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How Long Do Heats Last and What Signs Should I Look For?

Understanding heat duration and recognising key behaviours

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Written by Angelica Torres
Updated today

Heat (oestrus) is the period when a cow or heifer is ready to be bred.

How Long Do Heats Last?

Heat duration can vary between animals:

  • Average standing heat: 15–18 hours

  • Typical range: 4 to 30 hours

  • Silent heats (shorter): 1–3 hours

Silent heats are shorter and can be harder to detect without a system like Moocall HEAT.

Common Signs of Heat

Restlessness

  • Cow may appear unsettled

  • Walks around more than usual

  • May wander away from the herd

  • Often lowers her head as if searching for her calf

Urination Changes

  • Unusual urination patterns

  • Some urinate only a little at a time

  • Sniffing the air afterwards

Body Language

  • More alert or “wild” expression

  • Increased ear movement

  • Different posture compared to normal behaviour

Mounting Behaviour (Most Important Sign)

  • Mounting other cows

  • Allowing other cows to mount her

  • Each mount lasts 3–7 seconds

  • May also lick other cows

Vulva and Mucus

  • Swollen vulva

  • Clear mucus discharge may be visible

  • Tail may be slightly raised


Need Help?

If you have questions about heat detection or your Moocall HEAT system, please contact the Moocall support team.

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