bulling discharge - blood in bulling discharge

[andy simmons]

I have a 16 month old heifer who must be bulling at present, she is not running with a bull. Her bulling discharge seems heavier than normal and also contains blood. Is there any advice as to what the cause may be and action I should take?

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Blood is often seen in the discharge especially the day after being in season in all cattle. It usually indicates that they are past the optimum service time, but a useful marker to work out when they will next be due in season. I presume you will want to get her in calf some time soon. But don't worry about the blood, it is normal.

Duncan

[andy simmons]

Many thanks Duncan, I have not observed the same in any of my cattle previously even when I have been checking them for bulling when using AI. I am now relieved that it is normal. Yes I will be getting them in calf using AI in late May/June so they will hopefully calve in early spring for us in Cornwall. The whole herd outwinters on what is at times fairly exposed coastline so wish to avoid winter calving.

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Glad to hear you still expect seasons in Cornwall. We are having snow and hail at the moment.

As far as the seasons of the cows go, I would say that with my own Dexters I notice the blood after a season much more often in heifers than with cows, though I don't suppose that is of any great significance. I know that our dairy farmers often see it in adult cows.

Duncan

[Inger]

Are you getting the heavy rain that they are getting in Europe?

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Nothing like the flooding that there is in eastern Europe, I think that is due to snow melting as much as rain.
In the west of Scotland we are just getting the usual April showers.

Duncan