ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators are adhesive-backed patches applied to the cow or heifer prior to breeding that help you determine the best time to breed. When the patch’s ink is rubbed off, it indicates the cow has been mounted by another cow or bull. The more ink that’s rubbed off, the more likely the cow is to get pregnant. For more breeding success, it’s recommended to breed when the patch is more than 50% rubbed-off, an indication of high-estrus intensity. Cattle can still be bred when less than 50% of the surface ink is rubbed-off, but the estrus intensity is lower, so there is a reduced chance of a successful pregnancy.

For optimal results, always apply ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators halfway between the hip and the tail head, evenly spaced perpendicular to the spine.

Applying ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators is easy. Simply clean and dry the area halfway between the hip and the tail head of the cow, peel the backing off the adhesive patch and apply it to the center spot you cleaned. It’s important to carefully follow the 5 application steps for optimal results.

ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators can last for up to eight weeks after application. However, we recommend they are only used for the length of a single breeding cycle, which is 21 days on average.

Yes, ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators can be used on heifers as well as cows.

You only need to apply one ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicator per cow per application.

If the ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicator looks the same as when you applied it, the cow has not been mounted yet and is not ready to breed. If the patch is partially or less than 50% rubbed off, the cow is in low estrus intensity. When estrus intensity is low it’s recommended to use lower-cost genetics or hold off breeding until higher estrus intensity is reached. If 50% or more of the patch is rubbed off, the cow is in high estrus intensity and higher value genetics can be used with more success.

Yes, it’s recommended to remove ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators after they have been rubbed off or after 21 days, whichever comes first.

If the ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicator is partially rubbed off, but less than 50% of the ink is gone, this indicates low-estrus intensity. If this is the case, we recommend you wait to breed her, or use inexpensive semen.

Yes, if the ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicator is more than 50% rubbed off, the cow is at or near peak estrus intensity and it’s time to breed. Since the chances of a confirmed pregnancy is up to three times higher with a patch that is more than 50% rubbed off, we recommend using high-value semen, sexed semen or embryo transfers.

By accurately indicating when a cow is in heat, ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators can help improve breeding success by allowing for more precise timing of artificial insemination or natural breeding. This allows for more informed breeding decisions and can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy by up to three times. The best part is the breeder doesn’t have to be watching for mounting activity.

Yes, ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators can be used in conjunction with other reproductive tools.

ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators can be purchased from a variety of retailers and online stores selling livestock and dairy farming supplies. Some popular options include Valley Vet Supply, Amazon and Walmart.

Yes, ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators are durably designed and can be used in all weather conditions. The patch’s high-strength adhesive is made to withstand even the most extreme conditions. However, for ideal application and adhesion, it’s important not to apply Breeding Indicators in rainy conditions.

ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

While the high-strength adhesive of the patch should securely stick to the cow, if the ESTROTECT™ patch happens to fall off before it has been rubbed off, apply a new patch to the cow as soon as possible.

ESTROTECT™ Breeding Indicators are specifically designed for use on cows and heifers and have not been tested on other animals.