Heat Detection in Dairy Cows: a review of methods with an emphasis on those using milk

Modern dairy practices in developed and developing countries are increasingly reliant on artificial insemination (Al) to aid their breeding programmes. Services offered include advice on insemination, oestrus (heat) detection and insemination or supply of semen. Costs involved with Al are not insignificant; however, its use can lead to efficiencies and potential increase in farm profits. Crucial elements in the Al process include knowledge of when cows cycle; when they are ready to be inseminated; when insemination is successful and pregnancy results; and if unsuccessful, when the next insemination could occur. Many commercial services exist to aid farmers with breeding practices. All come with a cost and involve time, consultants and some with laboratory services. Detection products exist to enable farmers to determine the cycling status of cows and their readiness for insemination. This paper reviews the types of detection 'products, particularly milk based that are available to dairy farmers, and considers capital and consumables costs and their ease of integration into the farm's management system.