Getting the Best Results from A. I. |
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Heat detection rates in the United Kingdom average about 55%. Improvements are gained by taking more time, i.e. 20 - 30 minutes on each occasion, and by more early morning and late night inspections. |
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Although average heats last 12 - 15 hours, 25 - 30% of cows have heats of less than 6 hours |
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Prevent cows getting either too fat or too thin. Cows in condition score 2 - 3 (scale 1 - 5) are optimal. Thriving animals always do better |
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Avoid excessive weight loss around the time of service |
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Treat lame animals promptly |
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Breeding cows within 50 days of calving tends to give poor results |
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Never breed any cow with a dirty vaginal discharge or evidence of 'whites'. |
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Keep complete records of all cows that come into heat and use them to anticipate returns. Where cows are not coming into heat have your vet examine and treat them. |
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A cow standing firm to be mounted is the best sign of heat, but remember 6 - 8% of pregnant animals will occasionally stand too! |