[Dick Sheldon]

I have a female in heat now that I want to breed. The last two breedings have taken place on day 13 and day 11 of her cycle. I had a vaginal smear done by the vet Saturday and she said the dam was in late pro-estrous and figured it would be 2-3 days before estrous. Today is day 15 and my male is still not entirely interested. He sniffs around but will not try to mount her. Long explanation- question is have many of you experienced a similar variation in the time to estrous. I really don't want to miss this cycle.

 

[Angie B]

How experienced is the male?

Angie

 

[Dick Sheldon]

Male is very experienced. He has not only bred her twice, but has sired 5 other litters.

 

[Angie B]

Male is very experienced. He has not only bred her twice, but has sired 5 other litters.

Then two things. #1, don't worry about it. An experienced nose "knows". When she's truly ready he'll kick it into high gear. #2, do a side by side AI and rest your fears. Semen is viable in the vaginal tract for up to 5 days so if you did 2 side by sides you'd have plenty of days covered.

If you have a vet close by that can do a one day turn around on a progesterone test that's an option also. You'll know absolutely when she cycles that way.

Angie

 

[Nicole]

Do a progesterone test and breed based on that.

Why are you repeating a breeding for a third time?

 

[Angie B]

Do a progesterone test and breed based on that.

Why are you repeating a breeding for a third time?

I would think because he wants too for whatever reason. That's a funny question.

Angie

 

[Guest]

At this point I would trust the male he should know. There have been several times the tests said she was ready and my boy said no, he was always right.

 

[Dick Sheldon]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I guess I should rely on his nose (just like out hunting). I live in an area where a progesterone test result would take too long to get results. He has not bred her this heat cycle, just two previous litters from the mating of the two. I think that was what the questioner was asking.

 

[Baby Duck]

Just finally got a tie at day 18. Male was the same until that day they he sure was interested. She wasn't in the run 5 minutes .....