General Use Hints
• Code your tags with the cow’s
I.D. number. Should the tag
become scrubbed off during
an aggressive mount you
will know which one to watch
for “heat” activity.
• This helpful hint sounds simple but it is important— Make sure the arrow points forward.
• After breeding apply a second detector to help determine if she re-cycles. A second Kamar Heatmount Detector can be a good, inexpensive indicator to help determine if she is bred as well as check for repeat breeding. If the original detector is still firmly attached simply cut off the plastic bubble and apply a new detector on top of the old patch. (QuickStick Kamar Detector users will need to remove the old detector.)
• Detector placement is critical to the product success. A gauge based on animal weight is supplied with each box of detectors. Use this gauge to determine approximate placement. Common sense should rule as to final placement. Always position the detector so it will receive maximum pressure from the brisket of a mounting animal. Size of the mounted animal versus the mounting animal will influence this final position. Keep in mind that Kamar Heatmount Detectors are an aid in identifying estrus in cattle. Common sense and appropriate visual observation are still necessary for a successful A.I. program.
Tips from Kamar Users
Tips on Timing
• “We use the detectors to determine when cows return to cycling after calving.”
• “We use a breeding calendar to determine when she’s due to come into heat, and we put on a Kamar detector 2-3 days before.” – Dairy, Ohio
• “We use them to determine if a cow comes back into heat after breeding.”
• “In order to catch returns, we always keep a Kamar detector on until she is confirmed pregnant.”
Tips on How to Use Kamar Detectors
• “After breeding, we apply a fresh detector and write the date on it to catch returns.” – Dairy, Wisconsin and Virginia
• “With Kamar detectors as part of our Lutalyse® program, we get a greatly improved pregnancy rate.” – Dairy, Nebraska
• “We use ‘gomer’ bulls with Kamar detectors; the detectors are always fully triggered after the bull rides them.” – AI Technician, Iowa
• “We always use 2 Kamar detectors, to make sure we catch the heat.” – Dairy, Wisconsin
• “We use tail-paint along with the Kamar detector for additional signs of heat.” – Dairy, Nebraska
• “We write the cow’s ID number on the detector with a felt-tip marker. It helps us catch the cows whose detectors have been rubbed off.” – Dairy, Wisconsin
Tips on Applying Kamar Detectors
• “We vary the placement of the Kamar detector, depending on her size.” – Beef, Missouri
• “I crease the sides of the detector to help shape it to the cow’s tailhead.” – Dairy, Georgia and Wisconsin
• “We make sure we curry loose hair before applying the detector.” – Beef, Nebraska; Dairy, Pennsylvania
• “I come back and press on the detector about 20 minutes after application. This helps them always stay on.” – Dairy, Pennsylvania
• “We use the blue spreader both for applying the glue and for pressing down the edges of the detector.” – Dairy, Georgia
• “I study each individual cow, and then use my own judgment about where to apply the detector.” – Missouri
Send Your Helpful Hint:
Our personal favorite submitted tip:
“Leaving them in the box just wasn’t catching them in heat! Putting them on the cows has sure helped us the best!”
Dairy, New England
