| We conclude that estrous characteristics and pregnancy rates of lactating dairy cows were not influenced by bST treatment. |
| To assess whether shadowing was linked to estrus, we required an estimate of the likely estrous period for females. |
| Heifers were visually inspected at insemination for paint markings to compare estrous detection methods. |
| Females advertise their estrous state through vocalizations 3-5 days before its onset. |
| One androgenized cow was introduced within each heifer treatment group to compare estrous detection methods. |
| This is the length of the estrous cycle of females in our study population. |
