Tail painting technique as an aid to oestrus detection in cattle
Kerr, O.M.; McCaughey, W.J.
Veterinary Record 114(25): 605-607
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 6540500 Document Number: 226260
The value of heat detection by tail painting was assessed by simultaneous visual observation and regular plasma progesterone assay in grazing animals; 88.1% of all heats were accompanied by a positive tail paint record and 30.1% of positive tail paint records occurred in dioestrous animals. Conception rates to the first insemination were 57.6% and 57.9% for heifers and cows, respectively. Of seven animals which showed behavioural oestrus but had intact tail paint, three conceived following insemination. These results suggest that tail paint may be a useful aid in heat detection.