Full explanation
Classic estrus signs: (1) standing to be mounted (most reliable); (2) restlessness, roaming; (3) mucus discharge; (4) 10–20% DMI and milk drop; (5) vulval swelling. Visual observation (3–4 × 20 min/day) catches only 40–60% of heats. Monitoring systems: (1) Nedap Lely SenseHub — accelerometer collars detect >100% activity rise over 6–18 h; USD 180–220/cow + USD 15–25k base station; (2) SCR/Allflex Heatime — pastern-mounted sensor, USD 150–200/cow; (3) Lely Qwes — integrated into Astronaut robotic milkers; (4) pedometers — budget option, USD 80–120/cow. Detection efficacy 90–98% when properly configured. For calving cadence: target is 380–400 days between calvings; effective heat detection cuts the interval by 15–25 days = +UAH 400–700/cow/year via more lactation cycles.