Silent Heat
Silent heat is the term used when a cow which has already shown heat signs shows them again after 6 weeks or later. The regular heat period at 3 weeks is often referred to as the silent heat. The heat signs might have been weak and therefore not observed. If the cow has been inseminated before, she might have had an early abortion so that she shows heat signs again 6-9 weeks after the last insemination.
Clinical Signs
- Small vulva.
- Long tuft of hair at the ventral end of the vulva.
- Clitoris is prominent when you open the vulva.
- Complete anoestrus.
Diagnosis
- Rectal palpation and use of breeding records.
Prevention
- Proper feeding and mineral supplementation of dairy cows including:
- Adequate quantity and good quality roughage.
- Adlibitum mineral supplementation.
- Timely and regular heat detection.
Treatment
- Use of hormones according to veterinary advice.