I'm a newbie too. I've had a cow for years, but I think I'll always be green at this. I try to AI my one cow every year and usually am successful. Last year I wasn't. I was getting really good at reading her heats and making the phone call at the right time, but she's getting VERY SUBTLE and I find that I can't read her so well anymore. I did see the initial swelling under the tail and heard her mooing on Sunday morning, but don't have another cow to watching for any mounting activities or anything. Absolutely no discharge to read at all. I leaned on her back, but all she did was turn her head and look at me like she was saying...." Reach a little over to left, will you? I'm itchin' there" LOL! I'm wondering with so little "symptoms to go with, how I'm going to peg this successfully. Was unsuccessful last year and fear that my husband is going to pronounce her hamburger if we don't get back on track. So, I've been on "cow watch" during this heat, but would really like to breed her next time around so that calving is at optimum timing for weather/bugs where I am. I used the shots last year...no go. I have used the CIDR and have been successful. Any advise on how to be successful this year, would sure be appreciated! Thanks.
