Detection Of Estrus In Cattle Research Articles

Infrared Thermography as a Potential Non-Invasive Tool for Estrus Detection in Cattle and Buffaloes.

The productivity of dairy animals has significantly increased over the past few decades due to intense genetic selection. However, the enhanced yield performance of milk animals caused a proportional increase in stress and compromised reproductive efficiency. Optimal reproductive performance is mandatory for the sustainable production of dairy animals. Reproductive efficiency is marked by proper estrus detection and precise breeding to achieve maximum pregnancies. The existing conventional methods of estrus detection are somewhat labor intensive and less efficient. Similarly, the modern automated methods that rely on detecting physical activity are expensive, and their efficiency is affected by factors such as type of housing (tie stall), flooring, and environment. Infrared thermography has recently emerged as a technique that does not depend on monitoring physical activity. Furthermore, infrared thermography is a non-invasive, user-friendly, and stress-free option that aids in the detection of estrus in dairy animals. Infrared thermography has the potential to be considered a useful non-invasive tool for detecting temperature fluctuations to generate estrus alerts without physical contact in cattle and buffaloes. This manuscript highlights the potential use of infrared thermography to understand reproductive physiology and practical implementation of this technique through discussing its advantages, limitations, and possible precautions.

Identifying the Mating Posture of Cattle Using Deep Learning-Based Object Detection with Networks of Various Settings

Estrus detection in cattle is an important factor in livestock farming. With timely estrus detection, cattle are artificially fertilized and isolated for safety, which directly affects the productivity of livestock farms. Estrus can be successfully detected by identifying the mating posture of cattle. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the identification of cattle mating posture based on video inputs for prompt estrus detection. A deep learning-based object detection network that focuses on real-time processing with high processing speeds is applied. The use of deep learning-based object detection shows high accuracy, even with noise robustness. The performance of the network is improved through the inclusion of an additional layer and a new activation function. The composition of the additional layer enables training by extracting more features required for object detection. The application of the new activation function, Mish, which has a smoother curve, allows for better generalization and improves the accuracy of the results. The data needed for training were gathered by installing cameras at a livestock farm, and various datasets were used depending on camera placement. The results of this study were verified by the evaluation of four networks using test datasets containing image and video data from different environments. The identification of the mating posture of cattle attained 98.5% precision, 97.2% recall, and 97.8% accuracy.

Examination of oestrus-dependent alterations of bovine cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation for potential as optimum fertilisation indicators.

Oestrus is the period in the sexual cycle of female mammals where they become most receptive to mating and are most fertile. Efficient detection of oestrus is a key component in successful reproductive livestock management programmes. Oestrus detection in cattle is most often performed by visual observation, such as mounting behaviour and standing heat, to facilitate more successful prediction of optimal time points for artificial insemination. This time-consuming method requires a skilled, diligent observer. Biological measurements using easily accessible biomolecules in the cervico-vaginal mucus could provide an alternative strategy to physical methods of oestrus detection, providing an inexpensive means of rapidly and accurately assessing the onset of oestrus. In this study, glycosylation changes in cervico-vaginal mucus from three heifers following oestrus induction were investigated as a proof of concept to assess whether potential glycosylation-based trends could be useful for oestrus stage indication. Mucus collected at different time points following oestrus induction was immobilised in a microarray format and its glycosylation interrogated with a panel of fluorescently labelled lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins with different specificities. Individual animal-specific glycosylation patterns were observed, however each pattern followed a similar trend around oestrus. This unique oestrus-associated glycosylation was identified by a combination of relative binding of the lectins SNA-I and WFA for each animal. This alteration in cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation could potentially be exploited in future to more accurately identify optimal fertilisation intervention points compared to visual signs. More effective oestrus biomarkers will lead to more successful livestock reproductive programmes, decreasing costs and animal stress.

Estrous detection by monitoring ventral tail base surface temperature using a wearable wireless sensor in cattle

In the present study, the ventral tail base surface temperature (ST) was monitored using a wearable wireless sensor for estrus detection in cattle. Relationships among ST, behavioral estrus expression, ovulation, and changes in hormone profiles during the estrous cycle were examined. Holstein Friesian or Japanese Black female cattle were used in summer (August–September), autumn (October–November) and winter (January–February; three animals per season). On Day 11 of the estrous cycle (Day 0=the day of ovulation), the sensor was attached to the surface of the ventral tail base and ST was measured every 2min until Day 11 of the next estrous cycle. Hourly maximum ST values were used for analysis. To exclude circadian rhythm and seasonal effects, ST changes were expressed as residual temperatures (RT=actual ST − mean ST for the same hour on the previous 3days). Obvious circadian rhythms of the ST were observed and daily changes in the ST significantly differed among seasons. There was no significant seasonal difference, however, in the RT. The mean RT increased significantly ∼24 compared with ∼48h before ovulation. The mean maximum RT was 1.27±0.30°C, which was observed 5.6±2.4h after the onset of estrus, 2.4±1.3h before LH peak, and 26.9±1.2h before ovulation. The ST of the ventral tail base could be monitored throughout the estrous cycle and could detect a substantial change around the time of expression of behavioral estrus. Calculation and analysis of the RT could be useful for automatic estrous detection.

Eco-friendly livestock management practices followed by tribal households of Narmada valley region of India

A field survey was undertaken in Narmada valley region, four taluka of Narmada district of south Gujarat to collect first hand information on management practices of dairy animals followed by tribal peoples. The breeding, health care and milking management practices were studied using pre tested questionnaire through three stage sampling. Two villages, from four taluka were selected. From each village, 10 tribal farmers were selected randomly with a total of 80 respondents. Study revealed that maximum farmers (41.30 %) of this area were less educated belongs to middle age (53.80% 30-50 years) category having medium size family (5-8 members). The estrus detection in cattle was based on sign and symptoms (100.0%) rather than using teaser, moreover main symptoms for identification of animal in heat were bellowing and thin mucus discharge (58.80%). The farmers (86.30%) were observed to inseminate their animals within 12-18 hrs of heat. Method of breeding adopted in area was mostly (46.30%) by combination i.e., Natural and artificial insemination (A.I.). Mostly the pregnancy diagnosis (P.D.) was practiced by 18.80% of the farmers. Dry period was more than three months in both indigenous cows (92.40%) and buffaloes (91.20%). Castration was performed in 72.70% of male animals of age more than 2 years. Vaccination was adopted by 53.80% of farmers. Regular de-worming was also practiced by 3.80 and 7.50% farmers for milch cow and calf respectively. Clean milk production was well adopted by farmers of the area. Knuckling (95.0%) was common method of hand milking followed by full hand type (3.80%) and stripping (1.30%). The management practices followed by tribal farmers of area were exceptional for few facets however most of the practices required to be improved a lot.

A motion and image analysis method for automatic detection of estrus and mating behavior in cattle

Estrus detection in cattle is very important for breeding management. The detection results help determine the optimum time for artificial insemination. The success of estrus detection not only increases conception rates but also raises milk production for the herd. The proposed image processing method to detect cows in heat from video is passive and therefore does not require devices to be attached to the cow’s body. The observed scene is a commercial dairy farm, where Holstein cattle are reared in roofed cowsheds.The proposed method is based on the inherent behavior of cows in heat which is characterized by a cow following another cow before mounting it for a short period of a few seconds. A region of interest was first determined around image locations where high levels of motion occurred across the video frames. Foreground segmentation then follows to partition the moving target object from the region of interest in each image frame. The following and mounting behaviors are identified based on the changes of moving object lengths. When an estrus event is declared, the detected event is recorded into the computer to be verified later. The detection system observed 20 cows in a cowshed from the top view. Over the period of 800h (80days at 10h each day), only 0.33% of video frames detected were false positive indicating the system was reliable at detecting mating and estrus behavior from the video frames. Using the method the farmer is required to view the recorded video frames for approximately 2min per day to confirm that the detection results are true estrus events. The proposed method is capable of real-time detection of mating and estrus behavior speeds with a processing rate of 35fps.

The detection of estrus in cattle raised under tropical conditions: What we know and what we need to know

Lack of accuracy in estrus detection in cattle is a major constraint affecting the implementation of techniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET). For this reason clinicians have opted to pharmacologically manipulate the estrus cycle. The advantages and shortcomings of using this approach to improve the implementation of AI and ET are discussed in this review. Moreover, in order to highlight the reasons why estrus detection is difficult in cows kept at grazing in the tropics, this review underlines social and behavioral traits hindering the capacity of the casual observer to accurately identify cows in estrus.

Application of color image segmentation to estrusc detection

Automatic segmentation and classification of color images is a problem of great practical interest in different areas. This paper presents an algorithm for this purpose which is divided in three steps. Firstly, the regions of interest are isolated from the rest of the image based on threshold functions defined in the YUV and YIQ color spaces, producing a set of connected components. Then, a set of features is computed to enable a quantitative evaluation of the segmented objects. Finally, the image is classified by means of a decision rule based on the analysis of the differences between the computed measures and a set of ideally segmented images, according to experts' assessment. The algorithm was applied to a decision support tool for estrus detection in cattle. This approach constitutes a valuable alternative to improve this process, as it may replace the visual observation by the automatic analysis of pictures taken to cows in controlled environments. Experimental results show that the segmentations obtained with this method are highly satisfactory and they allow a precise classification of the images with low computational complexity.

Application of electronic estrus detection technologies to reproductive management of cattle

Artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs are dependent on efficient and accurate detection of estrus. Visual observation is accurate at detecting animals in estrus, but efficiency ranges from ∼50 to 70%. Electronic technologies have been developed in attempts to improve estrus detection efficiency. Commercially available electronic devices for estrus detection are based on changes in physical activity (pedometers), changes in electrical resistance of reproductive tract secretions (intravaginal resistance probes) or mounting activity (mount detectors). All of the commercially available electronic estrus detection devices can improve the efficiency of estrus detection in cattle. Pedometers are most applicable to lactating dairy cattle and have greater accuracy and efficiency when combined with visual observation. Intravaginal resistance measurement is perhaps the least practical method of estrus detection because of labor and animal handling requirements. Individual resistance measurement may have practical application for confirming other inconclusive signs of estrus. Mount monitors have the broadest application to beef and dairy cattle. HeatWatch, the only real-time radiotelometric system available, requires the least labor and animal handling and provides data on the time and duration of each mount. The less expensive stand-alone mount monitors also provide the necessary information for optimum timing of insemination and embryo transfer, but are more labor intensive.

Expression and detection of oestrus in cattle

For herds using AI heat detection rate and calving rate are the two major determinants of compactness of calving, of the proportion of cows that fail to conceive in a defined breeding season. Numerous factors affect the expression of heat including, housing arrangement, floor surface, feet and leg problems and status of herd mates. The number of mounts a cow receives increases with the number of cows that are in heat simultaneously up to about 3-4 cows in heat. Generally, cows that are themselves in heat, coming into heat or were recently in heat are most likely to mount a cow that is in heat. Cows that are at the mid-stages of their cycles (day 5 to about day 16) are least likely to mount a cow that is in heat and consequently could be termed "poor heat detectors". Similarly, cows that are pregnant show less interest in mounting other cows that are in heat. In smaller herds and as more cows become pregnant the likelihood of more than one cow being heat on any given day becomes less, consequently, making heat detection more difficult. The single most important factor affecting heat detection efficiency is that those responsible for checking for heat should fully understand the signs of heat and be fully committed to heat detection for as long as it is planned to use Al. Technological aids to improve heat detection include the use of tail paint, oestrous synchronisation, vasectomised bulls, pressure activated heat mount detectors, radio telemetric devices, pressure sensitive mount count devices and pedometers. As herd size increases and labour become more expensive there will be a greater adoption of some of these technological aids.

Optimization of a Fuzzy Inference System for Estrus Detection in Cattle

Fuzzy inference systems are used in many control problems, but this approach is also effective in decision making and signal analysis. Decision making has often to deal with vagueness, associated with natural phenomena, where incomplete knowledge and hardly understood mechanisms, hinder straightforward conclusion making. In the context of analyzing time series of various types of data, a fuzzy inference system can be used to recognize patterns in the data. A novelty in this approach is the use of Controlled Random Search, a zero-order optimization method, to tune membership function shapes. The technique has been tested by implementing a fuzzy inference system for estrus detection. Using routinely collected time series the system detects cows in standing heat with acceptable results.

Oestrus Detection in Cattle Using Behavioural and Genital Tract Changes

(1994). Oestrus Detection in Cattle Using Behavioural and Genital Tract Changes. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal: Vol. 60, No. 1-2, pp. 27-30.

Oestrus detection in cattle: recent developments

A review is presented of recent studies on improvement of oestrus detection aids and development of methods for determining the proper insemination time, without the need to detect the behavioural manifestation of oestrus. Emphasis is placed on: (1) automated and telemeterable mass that could be incorporated in computerized expert management systems; (2) increasing the efficiency and accuracy of detection by simultaneous or consecutive use of more than one method.

Evaluation of a marking web device as an aid to detection of oestrus in cattle

A simple and reliable aid to detection of oestrus in cattle would help to improve reproductive efficiency particularly where AI or embryo transfer is being used. A marking web, devised by Mr P M P Lumbar, was reported (Farmers Weekly, p40, 10 June 1988) to perform this function satisfactorily.The marking web device is constructed simply from a piece of calico (8.5 cm x 8.0 cm) and a 8.5 cm x 2.5 cm strip of red household tape covered by a layer of black mastic stuck across the calico (Figure 1). The device is fixed to the sacral region of the heifer or cow using a suitable adhesive. Some of the devices were supplied by Mr Lumbar and the remainder were made by us. Pressure from the chest of the animal mounting peels the adhesive mastic from the underlying tape.The marking web devices (MWD) were evaluated using two groups of maiden Hereford x British Friesian heifers. These heifers were 15 to 18 mo. old, they had a live weight of 421 kg and were in body condition score 2.4 units on average. Group I heifers (n=134) were housed in straw-bedded pens at a stocking rate of 4-5 m2 per head and fed on cut grass ad libitum supplemented with minerals and vitamins. Group II heifers (n=22) were set stocked on pasture at 6 heifers per ha.

Detection of estrus in cattle housed in stanchions by constant human observation of behavioral traits

Five heifers and five lactating dairy cows were locked in adjacent stanchions and monitored continuously by human observation for 18 consecutive nights from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Total standing and lying time, number of position changes, and prevalence of bellowing was recorded. The animals were housed in stanchions for 20 hours each day and in outside lots for four hours each day. Estrus was synchronized by giving prostaglandins on Days 1 and 11. There were 16 documented estrous periods, and an increase (P < 0.05) in standing time occurred in two of 16. Similarly, an increase (P < 0.05) in number of position changes occurred in two of 16 estrous periods. Mean ± SE standing time (during the nine-hour nightly observation period) for heifers and cows was 148 ± 6.8 and 278 ± 9.6 (P < 0.01) minutes, respectively. The prevalence of bellowing was very low and not always associated with estrus. These results indicate that standing time, number of position changes, and bellowing are rather weak indicators of estrus.

Tail painting technique as an aid to oestrus detection in cattle.

The value of heat detection by tail painting was assessed by simultaneous visual observation and regular plasma progesterone assay in grazing animals; 88.1 per cent of all heats were accompanied by a positive tail paint record and 30.1 per cent of positive tail paint records occurred in dioestrous animals. Conception rates to the first insemination were 57.6 per cent and 57.9 per cent for heifers and cows, respectively. Of seven animals which showed behavioural oestrus but had intact tail paint, three conceived following insemination. These results suggest that tail paint may be a useful aid in heat detection.

Use of a milk progesterone test to check the detection of oestrus in cattle on a state farm in Tunisia

Summary The ‘milk progesterone test’ was used to find out how many cows were inseminated at the wrong moment (luteal period) of the oestrous cycle as a result of poor heat detection. From milk progesterone data it was concluded that 16. 1 per cent of the inseminations were performed during the luteal period. Heat detection appeared to be one of the factors which had te be improved in order to obtain better fertility results in a large dairy herd (300 cows) at a Tunisian state farm.

The effectiveness of steers and heifers treated with oestrogen or testosterone to detect oestrus in cattle

Two experiments were carried out to determine the effectiveness of steers and heifers, treated with oestrogen or testosterone, in the detection of oestrus in cattle. In the first experiment 17 steers castrated at birth and 16 castrated at 6 months of age were randomly allocated to three groups and received an 800 mg subcutaneous implant of testosterone, subcutaneous injections of 10 mg oestradiol benzoate per week for 16 weeks or no hormone (controls). In addition, six heifers were injected subcutaneously with 10 mg oestradiol benzoate per week for 16 weeks while six untreated heifers served as controls. Animals were observed in a standardised libido test 2, 4, 8, 16, 20 and 24 weeks after treatment commenced. The time to first mount and the number of mounts per animal responding in the presence of oestrous heifers were recorded. Both steers and heifers treated with oestradiol benzoate were superior at detection of oestrus in cattle than animals treated with testosterone or those receiving no hormone. Oestrogen-treated animals generally detected heifers in oestrus in less than 3 min after introduction and mounted these animals between 20 and 30 times in one hour. This response was consistent throughout the duration of the experiment. There was no effect of age at castration of steers on development of male behaviour. The second experiment determined the rate and degree of development of male behaviour in steers in response to weekly subcutaneous injections of 0, 2, 4, 8 or 16 mg oestradiol benzoate per 250 kg body weight, 250 mg testosterone or 150 mg dihydrotestosterone for a period of 15 weeks. Steers treated with oestradiol benzoate again proved to be more successful than untreated or testosterone-treated steers at consistently detecting and mounting oestrous heifers. The best response was obtained from steers treated with 8 mg/250 kg body weight per week. The practical application of this work is discussed.

Electrical Conductivity Probes for Detection of Estrus in Cattle

ABSTRACT THE basic principles of an electrical conductivity probe to detect changes in volume and electrical conductivity of vaginal mucus associated with estrus in dairy cattle are presented. An optimal probe design with axially parallel electrodes is recommended. Data from laboratory and field experiments suggest that a probe of this design may prove to be a useful aid in detecting estrus in cattle.

A note on detection of oestrus in cattle bred by artificial insemination, and the measurement of embryonic mortality

SUMMARYInsemination and calving dates were obtained for 2618 British Friesian cows served twice by artificial insemination, the first time unsuccessfully, the second time successfully. The intervals between the two inseminations formed a multi-modal set of normal distributions with peaks at 21-day cycles. The standard deviation of the Kth distribution was 3·0y/K days, with about 58·5% of eligible animals submitted at each cycle. Nearly 84% of all intervals conformed to the normal distributions, suggesting that embryonic mortality occurred in about 16% of cases following the first oestrus after insemination.