I am ready to start AI/ET again and am looking for an electronic or similar system as I still work off the farm and farm both. Unfortunately a hailstorm took out my old antenna and I no longer have my old computer.

The Heatwatch made knowing which cows and heifers that were in heat the easy part of AI/ET.

If anyone has updated info on a system that they like, that would be great.

Thanks!
Ron