Why Cows Don’t Come in Heat After Calving: Scientists Reveal the Truth
When a cow does not return to heat even weeks after calving, most farmers start worrying—Is the cow healthy? Is there some hidden issue? Will she conceive again on time?
This situation is very common in dairy farming, and modern research finally explains why cows experience delayed heat cycles after calving.
In this blog, we break down the scientific reasons behind postpartum anestrus (no-heat condition), how long a cow normally takes to return to heat, and simple practical steps to bring her back into a healthy reproductive cycle.
Understanding the Post-Calving Phase
After calving, a cow’s body enters a recovery stage. Her uterus needs time to return to normal size and remove all pregnancy-related tissues. This process naturally affects hormone balance.
According to veterinary science, most cows start showing heat between 45–60 days after calving if they are healthy and kept under proper management.
Top Scientific Reasons Why Cows Don’t Come in Heat After Calving
1. Negative Energy Balance (NEB)
After calving, the cow produces a lot of milk, which requires high energy. If her diet is not rich enough, she enters Negative Energy Balance, meaning she burns more energy than she consumes.
This directly affects hormone production and delays heat.
Signs: weight loss, reduced feed intake, dull body condition.
Solution:
Increase energy-rich feeds (grains, maize, oil cakes).
Provide mineral mixture + bypass fat.
Ensure proper dry matter intake.
2. Uterine Infections (Metritis or Endometritis)
If the uterus does not clean properly after calving or if delivery was difficult, infections may develop.
These infections prevent the ovaries from functioning normally.
Signs:
Smelly discharge
Fever
Reduced appetite
Solution:
Get a veterinary uterine check-up
Antibiotic or hormonal therapy as needed
3. Retained Placenta (R.P.)
If the cow fails to expel the placenta within 6–12 hours after calving, it can cause:
Infection
Weakness
Hormonal imbalance
Delay in heat
Solution:
Do not pull the placenta
Get veterinary treatment immediately
4. Low Calcium or Mineral Deficiency
Calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese are essential for hormonal activities.
Deficiency in minerals affects ovulation and delays the heat cycle.
Solution:
Give mineral mixture daily
Add calcium supplements for 7–10 days after calving
5. Silent Heat (Cow Comes in Heat but Not Visible)
Sometimes the cow does come in heat, but external signs are very weak.
This is called Silent Heat, and it commonly occurs in high-yielding cows.
Signs:
Slight restlessness
Low rumination
Mild mucus discharge
Solution:
Observe cows at least 3 times a day
Use heat detection aids like patches or pedometers
6. Poor Body Condition Score (BCS)
Cows that are too thin or too fat face heat delays.
Ideal BCS after calving: 2.75–3.25
Solution:
Provide balanced feed
Avoid over-conditioning during dry period
7. Stress and Poor Management
Stress causes hormonal suppression.
Common stress factors:
Sudden feed changes
Extreme heat or cold
Overcrowding
Poor hygiene
Long standing hours
Solution:
Provide shade, ventilation
Maintain a clean, dry housing area
Keep feeding and milking routine consistent
8. Cystic Ovaries or Hormonal Disorders
Some cows develop ovarian cysts after calving.
This disturbs normal heat cycles.
Solution:
Veterinary ultrasound
Hormonal treatment (GnRH, PGF2α)
How Long Should You Wait? Normal Heat Return Timeline
| Days After Calving |
|---|
0-40 days
45-60 days
A60–90 days
90+ days
Days After Calving
Recovery period – no heat expected
Most cows start showing heat
Delayed heat – requires observation
Veterinary check-up recommended
Best Practices to Bring Cow Back to Heat Faster
✔ Maintain Energy-Rich Diet
Maize
Cotton seed cake
Bypass fat
Green fodder
Silage
✔ Daily Mineral Mixture
For strong hormonal function.
✔ Provide Clean, Stress-Free Environment
Reduce heat stress and maintain hygiene.
✔ Regular Deworming
Every 3–4 months.
✔ Vet Reproductive Check-up
If the cow does not show heat by 70–90 days.
When to Call the Veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian if:
Cow does not come in heat for more than 80–90 days
Repeated silent heat
Smelly uterine discharge
Weakness or sudden drop in milk
Early treatment saves time and improves fertility.
How many days after calving should a cow come into heat?
Most cows show heat within 45–60 days after calving.
What is the main reason for delayed heat in cows?
Negative energy balance and uterine infections are the top scientific reasons.
Can mineral deficiency delay heat?
Yes, calcium and trace mineral deficiency directly affect hormonal balance.
What is silent heat?
When cows come in heat but signs are not visible, it is called silent heat.
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