Estrous behavior and detection in cattle

Hormonal events determine the timing and maximum duration of estrous behavior, whereas environmental and social factors modulate or completely inhibit the expression of estrus. The efficiency of estrous detection can be improved on most livestock farms if more effort is given to visual observations of estrous behavior. Heat detection aids can be of value if used as a supplement to visual observations. Knowledge of factors that inhibit estrus can help producers avoid or minimize situations that make estrous detection difficult or impossible. Each livestock enterprise should have a customized heat detection program in place because blanket recommendations often fail when applied to many operations.