Cow not bred???

[wkyongae]

We thought we bought a bred cow but now we see her trying to ride our other cow who is due in July and is showing it. Oh, what to do? How long will she be in heat and does anyone know of someone who A. I. 's near Olympia WA? She has been like this for 3 days know.

[tyusclan]

If she was in heat she's probably out by now. Watch her the next couple of days and see if she continues to try to mount the other cow. If she does, it could be to scent from the pregnant cow that is due soon triggering the mount. If she stops and doesn't mount her anymore, then she quite possibly was going through a cycle. If that's the case you have about 21 days until she cycles again. That should give you time to locate an AI tech if you need to get her bred. It would also be good if you had a vet or someone who knows how to pregnancy check her for you, and then you'll know for sure.

[wkyongae]

Thankyou, found a tech last nite he said same thing. Most concerning to us as we are new to this cow thing. Been around sows for years but when it comes to cattle I'm lost.

[michiganfarmer]

I thought mounting didnt mean anything. I thought a cow had to be on the bottom, and had to be standing still to show she was in heat. Im sure that her mounting another is no sign of anything. Ive seen pregnent cows mount open cows who were in heat.

[tyusclan]

Sorry, but that's not true. Sometimes the cow in heat will try to mount other cows.

[JulieLou42]

If I'm not really careful, and mindful of what Ginger's doing when in heat, she'll try to mount me...has done this about 4 times in 6 heats. She's to have her 4th calf within 2 weeks.

Another thing she did when I didn't know she was in heat, when I was combing her, I stroked her brisket, and UP she went. That's a sign, too. I've stroked her brisket when she wasn't in heat, and it had no effect whatever. This action is mentioned either in Keeping a Family Cow or The Family Cow books.

[michiganfarmer]

Originally Posted by tyusclan

Sorry, but that's not true. Sometimes the cow in heat will try to mount other cows.

I grew up on a dairy farm. I didnt know this. Or I dont remember. I was 16 when dad sold the cows. Very Interesting

[wkyongae]

Well, thank you for all the replies. Right now we are waiting for the 21 days to go by and see what happens. So, somewhere plus or minus July 6th we will know.

[tatanka]

Timing the cycle is the key to wether or not she is bred. Many cows are false heaters.............meaning they get excited and try to breed others when they get the scent even though they are already bred. This happens more frequently in younger stock and toward the beginning of the gestation period. Watch her to act up again and if it is 18-21 days then she is most likely open.

Marla