An insufficient amount of time is spent watching the cows. Observing heat should be done twice daily. The person in charge does not concentrate on this job or allows other farm activities to take greater priority. A cow in heat exhibits the majority of her mounting activity at night or in the early morning hours. The stress of environmental temperature, especially in the Southeast, decreases the incidence of estrus behavior and normal estrous cycles - too hot and humid for normal ovarian activity.
Farms install mist sprayers and fans in their shed to cool the cows and provide better cow comfort.
Heat stress control with fans and moisture 6. Some cows have a shortened estrus. Concrete flooring in loafing sheds should be scored to provide better traction and allow better mounting. There may be mud on her flanks if in a wet pasture with other cows. Aids for Heat Detection Many systems have been tested to monitor the estrous cycle by recording changes in animal behavior.