HeatM8Bulling Cow Behaviour

Bulling Cow Behaviour

There are certain behavioural signs that a cow displays when she is in oestrus(bulling/in heat).

These vary depending on what stage of oestrus she is in.

There are three stages of oestrus.

Stage One - Coming into heat

Below is a list of behaviours that indicate that the cow is "coming into heat;"

Shows signs of being alert/restless,
Ears pricked up, head up, eyes bright,
Bellowing,
Looking for other bulling cows,
Swollen/moist vulva,
Flicking tail,
Smells other cows
Riding other cows,
Will not stand to be ridden

When out in the field, these are the cows to look for and take note of as they may or may not go on to have a strong standing heat.

The cow in this pic is coming into heat, notice;

Ears pricked up

Head up

Eyes bright

Arched back

Alert

Looking intently at the SAG (Sexually Active Group).

PB200224 (2) (2016_07_15 19_37_42 UTC).jpg

Stage Two - Standing heat

Below is a list of behaviours that indicate that the cow is in "standing heat;"

Standing to be ridden by other cows,
Riding other cows,
Nervous and excitable,
Vulva moist and red,
Being aggressive to other cows,
Holding milk,
Less interested in eating.

Will congregate with other bulling cows, called a SAG (Sexually Active Group)

This pic shows cows in standing heat.

Both of these cows are in heat and should be inseminated at the next available opportunity.

Stage Three - Going off heat

Below is a list of behaviours that indicate that the cow is "going off heat;"

Riding other cows occasionally,
Reluctant to
be ridden,
On the periphery of the bulling cow group,
Clear mucus discharge from vulva
More interested in eating,

In the video below the b&w cow is coming into heat and is interacting with the black cow

The black is going off heat and is not interested the interaction

Both cows should be inseminated when the AI tech turns up.

Cows not in Heat

Notice the difference with the stance of this cow that is not in heat, she is;

Relaxed

Ears back

Eyelids semi closed/relaxed

Head down/level

Straight back

Chewing cud (can't be seen in a photo so you will have to take my word for it)

Just generally chilled out and happy with life.

PB200224 (4) (2016_07_15 19_37_42 UTC).jpg

More non-bulling cows, also chilled out and happy with life.