Behavioral estrous signs can predict the time of ovulation in mithun (Bos frontalis)

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of different behavioral estrous signs and time of ovulation to identify if behavioral estrous sign(s) can be used as predictor of time of ovulation in mithuns. Data were collected for 54 ovulations from 16 mithuns. The animals were monitored for onset of estrus by observing different behavioral estrous signs at 2 h interval and bull parading thrice a day for 30 min and were further confirmed by plasma progesterone profile. All animals were also observed for any of the estrous signs at every 2 h interval for 30 min and mounting behavior was studied by bull parading at every 2 h for 30 min after onset of estrus. Time of ovulation was detected by rectal palpation at 2 h interval from onset of estrus till ovulation. Behavioral signs of estrus was more intense in primiparous than multiparous mithuns. Ovulation occurred at 26.1+/-1.1 h (ranging between 20 and 31 h) after the onset of estrus. As the method used to determine the onset of estrus is time consuming, labor intensive and no device is yet available to detect onset of estrus automatically, so this cannot be used practically as a predictor of time of ovulation. The mithun cow at estrus to be mounted by bull was recorded in all cases (100%). Ovulation occurred 23.5+/-1.5 h (ranging between 19 and 27 h) after first mounting. Although promising, mounting cannot be assessed automatically, which limits its practical use as a predictor of ovulation. Standing heat was recorded in 98.1% of total estrus studied in mithun cows and ovulation occurred 21.8+/-1.3 h (ranging between 19 and 25 h) after first observed standing heat. Standing heat can be detected automatically using mounting detectors. Hence, standing heat can be used practically as ovulation predictor in mithuns. In conclusion, cow to be mounted by mithun bull is the best predictor of ovulation, but non-availability of devices to detect it automatically restricts its practical application. Standing heat that recorded 98.1% estrus cases in mithun cows, can also be detected automatically using mounting detector, therefore be used widely as an ovulation predictor in field condition for mithun cows.