Trying to establish a heifer's heat cycle

[Anonymous]

My calf is about 9 months old. On Jan 26-28 I noticed clear mucus discharge, and assumed this was a sign of her first heat. I haven't noticed it since then. We aren't breeding her until she is around 15 months old (in Oct.), but I want to keep accurate records to assure better success with IMing her. Is it usual for a young heifer to have a cycle of heat, then skip some? How old will she be when I see some regularity? She is a sole family cow, so there is absolutely no chance she is pregnant. Thanks for the info.

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[Anonymous]

The single cow is always the hardest to catch in heat. The mucus flow is and isn't a good sign to use as heat detection. Young heifers frequently will skip heats when they first get started cycling. If you are still having problems catching he in heat after she is 12/13 months you might consider one of the synch protocols and time breed.

dun

> My calf is about 9 months old. On
> Jan 26-28 I noticed clear mucus
> discharge, and assumed this was a
> sign of her first heat. I haven't
> noticed it since then. We aren't
> breeding her until she is around
> 15 months old (in Oct.), but I
> want to keep accurate records to
> assure better success with IMing
> her. Is it usual for a young
> heifer to have a cycle of heat,
> then skip some? How old will she
> be when I see some regularity? She
> is a sole family cow, so there is
> absolutely no chance she is
> pregnant. Thanks for the info.