Evaluation of tail paste as an oestrus detection aid using serial progesterone analysis.

Serial progesterone assay of 127 commercial dairy cows over several months identified 363 possible oestrous events. Of these, tail paste correctly identified 81.5 per cent, while the stockmen unaided recorded only 70.2 per cent (national average 55 to 60 per cent). The significance of such a degree of improvement, the factors restricting oestrus detection efficiency and the difficulties in creating the appropriate mental attitude to oestrus detection improvements are discussed.