Process / pipelineReproductive management and monitoring

Estrus Detection

Estrus detection is the identification of the fertile period in female livestock, when ovulation is imminent and animals are sexually receptive. Formalized by reproductive physiologists in the 1960s-1970s, the practice combines behavioral observation, physical signs, and technology-enabled monitoring to identify the optimal timing for breeding. Accurate estrus detection is fundamental to reproductive efficiency, conception rates, and profitability in livestock operations.

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Sources

  1. De Vries, A., Steevens, B., & Kristensen, A. R. (2013). Accelerated improvement of dairy herd reproductive performance: Estrus detection and breeding timing revisited. Journal of Dairy Science, 96(2), 1-15. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5837
  2. Nebel, R. L., Jobst, S. M., Mullin, P. H., Stanisiewski, E. P., & Lednor, A. J. (1997). Evaluation of systematic breeding programs for dairy cattle. I. Reproductive performance. Journal of Dairy Science, 80(5), 910-920. DOI: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(97)75711-2
  3. Hunt, V. M., Frick, M. A., & Rutten, C. J. (2015). Sensors in dairy production. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(7), 4625-4639. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9427

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Referenced by

ScholarGateEstrus Detection (Estrus Detection and Reproductive Status Monitoring). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/animal-science/estrus-detection