The extra time will pay off though. This means cows visually identified as being in heat probably are, but some that are in fact in heat are missed. Another management technique that may help observe heat in more submissive cows is to continue observations for signs of estrus for at least 30 minutes after removing cows that were observed to be in heat. More accurate identification of the start of estrus increased conception rate and pregnancy rates. The secondary signs of estrus include trying to ride, following, standing and putting her head on the back or rump of another female.
Some cows also bawl, become restless, pace along a fence, and walk more in search of a bull.
Clear mucus is sometimes seen on the buttocks or stringing from the vulva. There are also tools on the market to help aid in visual detection of estrus. Remember, however, that aids should only be used to supplement visual observations. A list of the visual aids and their application can be found in Table 1. Method Cost Kamar Detector Applied with adhesive between tail head and hip bone over the sacrum.