Estrus: the fertile phase known as heat
Estrus, or heat, is the fertile phase of the reproductive cycle when a female accepts a male and ovulation occurs. In cattle, heat is often described as lasting about 12 to 18 hours; in sheep and goats it is usually shorter. Females that do not conceive return to heat at regular intervals.
What signs of heat should you note?
Restlessness, mounting behaviour and clear mucus are signs to note. For example, if you see these signs in a cow during the morning check, write down the time so you can plan insemination around that observation.
How can you keep track of heat?
Note when you see signs of heat in HerdMobile, so you can check that animal's breeding history and use your observations when planning the next mating or insemination.
Questions from the farm
How long does estrus last in sheep and goats?
Heat in sheep and goats is usually shorter than in cattle. Duration varies with breed, season and the individual animal, so note when you see signs rather than relying on a fixed duration.
Does every animal show clear signs of heat?
Some animals have silent heats with few visible signs. Frequent checks and dated notes help you spot changes and reduce missed opportunities to breed.
How HerdMobile helps
Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.
Keep dated notes of heat signs for each animal, so you can check past observations when planning its next mating or insemination.
