Latest updates

Antibodies in the Colostrum

Producer Question from 2012

Q.  When are most of the antibodies in the colostrum absorbed? (April 6, 2012)

Earliest time to determine if inseminated cow is pregnant

Producer Question from 2012

Q.  How long after inseminating a cow can you determine whether she is pregnant? What is the earliest? (April 24, 2012)

A.  There are experienced, trained people that can detect pregnancy via rectal palpation. The experienced ones can probably accurately detect a 40 day pregnancy.

Ultrasound can be used to detect pregnancy and a technician can recognize a 25 to 30 day pregnancy.

Transport cows/heifers after AI

Producer Question from 2012

Q.  We AI our cow herd in late April. What do you think of moving them to pasture immediately after breeding and supplement feeding hay on pasture? (April 27, 2012)

GnRH injection

Producer Question from 2012

Q:  What does a GnRH injection do for the cow at the time of CIDR insertion? (May 2, 2012)

A:  GnRH will cause the release of LH (luteinizing hormone) from the anterior pituitary. Examples of GnRH that producers would use in an estrous synchronization program would be Cystroelin, Factrel, Fertagyl, and Ovacyst. GnRH causes a surge of LH within 2 to 4 hours after injection.

Natural mating with estrous synchronization

Producer Question from 2012

Q.  Plan on using the MGA/prostaglandin synchronization method on my heifers. I am considering using my own bulls and natural service. What would be a good bull to heifer ratio and how much is bull overload possible, or is natural service not even recommended? (May 11, 2012)

Determine when heifer is in heat

Producer Question from 2012

Q.  I would like to know how I can determine when my heifer is in heat. And, if any symptoms what are they? (May 15, 2012)

A.  About 8 to 10 hours before standing heat (estrus), the female coming into heat will:

  • stand and bellow
  • smell other cows
  • attempt to ride other cows, but she, herself will not stand to be ridden
  • vulva will be moist, slightly red and swollen and may have some clear mucus discharge

When the female is in heat (estrus), she will: