Heat calendar
An oestrus calendar (insemination calendar , oestrus disk) is an aid in pig and cattle breeding . They are usually available free of charge from breed associations and various companies involved in animal breeding and husbandry. They are used by ranchers for herd management .
Heat calendar in animal husbandry
The advantages of using an oestrus calendar are:
- Shortening of the calving / throwing time
- the heat is not overlooked
- Insemination and pregnancy control at the right time
- Increase in operating profit
With heat calendars, the due dates of piglets and calves can be determined relatively precisely. Heat calendars are available in different forms and variants from various providers, u. a. as a poster, wall calendar, in tabular form or as movable, stacked panes. Heat calendars are based on the 3-week monthly cycle of the sow or cow (depending on the variant), not the familiar 4-week lunar rhythm on which the Gregorian calendar for humans is based. With the help of computer-controlled herd management systems, the heat data of larger herds can also be monitored.
The Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management prescribes the use of a heat calendar. All observations in connection with the insemination are to be noted there, in particular the behavior of afterbirths , ovulation and the like.
Calculation basis
The calculation of the due date is based on the day of the insemination of the cattle or pig , which is legally to be noted in an insemination folder . The gestation period of the respective cattle breed is added. The gestation period between cattle and pigs, but also between the different (to be crossed) cattle and pig breeds, differs considerably. In order to obtain valid data, the breeder or farmer must use an oestrus calendar for the exact breed whose animals he has inseminated.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Agrarmedia's heat calendar ( Memento of the original from May 13, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
