In natural mating situations, who is generally the best detector of heat?

• A. The male
• B. The female
• C. The veterinarian
• D. The feed intake

Answer: (A)

In natural mating, the male is the primary detector of heat. He relies on olfactory cues and the female’s behavioral signals to identify when she is in estrus and ready to mate. The female does show signs of heat, but those signs are mainly to attract the male; the actual detection and initiation of mating come from the male’s ability to sense and respond to those cues. A veterinarian or changes in feed intake aren’t involved in detecting heat in a natural setting, so the male is generally the best detector.