Frequently Asked Questions

Q. It's really cold out! Will Kamar® Heatmount Detectors freeze?
A. No. The tube inside the detector contains an antifreeze, and will not freeze. However, the Kamar adhesive should be above freezing to make it easier to spread, and the QuickStick Kamar detectors will apply more successfully the warmer the adhesive is. If cold, rub the detector firmly onto the cow for a few seconds to work adhesive into the haircoat.

Q. It's past the expiration date on the box. Can I still use them?
A. The date on the box is not there for regulatory purposes. We stamp it there voluntarily as a guide to the age of the product. If the product has been stored in moderate conditions, and is still in its sealed package, the detector should still be functional well past the date on the box. If in doubt, hold it up to a light, and make sure the tube of dye is full. However, if the foil pack is open, the unused detectors will be prone to dry out and lose dye.

Q. The detector is triggered, but only partially red. What does this mean?
A. A partially red detector should be interpreted just like a fully red detector. It means the cow stood to be ridden, and is probably in heat. As always, watch closely for standing activity and secondary signs, and breed accordingly.

Q. I opened the pack, and the bubble has pink stains. Is the detector still good?
A. Yes. In changing humidity conditions, the tube of dye sometimes swells. In this state, a slight bump in handling the product may cause a drop of dye to leak out of the tube. This drop may cause a pink spot on the bubble, or along the edge of the seal. The detector is still functional. If you hold it up to the light, you should see the tube still full of dye.

Q. Wouldn't a "peel-off back" be an improvement?
A. It sure would! We have worked on this for years, and we have finally released the QuickStick Kamar detector in the spring of 2005. The liquid adhesive is still the best; apply the QuickStick Kamar detectors according to directions for best results.

Q. Do the QuickStick Kamar detectors work as well as the regular detectors?
A. No! The liquid adhesive that comes with standard detectors is very effective and reliable, and no peel-and-stick product - ours included - will ever rival it in quality. However, the QuickStick Kamar detector DOES work well enough for us to confidently launch the product. Apply the QuickStick Kamar detector carefully: clean the filthy cows, dry the wet ones, avoid oily hair coats, and avoid deep cold. If in doubt, add a little bit of Kamar adhesive. Once the QuickStick Kamar detector is applied, it will hold in all conditions - wet, cold, dirty, etc.

Q. Will the QuickStick Kamar detector work in wet conditions?
A. Yes. But, moisture, manure, oil, and grease will prevent the QuickStick Kamar detector from adhering correctly during application. Once the detector is correctly applied to a clean surface, then it will stay stuck throughout all weather and climate conditions.

Q. So, how do you peel off the plastic backing? Why isn't there a little tab to hold?
A. The plastic backing has a slice on the upper left side when looking at the back, arrow pointing upward. (Underneath the cow that is stamped on the top.) It's hard to see, but not hard to feel if you run your finger along the edge. With a little practice, you'll be removing the backing with your eyes closed! You can certainly expect future design improvements; our manufacturing process won't allow a tab, for the time being.

Q. No more adhesive means lower costs, right? Why are QuickStick Kamar detectors more expensive?
A. The saving on glue is not negligible, especially in freight! But the QuickStick Kamar detector adhesive is difficult to put onto the detector, and difficult to manufacture into individual detectors - it keeps gumming up our machines. The increased cost is due to these manufacturing inconveniences, not our insatiable lust for profit! Kamar detectors, both standard and QuickStick Kamar Detectors, are excellent products delivered to you at a fair price - and above all, a good value.

Q. That thin QuickStick Kamar detector adhesive couldn't possibly stay stuck, could it?
A. We've worked long and hard to develop an adhesive with the right properties to stick to a dirty animal under the worst weather conditions while suffering horrible abuse from mounting herdmates. A properly applied detector will not disappoint you, but be careful to follow instructions and rub the detector firmly into the hair coat. If in doubt, smear a little Kamar adhesive into the cow's hair.

Q. I've asked around for the QuickStick Kamar detectors - nobody has them. Can I buy direct?
A. The QuickStick Kamar detector is still in its launch phase, and not all our distributors have decided to carry them in quantity. In addition, your rep might not be familiar with them yet. Contact us for a distributor that carries them in your area.

Q. How do I get that &$@*! Glue off my fingers?
A. We've found that WD-40, nail polish remover and mineral spirits will all do the trick. Some folks wear disposable milking gloves while working with Kamar Adhesive. Unfortunately, by necessity our glue is very sticky stuff! Consider trying the QuickStick Kamar detector, our new peel-and-stick product, if convenience and ease of application are especially important to you.

Q. Can I apply detectors when it is raining?
A. Applying glue to wet hair can result in a weak bond, and the QuickStick Kamar detectors will not stick to wet surfaces. For best results, hair should be fairly dry and clean. QuickStick Kamar detector users should keep a spare tube of Kamar glue handy for damp application circumstances. However, once the glue has "set", rain or snow will not affect the strength of the bond. The detector will remain in place in all kinds of weather.

Q. I never seem to have enough glue. Why isn't there enough?
A. Probably because you're using too much. And too much glue results in a weaker bond. We have supplied enough glue in each tube to apply 25 detectors. You should spread a thin, even layer on the detector, and a small gob about 2-3 cm in diameter worked into the hair of the cow with the glue spreader. Allow it to "tack up" slightly, then apply the detector. Avoid over-gluing!

Q. My neighbor's QuickStick Kamar detectors all fell off! Are the new detectors defective?
A. QuickStick Kamar detectors work exceedingly well when properly applied to a prepared haircoat. Unfortunately, there are a few circumstances where product failures have occurred. Deeply frozen adhesive will not be soft enough to grip the hair. Oily coats will not accept a QuickStick Kamar detector, so don't zealously curry the application site before application. Pest-control drenches can also interfere with the adhesive. Don't shave the application site - the glue needs hair to wrap itself around. And most importantly, be sure to firmly rub the detector into the cow's hair - this forces the glue to grip the hair, and can soften cold glue.

Q. How should I store unused detectors?
A. Once you've opened the foil pack, the detectors are subject to drying out. We suggest keeping unused detectors in a glass jar with a sealed lid, making sure the arrow on the detector is pointing up.

Q. How do I get the detector off after breeding?
A. If you wish to apply a second detector to see if she returns to heat, the best procedure is to slice off the bubble of the old detector with a sharp knife, and then glue the new detector right on top of the old patch. The bubble should peel off at the seal. (QuickStick Kamar detectors are not designed to attach to old patches; we recommend removing the old patch before re-application.) From what we've heard, most folks don't spend much time removing old detectors. They just wait for them to slough off as the hair coat grows.

Q. I observed a red detector. When should I breed?
A. Some new research indicates that a breeding window of 8-16 hours after onset of heat provides the highest conception rate. Therefore the old AM/PM rule still holds: If you see a red detector in the morning, breed her late that afternoon. If you see a red detector in the evening, breed her the next morning. Be sure to consult with your A.I. technician or vet for recommendations specific to your operation.

Q. All these new breeding programs mean no more heat detection, right?
A. You've spent $10-$15 or so in shots and labor. Don't waste it by missing the heat! Whatever breeding program you're using, protect your investment in shots and labor by stepping up your heat detection. Be smart. Spend the extra time in heat detection. And improve your chances by investing an extra $1.00-$1.50 for a Kamar Heatmount Detector.

QuickStick Kamar Detector FAQ & Instructions

Got a question? E-mail us at info@kamarinc.com.