Farm Animal

AS-559-W

Management @Purdue
Estrus Detection in Farm Animals
Ann Yager, Animal Sciences Student
Michael Neary, Extension Animal Scientist
Wayne Singleton, Extension Reproductive Physiologist
Photo Credits: Wayne Singleton

Introduction
Estrus or “heat” is a period during the
reproductive cycle when female animals
become sexually receptive, signaling they
are ready for mating. In most cases, this
can also be referred to as “standing heat”
because the female will stand to be mated
by the male (Figure 1).
Estrus is caused by estrogen being
produced within developing follicles on
the ovary, and ovulation usually occurs Figure 1: Sexually receptive female in “standing
heat,” being mounted by a boar.
after the initial signs of estrus are de-
tected. Duration of estrus and the time
of ovulation in relationship to the onset until the anestrous period begins. Horses
Purdue University of estrus vary with the species (Table 1). exhibit estrus during the spring and early
If behavioral or physical signs are not summer, when day length is increasing,
Department of obvious, estrus may even pass unnoticed. whereas sheep and goats exhibit estrus
Animal Sciences Successful recognition of the signs of during the fall, when day length is decreas-
estrus for mating, just prior to the time of ing.
ovulation, can result in increased con-
ception rates for the herd or flock. Signs of Estrus
When the reproductive success of a Each female exhibits signs of estrus for a
herd depends on the ability to detect certain amount of time during their estrous
estrus, as in an artificial insemination cycle. Duration of estrus and length of the
programs or hand mating, it is important reproductive cycle varies among species
to know what to look for, when to look, (Table 1). Perform heat detection when
and how beneficial heat detection is to the animals are relaxing during normal
get animals bred in a timely manner. activities; avoid times of increased excite-
ment or stressful situations, such as feeding
Animals that cycle continuously or milking. The best times to observe for
throughout the year, such as swine and signs of estrus are during the coolest times
cattle, are termed polyestrous. Those of the day, early in the morning, before
animals with estrous cycles occurring feeding and milking, early afternoon, and
only during certain seasons of the year, late evening, after the animals are finished
due to the amount of daylight, are termed eating and before or after milking. Heat
seasonally polyestrous (Table 1). Season- detection aids can be used to assist with
ally polyestrous animals exhibit more heat detection, but should not be the only
than one estrous cycle within a certain source used for reference, since these aids
season, until they become pregnant or can be unreliable at times. Unfavorable
2

weather, sudden weather changes, stresses,

and nutritional problems can affect how
estrus is displayed.
Many species exhibit similar signs of estrus.
However, there are many signs of estrus that
are species-specific. There are primary signs
and secondary signs that signal the onset of
estrus. Primary signs are the most reliable
and secondary signs are less reliable because
they vary in length and intensity and may be
confused with the symptoms that are the Figure 2. Mounting behavior displayed by a female
approaching estrus.
indication of a minor health problem, such
increased urination, isolation, and decreased near the tail head from being frequently
feed intake, often observed with sick or mounted by other cows.
diseased animals. It is easier to observe signs
of estrus if there is a sexually active group of Secondary behavioral signs that are exhib-
animals together, ones that are approaching ited prior to standing heat include: trying to
heat. Other sexually active females in the mount other animals not in heat, increased
group will allow you to observe if the indi- urination, isolation
vidual is in standing heat when other sexually from the herd, and
active females are present to mount her. social behaviors such
Without this group, you can rely only on as laying her head
physical and behavioral signs demonstrated upon the backs of
by that individual. other animals. She
may show signs of
Cattle nervousness and Figure 3. Red, swollen
The primary sign of heat occurs when the vulva of a female in heat.
restlessness such as
Excess mucus discharge
female stands immobile and allows other walking along fences, is noticed on the ventral
animals to mount her (Figure 2). The flanks bawling, and de- end of the vulva.
may show dirt from the hooves of other cows creased milk produc-
mounting her, and saliva may be visible on tion from less time
her back, and hair may be missing or ruffled spent eating.
 Physical signs that indicate estrus include Horses
the vulva becoming red and swollen (Figure Expression of estrus is most easily deter-
3) and excess mucus discharge. mined by using a “teasing” system, which
Goats involves introducing the stallion to the mare,
allowing handlers to
The signs of estrus for goats are very similar
observe the mare’s
to the signs observed with cattle. Goats do
reactions. The
not mount, or stand to be mounted as often
stallion may begin
as cattle do, but will demonstrate this behav-
nuzzling, sniffing,
ior when they are in heat, such as seeking out
and biting the mare
the male. Other behavior signs of estrus
to test her level of
include constant vocalizations, loss of appe- Figure 5. Erect ears of
receptivity. These a sow in heat. 3
tite, restlessness, and social behaviors such as
same actions may or
rubbing up against herd-mates. Physical signs
may not be returned
that are demonstrated during estrus include
by the mare. By observing her reactions,
redness and swelling around the vulva, and a
handlers will be able to recognize when she is
thin mucous discharge from the vulva.
ready to accept the stallion, the primary
Sheep indication that she is in heat. Other primary
The expression of estrus in the ewe is not as signs of estrus include “winking” of the vulva,
easily detected when she has been separated squatting or lowering of the pelvis, lifting of
from the ram for a period of time. When the the tail, and frequent urination. Secondary
ewe cannot hear, smell, or see the ram, this behavioral signs include social behavior such
causes diminished estrus behavior. Ewes as seeking-out the company of other mares,
experiencing estrus behavior will search-out geldings, and handlers.
the ram and stand to be mounted by him or Swine
other ewes, but not as often as cattle. Charac-
As with most other species, the primary sign
teristic behavior for the ewe is rapid tail
of estrus occurs when the female stands
movement or raised tail in the presence of
immobile while another sow or boar mounts
the ram. She will demonstrate secondary
her (Figures 1 & 4). Secondary behavioral
estrus behaviors such as nervousness, walking
signs demonstrate increased nervous activity
the fence or increased vocalizations for the
such as showing an increased interest in pen
ram, and a decrease in milk production and
mates, demonstrating male-like behaviors
appetite. Physical characteristics include a
such as mounting and nudging other females
reddened, swollen vulva, but this is often
(Figure 4), and increased movement within
difficult to detect because of wool and small
the pen or crate. The herds-person might
size of the vulva.
notice increased vocalizations, erect ears
(Figure 5), a desire to seek-out the boar, and a
loss of appetite. Noticeable physical changes
include a red, swollen vulva, and an increase
in vaginal secretions.

Detection Aids
Beyond personal observation and sound
record keeping, there are various methods
used to detect estrus in the herd. Marker
animals are one method of detection aid, and
there are different marking devices that can
be implemented. Marker animals are usually
males that have been altered in some way, so
Figure 4. Estrus behavior displayed by two females
approaching estrus. they cannot mate, but they still have the
 desire to mate, resulting in a visual mark from Cattle
the marking device left on the female in
One marking device involves the use of
estrus. Teaser animals are another detection
colored paint, dyes, oil, or grease smeared on
aid, involving surgical alteration of the male,
the brisket or attached to the collar or halter
causing them to be sterile. The most com-
of the bull or gomer animal. A chin-ball
mon surgical method is a vasectomy, remov-
marker placed under the chin of the bull
ing a section of the vas deferens, preventing
(Figure 7), causes paint to be smeared on the
back of the cow if mounted, working similar
to a ballpoint pen.

Figure 6. Gromer bull attempting to mount female

in estrus. The penis has been altered so he cannot
successfully mate with the female.
Figure 8. Heat patch with visible color change.

sperm passage, but sill allowing transmission

of sexually transmitted diseases. Another Another detection aid is a pressure-sensi-
type of aid is “Gomer” animals, which are tive heat-mount detector, such as KaMar®
altered so that they cannot make sexual heat detectors. This device contains a red
contact with the female. This can include dye, and is glued on the tail-head between
surgical or non-surgical alteration of the the pins and hooks of the cow (Figure 8). If
penis (Figure 6) or use of infertile females the cow is mounted, pressure on the device
causes the dyes to mix, creating a visible color
change, indicating the female has been
mounted. These can be incorrectly triggered
or lost, resulting in false readings. Electronic
pressure-sensitive devices, such at
Heatwatch™, are also mounted on the tail-
head, and can be used to record the number
of occurrences that the female was mounted,
and the time that has elapsed since the first
mounting. The information can be sent to a
computer database, where managers can
Figure 7. Chin-ball marking device positioned under monitor individual cows and create reports
bull's chin. from the data.
With large dairy herds, tail painting or tail
chalking is becoming very common. This
treated with male hormones. Electronic
consists of covering the tail-head with bright
heat-detection aids can measure when
colored tail paint or chalk, followed by close
pressure is applied to the female’s back, when
observation of the marking, noting signs of it
activity level increases, when hormone levels
being rubbed off or smudged. Reapplication
change, or when milk production changes, to
may be necessary, and false readings can occur
determine a female experiencing estrus.
if smearing occurs from contact with low tree
branches or from lying in free stalls.
 Dairy farmers are using electronic pedom- Sheep
eters or motion sensors that are attached on
A marking harness can be placed on the
the neck of foreleg of females approaching
ram, or a teaser ram. The harness is similar to
estrus. The sensor indicates increasing
the chin-ball marker used for cattle. It has a
activity levels associated with estrus by
colored crayon that is situated over the
measuring changes in the amount of walking
sternum of the ram so that it will mark the
activity.
ewes’ rump as he attempts to breed.
Another method is the use of milk or blood
progesterone kits, which measure progester- Horses
one levels in the female. By referring to Not as common in the equine industry, but
individual cow records, one can determine still available, is the use of a marking harness
which cows are approaching or will soon be to detect estrus in free-ranging mares. This 5
in heat. Performing the progesterone test on type of detection aid for horses has not had
these females prior to the onset of estrus much success and is not widely used.
allows one to determine the amount of
progesterone in the blood or milk, and Swine
identify cows that should be watched for signs A herds-person can perform a back pressure
of being in heat. High levels of progesterone test, simulating the action or feeling of a boar
indicate that the cow is not in heat, and low mounting the sow (Figure 9). This test
levels of progesterone indicate that the cow consists of applying stimulation to the fe-
may be in estrus, or near estrus. males’ back, flanks, and underline, while
observing her reaction to the pressure. If the
Goats sow stands rigid and “locks up,” in expecta-
Tests can be performed by the herds- tion of being mounted and bred by a boar,
man to determine if the doe is in heat. One then she is in estrus. If she makes an attempt
test involves rubbing the doe’s back, to to run away when the pressure is applied, then
observe her reaction. If her tail begins to she is not experiencing estrus. Along with
twitch faster, indicating an excitatory re- standing immobile for the back pressure test,
sponse, then she may be in estrus. Another her ears may also stand erect, or they will
test involves taking a rag that has been twitch if she is a floppy-eared breed. The
rubbed on the buck, so that it has his scent, presence of a boar when this test is performed
and presenting it to the doe. If the doe provides improved accuracy of heat detection.
becomes attracted to it and gets excited by This test explains why it may be difficult to
the smell of the rag, then she may be in move sows in estrus, if they stand still when
estrus. pressure is applied to their backs.

Figure 10. Presence of boar in adjacent pen can

affect the onset of estrus and ability to detect estrus
Figure 9. Herdsman demonstrating back pressure test. in surrounding females.
 Facility Design Sources:
Facility design is important for heat detec- Battaglia, Richard A. Handbook of Livestock
tion because the breeding environment needs Management. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice-
to be stress-free and allow for normal every- Hall, Inc., 2001.
day activities within the herd. The facility
should also allow for easy handling and Diehl, John, Billy N. Day, and William
management of breeding stock. Proximity of Flowers. Pork Industry Handbook. Estrus or
females to males should be considered (Figure Heat Detection. Purdue University Coopera-
10), since this can affect sexual development tive Extension Service.
and the onset of estrus. Males and females
should also be easily accessed to allow for
easy estrus detection and mating to occur. Ensminger, M.E. Sheep and Goat Science. 6th
6 ed. Illinois: Interstate Publishers, Inc., 2002.
Pen size, pre-cautionary safety concerns for
employees, and the ability of females and
males to intermingle should all be considered. Fricke, Paul. Reproductive Management of
Floors should be slip-free by providing mats Dairy Heifers. Department of Dairy Science,
or grooves in concrete floors that can be University of Wisconsin-Madison.
dusted with limestone to allow for better
traction on slick surfaces. Allow good Ginther, O.J. Reproductive Biology of the
footing and minimize injuries, so that breed- Mare: Basic and Applied Aspects. 2nd ed.
ing efficiency is maximized. Animal move- Wisconsin: Equiservices, 1992.
ment is also an important consideration in
the breeding facility, especially in confine- Hafez, E.S., editor. Reproduction in Farm
ment swine operations, to decrease labor of Animals. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger,
moving sows and/or boars during breeding or 1968.
estrus detection.

Conclusion Keown, Jeffrey, and Duane Rice. Estrus

Estrus detection in farm animals is depen- (Heat) Detection Guidelines. G89-952A.
dent upon the observer paying close atten- University of Nebraska Cooperative Exten-
tion to the behavior and physical changes of sion Service, 1989. www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/
the female experiencing estrus. Aids are dairy/g952.htm
available to assist the herds-person checking
for signs of heat, but these aids should never Schutz, M.M., and W.L. Singleton. Sum-
be the sole indicator of estrus, because they mertime Heat Detection. AS-517. Purdue
can be unreliable. The best method of estrus University Cooperative Extension Service.
detection is by observing primary signs 1997.
exhibited by the female in response to the
male. Estrus detection is a valuable tool for
Singleton, Wayne and Mark Diekman.
use in artificial insemination techniques,
Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy of the
hand mating, and for use of predicting
Sow. Purdue University Department of
parturition dates.
Animal Sciences. www.ansc.purdue.edu/
swine/porkpage/repro/physiol/reppaper.html
 Sorensen, A.M. Jr., Animal Reproduction:
Principles and Practices. USA: McGraw Hill,
1979.

Varner, Dr. M.A., Anestrus and Estrous

Detection Aids. West Virginia University
Cooperative Extension Service.

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