Beef Cattle Handbook

BCH-2310 Product of Extension Beef Cattle Resource Committee

Heat Detection of Beef Cattle

Terry Goehring, Extension Beef Specialist, South Dakota State University

New techniques and less expensive products for estrous system, causing the behavioral changes associated with
synchronization have increased the use of this manage- standing heat.
ment practice for both commercial and seedstock pro-
ducers. Hand-in-hand with synchronization comes the Signs of Standing Heat
need for accurate heat detection. Heat detection is simply the observation of changes in
The intent of this fact sheet is to describe in detail behavior that are due to coming into or being in stand-
what signs to look for when detecting heat. Although ing heat. The most definite behavioral change is stand-
cows are referred to throughout the text, the informa- ing firmly while mounted, with the mounting or riding
tion applies to yearling heifers as well. process repeated several times. The goal of good heat
detection is this, before declaring a cow in heat and eli-
Defining Terms gible for artificial insemination, she must be observed
Estrus, or standing heat, is defined as a regularly occur- standing solid while being ridden. Sometimes, this is a
ring state of sexual receptivity during which the female goal that can’t be achieved for all cows. A few cows may
will accept the male. This is indicated in cattle by the not be observed in standing heat simply because the
cow standing to be mounted by a bull or other cows. heat detector is not in the right place at the right time
Standing heat typically lasts for about 12 -18 hours, but for observation. In addition, with heat synchronization,
some cows may stand as short as four hours or as long an overwhelming number of cows may be showing
as 24 hours. The term “estrous cycle” refers to the whole heat, making it very difficult to see each individual cow
sequence of hormonal and reproductive changes that actually standing. Therefore, all other signs pointing
take place from one heat period to the next. The length toward a standing heat must be evaluated.
of the estrous cycle averages 21 days, but may vary Through changes in behavior, some physical
among individuals, with 17 - 24 day cycle lengths being changes are created that may be associated with stand-
common. ing heat. Individually, these changes may not allow for a
confident decision on whether or not a cow should be
Physiology of Standing Heat bred. However, with some experience in heat detection,
Standing heat is the product of a series of hormonal if enough changes have been noted, a confident deci-
changes. One important hormonal change is related to sion can be made without actually seeing the cow stand.
estrogen production by the follicles on the ovaries. As The following are signals that a cow may be coming
the time for the next heat approaches, the estrogen out- into heat. These signs may be observed from 4 - 48
put from the primary follicle increases. The estrogen is hours before the onset of standing heat.
released into the bloodstream where it is transported to Nervousness. This may be observed in excessive,
the brain. The estrogen activates the central nervous nervous walking,accompanied by bawling. Don’t expect

BCH-2310 1
them to be moving at a fast walk without ever stopping, interested.
but do watch for movement when other cattle are rela- If possible, pen the “hot” cows where they can be
tively stationary, as when grazing, nursing calves, laying viewed by the remaining cattle. Make note of the indi-
down, etc. Periodic grazing while walking, or frequent viduals that walk briskly up to the fence to watch the
trips to the feed bunk might be observed. others ride each other. These cows will often times be
The hyperactivity may start 4 - 48 hours before bawling more than normal. Quite often individuals dis-
standing heat and will last until the cow goes out of playing this type of behavior are 1 - 12 hours away from
heat. The duration of hyperactivity before standing heat standing heat. Because of the attraction between cows
is extremely variable between individuals. Hyperactivity in heat, penning the “hot” cows in view of the remain-
is natures way of helping the cow attract a bull or search ing cows, and next to an empty pen, may make sorting
one out herself. Along with nervousness, cows may much easier.
appear to be more observant and give the appearance Small amounts of mucus. Some cows will have a
of studying their surroundings or looking for something. small amount of mucus that may be observed when she
Cows that are uncommonly nervous should be checked is lying down or upon standing up and stretching. This is
closely the following 1 - 2 days. not to be confused with the long string of clear, thick
Riding others in heat. The cows that are doing the mucus associated with standing heat. A small amount of
riding may or may not be in heat or coming into heat mucus is not too uncommon, and by itself may not be a
themselves. The cow that mounts a few times, drifts off good indicator that heat is approaching. However, this
and shows no further interest probably warrants no seri- does represent a potential change in heat status and the
ous observation. However, the cow that is constantly cow should be watched closely the next couple days.
riding others and doesn’t drift away from the activity, or The signs described in items 1 - 3 above may be
perhaps goes away and comes back, should be checked observed among cattle from 48 hours prior to, through
closely. Look for a thick, clear mucus discharge and the duration of standing heat. The items below usually
signs of having been ridden. Cows that are in heat usu- indicate actual standing heat, or a cow that is less than
ally thrust quite vigorously with their hips when riding 12 hours from coming into heat.
another cow. This resembles the movement of a bull Thick, clear mucus. Estrogen also affects the
when breeding a cow. This string of mucus may be reproductive tract itself, causing a thick, clear mucus to
expelled from a cow in heat as she rides other cows. be released within the cervix. This mucus aids in the
Congregation. Cattle in heat naturally seek each lubrication of the bull’s penis during natural mating and
other out, forming little clusters of activity. Several, clus- in sperm transport into the reproductive tract. The physi-
ters may be formed when a large number of cattle are in cal activity of riding other cows, being ridden or stimula-
heat at the same time. Watch for little groups of cattle tion of the reproductive tract while AIing may cause the
that are on the move and for fenceline attraction mucus to be expelled. Often times the mucus is
between two groups of cattle in bordering pastures. If observed hanging from the vulva, where it becomes
there is little riding activity in the heat detection pasture, caught on the tail. As the cow switches her tail, the
a cow in heat may try and seek out the neighbor’s bull, mucus may be smeared over each rear quarter. Dried
or she may be attracted to cows in heat across the mucus will leave a very distinct mark for several hours.
fence. This may be particularly notable if the cow is a All cows in heat should produce cervical mucus;
long distance from herdmates or in an area not com- however, the mucus may not be expelled by all cows in
monly grazed. If a bull is observing from across the heat. Observing thick, clear mucus, or evidence of this
fence, he may be excited and trying to ride something in mucus on the tail or hip, should be taken as a strong
his own bunch, even if they are not in heat. indication of standing heat. These cows should probably
When a cluster of cattle is noted and there appears be inseminated even if they are not observed standing.
to be excessive, uncharacteristic movement, including Close physical contact. This goes along with con-
some cows attempting to ride others, the cluster should gregation of cattle. This may include cows standing head
be monitored closely. Make careful note, either mentally to tail and circling, butting heads in mock fighting, and
or in your heat detection book, which cows are present chin resting on the back, or rubbing on the hip of other
in these clusters. Attention to detail and knowing which cows.
cows are participating is the only way to later use more For example, cattle will frequently place their chins
subtle signs of standing heat. on the back of another animal before attempting to
When working with synchronized cattle, it is desir- mount. Sometimes they will vigorously rub their chin
able (and most times essential) to sort them as soon as along the hip or back and push with their body at the
you are confident they are standing. Some cows will be same time. Cattle may also be observed standing head-
rode excessively if left in the bunch, which probably isn’t to-tail, with chin resting on the hip, while circling and
a problem, but other cows may be in heat and are going pushing with their bodies. This also is a prelude to
undetected. After sorting and restructuring the social mounting and may be accompanied by mock fighting or
group, new cows will usually be detected. Sorting in head butting.
increments of 10 - 25 head allows easy handling and Cows in heat will form attachments with each other.
leaves enough riding activity to keep the larger group They may try and prevent other cows from riding their

2 Beef Cattle Handbook

partner. Head butting and attempting to drive the other observed. Evidence of a bloody discharge may be pre-
cow off is commonly observed. sent on the tail or rear quarter. The bloody discharge is
If heat detection is being performed when the cattle normal and only means the cow was in heat, and if not
are grazing, look for cows that are almost touching each inseminated already, it is too late. A bloody discharge
other. Cows don’t normally stand close together, and if has no relationship to whether or not conception
you watch long enough, you might catch a brief mount. occurred.
Cows nursing calves do not ride as vigorously during
their grazing mode if only a few cows are in heat. General Heat Detection Considerations
Swollen vulva. A characteristic of standing heat Cycle lengths of 7-10 days are termed “short cycles.”
that is often mentioned refers to a somewhat reddened Beef cattle may have a short cycle after the first standing
and swollen, loose vulva. Practical experience suggests heat postcalving or after the pubertal heat in heifers. The
that this may be very subject to interpretation and diffi- short cycle is caused by a short-lived corpus luteum .
cult to view, and is thus of limited value as a heat detec- The heat preceding the short cycle is not fertile, the next
tion aid. one will be fertile and the cow that short-cycles should
Natural markers. Normally the hair on the tail- be inseminated again.
head is lying down and pointed toward the tail. A cow Establish a heat detection routine that allows initial
that has been ridden hard will sometimes have the hair observation of the cattle without disruption of their
rubbed off her tailhead down to the hide. Before this estrous behavior. Therefore, don’t do anything that will
occurs the hair may be roughened up to the point where cause the cattle to be distracted from riding cows in
it sticks almost straight up. The hair on the sides along heat, for instance, allowing the cattle to hear the sound
the hip and over the hip may be rubbed off, in the case of the feed vehicle, feeding the cattle, gathering before
of cows that haven’t shed off, or have a roughened, dis- observation. If possible don’t check heat in the same
organized appearance in shorter haired cows. This is cre- vehicle used to carry the feed.
ated by being gripped by the front legs of the cow that Cattle confined in close quarters will try mounting
is riding. Muddy conditions create an excellent natural each other. If mounting activity is observed when the
marker, as the cows will have mud plastered on both cattle are being herded or after they are corralled, take
flanks and maybe further up along the back ribs. Care some time to determine if anything is actually standing.
should be taken when using mud and hair loss as a sign Heat detection is a skill that is learned through
of being ridden. Both sides of the cow in question must experience. Some producers experienced in heat detec-
show the signs, as a cow could not have been ridden tion suggest that 20 - 30 minutes night and morning is
and marked on only one side. adequate, others suggest 45 minutes to an hour is nec-
Hot iron hip brands that are fresh, but scabbed over essary. In practice, time spent on heat detecting should
make excellent heat detection aids. When ridden the be based on how long it takes you to be confident that
scab will be pealed off, leaving the brand a bright-red you have found all the cows in heat. It is a bad feeling
color. Brands should be applied about 6 weeks before when you leave the cows, wondering if you have
heat detection starts. Normal branding procedures for missed a heat. It is true that very early in the morning
ownership (as calves, on locations other than the hip) and in the evening are the best times to heat detect, par-
will limit the use of this aid; however, it might be useful ticularly cow/calf pairs on grass.
to use a year brand for heat detection purposes. If 100 percent of the cows or heifers in a manage-
Cattle can be inseminated based solely on natural ment group are cycling, then about five percent should
markers with good results, if the heat detector is obser- show estrus each day. A daily average of less than five
vant and knows approximately when the cow might percent may be indicating that a portion of the females
have been standing. Thus the natural markers can be are not cycling, and estrous synchronization results may
used effectively only if you have a record from the previ- be disappointing. This may also be an indication of inad-
ous heat detection period of cows that showed signs of equate heat detection.
approaching standing heat.
Calf Behavior. It is true that calves will try and ride
cows in heat. They will also try and ride cows that are
not in heat. So, being ridden by calves is not a very reli-
able heat detection aid. However, if 2 or 3 calves are
determined in their efforts to follow and mount a cow,
perhaps she should be watched.
Cows in heat travel the pasture and consequently
the calf sometimes gets left behind. Take note of the calf
that’s bawling and acts like they are looking for their
dam or haven’t nursed for awhile. The dam could possi-
bly be in heat.
Bloody Discharge. Two to three days after stand-
ing heat, a bloody discharge from the vulva may be

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Author:
Terry Goehring, Former Extension Beef Specialist, South Dakota State University

This publication was prepared in cooperation with the Extension Beef Cattle Resource Committee and its member states and produced in
an electronic format by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension
work, ACTS of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

BCH-2310 Heat Detection of Beef Cattle

4 Beef Cattle Handbook