Cow Project Estrus Observations
Review the cow project if you have not already done so.
Activities from Lab 1 - 2:
- Before class be sure you understand what estrus is in cattle. View the video on estrus detection for the cow and an example of a cow from AS434. Remember it is the cow being mounted who is in heat or estrus if she stands during that mounting activity.
- During Lab 1, go to the dairy cattle center with your instructor. You will need to put on feet coverings and get an estrotect patch. Go into the barn area with our cows, select a cow, take a picture of you cow number, place an estrus detection patch on that cow. This is the cow you will use for class this semester.
- After class visit the website for the company that makes the estrus detection patches, Estrotect. Read about "How to Apply" and the "Heat Detection Tips" sections of the website. Here is an example of these patches when used in this class.
- Later in the semester we will be using these patches to confirm pregnancies. Look at what the company says about use of estrotect patches to confirm pregnancy after AI.
- Remember a cow in estrus is one that is standing to be mounted by another cow. This is why a triggered Estrotect patch is an indicator that a cow has been in estrus.
- From today until the start of lab next week your group needs to check estrus on all cows in the lot at least once per day between 4:30 AM - 6:45 AM or 4:30 PM - 6:45 PM. It can be any cow in the herd not just one wth an estrotect patch. Do this until you get a video recording as described below. You should have at least a partner come with you when you check for estrus.
- Review with your instructor when you can come to check estrus.
- Assign members of your group to come and record observations and or take a video.
- You must record a video of estrus behavior in a cow. You could most likely do this via a smart phone. So figure out how you will do this among your group members.
- Observations and the video are due before lab next week in the cow project, Estrus Observations assignment (Canvas). You must include who did the observations at each time. Note that more than 1 student can be present for the observations. Also this is not the general Lab 1 assignment but the cow project,Estrus Observations assignment.
- Everyone in the group must participate by observing a cow in estrus at least once, this can be the group video submitted.
- From today until the start of lab next week your group will also need to come in between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM to check on the estrotect patch you placed on your cow. Minimum of 2 students should come together. The cow will be in the same spot. You only need to come 2 times before next week so an example would be to come on thursday at 1:00PM and monday at 10:00 AM. The time is up to you. Record and add to the estrus canvas assignment.
- Depending on your lab sections assigned treatment, you may need to start giving treatmens toward the end of week after lab 2. Other lab sections start during the week following lab 3 or 4. See main cow project page for information on your specific treatment and course calendar for specific details. We will also clarify with you on week 2 lab.
