Poster prepared by Phyllis Ndung’u, Peter Kirui and Linus Kiprotich at the Farmers’ Workshop, Nandi and Bomet counties, Kenya, 5–10 February 2018

1. Cattle heat detection and heat signs
1. Importance of heat detection in a dairy herd
Good reproductive performance in a dairy herd requires a routine heat
detection and proper timing of artificial insemination (AI). Failure to detect
heat is a major factor contributing to low fertility and result in economic loss
for the farmer because of extended calving intervals and additional semen
expense due to improper timing of insemination.
Pictures
3. Timing of Insemination
The “am” and “pm” rule states that cows seen in standing heat in
the morning (am) would be inseminated in the afternoon (pm)
and those seen standing in the evening would be served the
following morning.
NOTE: Record keeping can be an important aid in heat
detection
Farmers’ workshop: 5th-10th
February, 2018
Nandi and Bomet counties
2. Heat signs
Standing and mounting
- most accurate sign
String of clear mucus being
discharged / red and swollen vulva
Chin resting, trailing and attempt to
mount others
Source: dairynz.co.nz
Sniffing the genitalia
Source: tankonyvtar.hu
Source: https://extension.psu.edu/heat-detection-and-timing-of-insemination-for-cattle
Source: https://extension.psu.edu/heat-detection-and-timing-of-insemination-for-cattle
Source: dairypesa.com
Bellowing and restlessness
Other signs include:
• Reduced feed intake
• Reduced milk let down
Phyllis Ndung’u
Mazingira Centre, International Livestock Research Institute,
P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
This project was funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development.
This document is licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence. July 2018
ILRI thanks all donors and organizations which globally support its work through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund
Phyllis Ndung’u, Peter Kirui and Linus Kiprotich
International Livestock Research Institute