Abstract
Proper heat detection to achieve appropriate timing of insemination is the biggest restriction in attaining high conception rate in dairy herd. The estrus detection is the key issue to be considered on priority basis. Inefficient heat detection reduces the fertility status of herd. Interventions in existing management practices in farm can manifest estrus with clarity. Manifestation of estrus is due to effect of estrogen on Central Nervous System (CNS). The standing to be ridden is the best reliable sign of estrus. Ovulation time is well estimated by standing heat. Different factors are responsible which affect estrous behavior, out of which feeding and management interventions are one of the most important factors. For improving efficiency of heat detection in animal visual observation is best method, if it is done thrice a day for 30 minutes every time. However heat detection aids, if used in combination give better results as compared to visual observation. The progesterone (P4) estimation in milk and ultrasound monitoring of ovary and reproductive tracts for estimation of ovulation time are other important methods. Ovulation is very important point in dairy reproduction management. The optimum time for insemination is before the actual ovulation. It is already established that, estrus detection alone contributes considerably to reproductive status of the herd, therefore the need of the hour is critical observation of dairy herd to reduce incidence of unnoticed estrus.
Highlights
The success of Artificial Insemination (A.I.) depends on critical observation of animals to detect heat at appropriate time as late insemination leads to failure of conception
Inadequate heat detection is one of the major factor limiting reproductive performances in herds; it is an area of farm activity where increased effort or investment is likely to be profitable
Cattle come into estrus at all times of the day, she may not be very active in hot weather and remain in heat for only a short period of time, making it difficult to observe
Summary
The success of Artificial Insemination (A.I.) depends on critical observation of animals to detect heat at appropriate time as late insemination leads to failure of conception. Estrous behavior in cattle: Three distinct patterns are observed during estrus includes male like mounting, rise in spontaneous activity and mating responses. Standing to be mounted by a bull, is most reliable sign of estrus in buffaloes, where as homosexual behavior observed only occasionally. Sign such as swelling of vulva, clear transparent mucus discharge, spontaneous milk letdown, bellowing, restlessness [15], frequent urination and raised tail vary in intensity from animal to animal, and in relation to standing estrus. The cases of silent estrus higher in herd using A.I. rather adopting natural service and this may often indicate that the problem may lie with the heat detection rather than animal itself. There is sudden drop in mounting activity on slippery surface
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