Abstract
The objective of this study was the evaluation of the locomotion activity in heifers and Holstein dairy cows during estrus. We have analysed the locomotion activity using the Heatime RuminAct device on 99 dams (68 dairy cows and 31 heifers) and we evaluated a total of 213 estrus cycles during the reference period of 3 days before estrus, 3 days after estrus and on the day of the estrus occurrence. The data was analysed using the DataFlow TM II program. The locomotion of cows was expressed in the units of locomotion activity in 24 hours (u/24h). During the reference period, 3 days before estrus the cows showed locomotion activity 602.7 u/24h, with an increase in the locomotion activity on the day of estrus of 876 u/24h and during the reference period 3 days after estrus the level of locomotion activity decreased to 566 u/24h, what is the similar locomotion activity to the reference period before estrus.
Highlights
Searching the cows in estrus in herd means one of the important activities in the management of the herd reproduction
The completed experiments show that the estrus period of cows is characterized by the increased locomotion activity, which is the reliable tool for the accurate estrus detection (Firk et al, 2002) and at the same time it is the prerequisite for the required insemination results
According to the authors the commercially available electronic equipment for the estrus detection is aimed at the recording of changes of locomotion activity which is measured by pedometer placed on the leg (Roelofs et al, 2005), and at the cowss neck (Elischer et al, 2013)
Summary
Searching the cows in estrus in herd means one of the important activities in the management of the herd reproduction. The completed experiments show that the estrus period of cows is characterized by the increased locomotion activity, which is the reliable tool for the accurate estrus detection (Firk et al, 2002) and at the same time it is the prerequisite for the required insemination results. In order to increase the detection effectiveness of estrus several electronic technologies have been developed (Rorie et al, 2002) and similar other additional equipment measuring the changes in cowsbehaviour in the period of estrus (Firk et al, 2002). According to the authors the commercially available electronic equipment for the estrus detection is aimed at the recording of changes of locomotion activity which is measured by pedometer placed on the leg (Roelofs et al, 2005), and at the cowss neck (Elischer et al, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
