Cows should be in a body condition score of at least five (no ribs showing), and heifers should be bred at three to four weeks before the cows, preferably in a body condition score of six (some padding over the hooks and pins - the hips and bones protruding on either side of the tail). Cows are generally nursing their calves at this time, which can be a nutrient drain if pastures or feedstuffs are in short supply. We don't think cows can be "flushed," that is, fed an energy dense feed to make them think they are in better body condition than they are and come into heat more quickly, as we can so with sheep and goats. However, there is some data to indicate there may be a small effect. Also, feeding cows fats or oils has been shown to increase follicle size and improve pregnancy rates.

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