What are common signs of heat in dairy cattle?

In dairy cattle, the common signs of heat are characterized by increased activity, vocalization, and standing heat behavior. When a cow is in heat, also known as estrus, it typically becomes more active and restless than usual. This heightened level of activity can be seen in behaviors such as walking around more frequently, mounting other cows, or even attempting to escape from its pen.

Vocalization, or increased vocal calls, is another indicator that a cow is in heat. These sounds are a way for the cow to signal her readiness to mate, often becoming more pronounced as she approaches the peak of her estrous cycle.

Standing heat behavior is one of the most telling signs of estrus. This refers to a cow’s willingness to stand still when mounted by another animal, which indicates that she is in the optimal period for breeding. Recognizing these signs is essential for effective breeding management in dairy farming, as it helps ensure that cows are bred at the right time for optimal conception rates.

The other options include signs that do not typically correlate with heat. For instance, increased grazing behavior and weight gain do not directly indicate estrus. Decreased feed intake and lethargy suggest a health problem or stress rather than reproductive status, and heightened aggression often