Applying scratch cards

Just an update on how things went with the estrotect patches, applied with additional glue. No problems - all staying on. Used sexed semen for most of the first round.

Fantastic in the first round, very clear and obvious when they were bulling - like they were wearing high vis vests! Was also reading the tailpaint on them and thst was very hit and miss - wouldn't have liked to just rely on that.

Second round, patches stayed on but they were a lot less obvious. Maybe more chin rubbing and tail swooshing. Fewer cows active so less obvious rubbing. We'll consider using a teaser for the second round next year.

Just had figures through from tech and it's 99% 3 week submission rate (found one freemartin), 6 week non return rate at 71%. Hope the scanning follows suit.

Will be using estrotect again next year.

With results like that is it worth bothering with a second round? Did you put bulls in after 6 weeks?
 

som farmer

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
somerset
we served the whole bunch of hfrs, in the first 30 days, then new strips, which were useless, because of 1 jer hfr, but hardly any signs, so turned the bull in, Pd on that bunch of 49, 40 to calve in the first 26 days, did the pd early, as combined with doing a TB test, convenience, have a small bunch of 10 to do, smaller ones, so 1/2 kg mix, a day, no action seen there either ! Virtually all the 59 hfrs, are xbred based, is this a sign of increased fertility in the xbreds ? The dairy, we haven't done a pd yet, waiting for the TB test, but again, very few returns, and the majority of those, had a 'problem', dirty or hard calving, or a carried over cow, still milking well. It will be a long time, before we breed 'pure' again, the savings on the xbred cows, are big, in health, fertility, and longevity, although, as said before, the hol breeders will soon produce, the 'ideal' cow, for grazing !!
 
Last edited:

RJ1

Member
Location
Wales
With results like that is it worth bothering with a second round? Did you put bulls in after 6 weeks?

We're new to all this and just stuck with the plan. Also, we only know the NRR now so didn't have the data (or enough bulls!) to make that change. It's another consideration for next year, we'll look at the scanning. Also benefitted from the experience of going through second round and learning from two good techs.

We split the first half of the gang and put them with the bull at 4 and a half weeks and the rest followed at 6 weeks.
 
Location
South West
we served the whole bunch of hfrs, in the first 30 days, then new strips, which were useless, because of 1 jer hfr, but hardly any signs, so turned the bull in, Pd on that bunch of 49, 40 to calve in the first 26 days, did the pd early, as combined with doing a TB test, convenience, have a small bunch of 10 to do, smaller ones, so 1/2 kg mix, a day, no action seen there either ! Virtually all the 59 hfrs, are xbred based, is this a sign of increased fertility in the xbreds ? The dairy, we haven't done a pd yet, waiting for the TB test, but again, very few returns, and the majority of those, had a 'problem', dirty or hard calving, or a carried over cow, still milking well. It will be a long time, before we breed 'pure' again, the savings on the xbred cows, are big, in health, fertility, and longevity, although, as said before, the hol breeders will soon produce, the 'ideal' cow, for grazing !!
Thankyou for not mentioning what good value the semen was, there are only so many new herds i could consider attending
 

som farmer

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
somerset
Thankyou for not mentioning what good value the semen was, there are only so many new herds i could consider attending
just working out how small i can get a bottle of whisky, before mentioning how good the technician was, in planting the stuff in the right place. But conception is mainly down, to actually catching the cows bulling, and how good the AI chap is, ours is easily bribed, and very good,
 

ProW20

Member
Livestock Farmer
We use Estrotect at home and I also sell them too, ha!

Our protocol is to trim all tail heads on cows the day before applying.
In the parlour we brush, wipe and apply the patches.

The following day any loose patches are re applied with carpet adhesive (Super77 3M).

Use these alongside FIL Tail Paint.
Maiden Heifers are all carpet glued from the day they’re applied as they have a habit of playing with them.

For those interested in prices we sell them for - usually around £45-£52 (50pk) depending on how many you buy.
Tail Paint around £12

It’s interesting to read what works for others.

Thanks
 
I was planning on applying 500+ estrotects tomorrow morning but with rain forecast all night is it worth waiting a day. I've only been using them 3 years and it hasn't rained at all during my AI period in those years.
 

Dead Rabbits

Member
Location
'Merica
I was planning on applying 500+ estrotects tomorrow morning but with rain forecast all night is it worth waiting a day. I've only been using them 3 years and it hasn't rained at all during my AI period in those years.
I think you would be fine. We don’t follow any of the rules other than warming them and have good luck.
 

Kiss

Member
Location
North west
had the same dilemma tonight, Luckily managed to card up everything when dry but it’s been miserable all day here was surprised how well they stuck tonight on this mornings services we don’t use glue for the second card
 

Whitepeak

Member
Livestock Farmer
I was planning on applying 500+ estrotects tomorrow morning but with rain forecast all night is it worth waiting a day. I've only been using them 3 years and it hasn't rained at all during my AI period in those years.
Not on the same scale as you. We stickered some up on Tues and turned out Wednesday. They were inside and dry when done. They've had 5in of rain on their backs since and all are still on! Only 4 hfrs mind 😂
 

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