By JOHN MUCHIBIMore by this AuthorA dairy farm’s reproductive profitability is affected by accurate detection of heat and timely insemination of the cows. Estrus cycle of dairy cows is between 18- 24 days with 21 days being the average. There are several factors that affect the cow’s ability to show heat signs:• Mineral deficiencies especially that of Phosphorus; Provide your cows with Intromin mineral blocks fed free choice. Provide your cows with sufficient feeds• A cow’s environment; cows in closed confinement may not show signs of heat. Failures in conception in dairy cows are caused by among others:• Poor semen handling and storage by inseminators; this affects sperm viability.

Source: Daily Nation February 12, 2018 10:18 UTC