What makes a heifer come on heat?
A heifer is a young female cow that has not been bred (inseminated). They become economically beneficial upon being inseminated and successfully conceived. This typically cause an appreciation in value because of the expectation of high milk production upon calving down.
This hope is limited at times due to failure of the heifers to show heat signs at the expected period of time that is at exactly 15 months of age. Any delays cause unimaginable losses to the farm. Let’s shed light into the reasons that make heifers show heat signs.
1. Attainment of ⅔rd of mature bodyweight (bwt) that is normally between 300 and 350 Kilograms. A heifer will only show heat signs upon attaining the required bodyweight that is 67% of mature bodyweight which can be easily likened to that of her dam for estimation purposes. There is an advantage to this which is the fact that it points to maturation of the better part of the heifer’s body, ensuring that she stands a chance to produce more milk after calving down.
2. Fulfillment of her bodily energy requirements. Energy is primarily derived from fodder & feeds consumed. In the hierarchy of energy usage, heat is the first component to be eliminated from the priority list when an animal experiences shortage of energy. This happens as a result of low feed intake. I have avoid to mention “dry matter” intake because majority of the people confused that term to mean hay or dry grass. It is important to note that even fresh napier grass also contains dry matter. It is therefore important to give your cow enough feeds in order to unlock her body’s capacity to show heat signs.
The term “Dry matter” does not mean hay or dry grass,

3. Attainment of the minimum trace elements threshold necessary to support reproductive performance. Trace elements or minor elements are the mineral components needed by a cow in small quantities. The trace elements that influence fertility of a cow include Cobalt, Selenium, Copper and Manganese. They should be availed to the animal in right quantities in order to facilitate estrus.
What should you do if she fails to show any signs?
Give your heifer enough fodder, concentrates and trace elements rich complex like Fertility+® for 18 to 36 days. Pronounced heat signs will be observed and conception will be guaranteed!
Learn more on how to prevent ddelayed onset of heat and silent heat, Click here.