Timed artificial insemination (AI) allows you to breed many cattle at set times to maximize your labor. But did you know you can fine-tune your timed AI protocol even further? It’s true. By using estrus detection with a breeding indicator, you can determine which animals are the best candidates to breed and improve reproductive efficiency.

Applying an ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicator to monitor estrus can help exponentially increase the odds of successfully getting cows and heifers pregnant. The ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator with Breeding Bullseye™ is more than a heat detector, with many university studies proving it is a tool to gauge estrus intensity. University research shows higher estrus intensity correlates to increased fertility. Estrus intensity is expressed by increased mounting activity, which ESTROTECT Breeding Indicators measure, resulting in higher conception rates and lower pregnancy loss when it intensifies.

ESTROTECT Breeding Indicators are self-adhesive patches that use a unique Breeding Bullseye to indicate estrus intensity and identify which cows are your best candidates to breed. University researchers developed the Breeding Bullseye technology to help better display estrus intensity.

If the Breeding Bullseye or equivalent area – 50% or more – is rubbed off, more valuable genetics can be used at higher success. If less than 50% of the surface ink rubs off, either use lower-cost genetics or hold off breeding until higher estrus intensity is reached.

The Breeding Bullseye can help make the following cow-side breeding decisions:

High estrus intensity (50% or more surface ink rubbed off)

• Sexed semen

• High-value semen

• Embryo transfer

Low estrus intensity (Less than 50% of surface ink rubbed off)

• Conventional semen

• Beef semen for dairy herds

• Low-value semen

• Hold off on breeding until higher estrus intensity

For many years, it has been observed that females with increased estrus intensity have higher fertility. By pairing an ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator with a timed AI protocol, you can work behind a cow or heifer to make a smart, effective breeding decision when cattle go through the chute. The Breeding Bullseye will tell you which cows or heifers have the highest chance of a successful pregnancy so you can breed accordingly.

Once you’ve bred your cattle ESTROTECT can also be used for pregnancy detection. When applied after breeding, the ESTROTECT patch easily helps identify pregnant cows or heifers and any open cows or heifers. If the patches show no signs of estrus activity following breeding via AI or exposure to a bull, the cows or heifers can be assumed pregnant.

The ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator is the industry standard for optimizing cattle breeding efficiency and economics. With millions and millions of units sold around the world, ESTROTECT is the only breeding management patch tested in a multitude of university studies by industry researchers. For pinpointing estrus intensity, there is no substitute.