Estrus detection remains a critical problem in dairy cattle reproduction. This is particularly true during periods of heat stress when estrous behavior is reduced. Poor estrus detection is a major problem for the AI industry because missed estruses represent lost opportunities for use of semen from genetically superior bulls. Also, producers with estrus detection problems often use natural breeding as a method for eliminating the problem. The problem of estrus detection in large herds is partially eliminated through development of practical systems of ovulation synchronization to allow accurate prediction of optimal breeding times. This has been applied also for timed embryo transfer. Finally, efforts to develop methods for cooling heat-stressed dairy cows has had the benefit of increasing intensity of estrous behavior during the summer. Such a strategy coupled with a Heat Synch program to induce estrus activity has promise. Synchronized ovulation program for timed insemination has increased pregnancy rates in the summer period of reduced fertility.

Currently, a major focus is the successful re-synchronization of cows diagnosed non-pregnant to a previous service. Strategies are being developed to program ovarian activity for quick and efficient timed inseminations without the need for estrus detection.