FAISALABAD: The Livestock Department has urged farmers to identify estrus (heat) signs in animals at the right time to ensure timely artificial insemination or natural breeding, leading to improved reproductive performance and higher farm productivity.
Director Livestock Faisalabad Dr Haider Ali Khan said in a statement that accurate detection of heat significantly increases conception rates while enhancing overall farm productivity and farmers’ income.
He advised livestock owners to follow the internationally recognised AM-PM rule for artificial insemination (AI). Under the guideline, if a cow shows signs of heat in the morning, AI should be performed in the evening, while animals observed in heat during the evening should be inseminated the following morning.
Dr Khan said the duration of the heat cycle varies among different livestock species. In cattle, it generally lasts 12 to 18 hours, in buffaloes 12 to 24 hours, in goats 24 to 48 hours, and in sheep 24 to 36 hours.
He explained that animals in heat typically exhibit signs such as restlessness, frequent vocalisation, tail raising or wagging, clear mucus discharge, reduced feed intake and increased interest in male animals.
The director advised farmers to closely observe their animals during the early morning and evening hours, when heat signs are usually more noticeable. Timely detection and breeding, he said, improve conception rates, reduce unnecessary breeding costs and contribute to higher milk and meat production.
He also urged livestock owners to immediately contact their nearest veterinary hospital, dispensary or field staff if an animal shows signs of heat so that artificial insemination can be carried out at the appropriate time to achieve better breeding results.
