Heataid is a qualitative test based on the Progesterone Milk ELISA 1.0 designed for use by farmers or veterinarians on farms. By testing a milk sample from a cow, the test determines if a cow is above or below a certain level of progesterone, informing the user where the cow is in her cycle.

This test can be used to:

• Check your cow has returned to cycling after calving, thus allowing for the preparation of insemination
• Assess the correct time to artificially inseminate (AI), by confirming heat
• Provide an early warning of failure to conceive, i.e. telling you your cow is not pregnant
• Aid in a veterinarian diagnosing a cystic cow and whether the cysts are follicular or luteal

Why should I test milk?

A healthy cow has an approximately 21-day reproductive cycle with progesterone fluctuations. Your cow’s progesterone levels in milk will tell you where she is in her cycle, allowing identification of when she is in heat and when to AI.

The main external sign that a cow is cycling is standing heat. However, it’s only visible for short periods throughout the day so it can be easy to miss. Some cows stand to be mounted or exhibit bulling behaviour when they’re not in heat and quite a few cows experience silent heat, meaning there are no discernible signs to the farmer.

Tracking progesterone is the most reliable way to confirm heat, allowing you to assess when cows are falsely showing heat and those that fail to show signs. By tracking progesterone, you can improve the fertility and productivity of your herd.