Do you think this is Joy in heat?

[karenp]

Joy will be a year old the beginning of next month. I have been waiting for her to come into heat. Several days ago we were spending quality time together, as I was scratching down her back I notice her tail came up. I had read that if you can lift a cow's tail with light pressure from one finger it is a sign she is in heat. I lifted it no problem. The same the next day. The third day she seemed to hold it against her body more. Now this is a very compliant heifer, with the exception of lifting her back feet, I can do what ever I want with her, but it seems that she usually requires a little more pressure to lift her tail. I have it marked on the calendar to check again next month. Do you think this is Joy in heat? I didn't notice any other changes, but she is an only cow and I don't know if she'd try to mount the goats or if they would even let her close enough to try.

[wvdexters]

Hi Joy. I'm not an expert at this at all, just learning too.


It sounds like you are spending alot of hands on time with her, and if you are noticing differences you might be on to something here. Like you said note it on the calendar and watch. If you get a repeat in about 21 days, You may have it. Hint from my vet, he can just look at them in the field. Watch for head tossing and just kind of keyed up behavior. Also feel her lower back. She'll actually feel warm/hot to the touch.

[karenp]

I'll check for the warm/hot back as well in 21 days, thanks