Select Sires

SELECTIONS - Summer 2004
Is Tail Chalking Right for Your Herd?

Although the best indication of whether or not a cow is in heat is if she is seen standing to be mounted (in "standing heat"), many of today’s busy producers find heat detection aids – including tail chalking – can help.

Tail chalking is done by applying a two- to three-inch stripe of oil-based chalk or paint on the cow’s tailhead, from the hook or hip bones to the curve of the tail as it begins its descent.

Photo with Arm Holding Tube

The key to a successful tail-chalking program is reading the results. In very obvious situations, when the cow is in standing heat, the chalk will be mostly rubbed off. In addition, clear discharge, bleed-offs, roughed-up hair on the topline, and manure on a cow’s sides from another cow's hooves are all signs of activity that technicians consider when determining if a cow may be in heat. In less-obvious situations, such as when the cow is beginning to come into heat, the chalk may only be slightly smeared, either from licking or attempted mounting.

Tail chalking is inexpensive, easy to implement and offers 24-hour detection. The downside is without proper skill, false positives may be read. It can also require additional labor to apply and reapply chalk, as well as checking for the signs of heat.

Select Sires offers a portfolio of Reproductive Solutions that may include tail chalking, estrus synchronization programs, records analysis, reproductive trouble-shooting, A.I. training, heat detection training and training resources. Contact your Select Sires representative to find out which products and services are available in your area and which will work best to help you reach your herd's reproductive goals.

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Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751