Four-year-old heifer that has never been pregnant-The ultimate solution
Kelvin Wairimu 
Typically, heifers come into heat between 18 and 24 months of age, depending on their nutrition and management. Unfortunately, many dairy farmers face a significant challenge: most heifers struggle to show heat and conceive after being serviced.
So, what causes these problems? Delayed heat cycles and low conception rates are often due to poor timing, low-quality semen, and improper servicing. Many heifers fail to display common signs of estrus, such as excessive vocalization, restlessness, frequent mounting, increased alertness, or reduced feed and water intake.
Instead, farmers may only notice vulvar redness and swelling. In extreme cases, blood on the barn floor, known as “kuua mayai,” indicates the end of the oestrous cycle.
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Count 15 days from the date you saw blood discharge to determine when a heifer is in heat. Plan to service her, even if you don’t observe other signs of heat. It’s also a good idea to consult a veterinarian to confirm whether she is in heat and suitable for servicing.
Another effective approach is to use a teaser bull. A teaser bull is one whose reproductive system has been surgically altered to make him sterile. These bulls help farmers detect cows in estrus, making it easier to time artificial insemination. They can be sterilized through procedures such as vasectomy or caudal epididymectomy.
If a heifer has been artificially inseminated multiple times without resulting in pregnancy, consider allowing her to be serviced by a bull. Keep her with the bull for at least a month to improve the chances of conception. Once she successfully conceives, you can return to using artificial insemination.
Finally, ensure your calves receive a diet rich in protein and sufficient mineral salts, particularly Joto mineral salts. Underfed cows may struggle to conceive and may not show any signs of heat.
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