Efficiency of a pedometer device for detecting estrus in standing heat and silent heat in Japanese Black cattle

Abstract

The usefulness of a radiotelemetric pedometer for estrus detection in standing (ST) heat, or in silent heat without ST events, but in which ovulation is observed, in Japanese Black cattle was investigated. The duration of an increase in steps in ST heat was 11.8 ± 1.3 hr, and it was similar to that of ST events (duration: 10.1 ± 0.8 hr). Even in silent heat, the change pattern and the duration (11.6 ± 0.2 hr) of the period with an increase in steps during estrus were not different compared with ST heat. When artificial insemination (AI) was performed at 15.5 ± 0.6 hr from the onset of estrus detected by the pedometer in ST heat cases, the conception rate was 57.1% (8/14). Furthermore, fertility in cattle that underwent silent heat was evaluated. When AI was performed at 14.4 ± 2.0 hr from the onset of estrus detected by the pedometer, the conception rate was 60% (3/5) in silent heat cases. The overall results suggest that the radiotelemetric pedometer is a valid device for detecting estrus and it can even detect silent heat in Japanese Black cattle. Moreover, even silent heat cattle are fertile when AI is performed at the appropriate time.

Moosense Pedometer for Oestrus Detection and Ovulation Time Prediction for Artificial Insemination in Karan Fries Cows

“…Duration of oestrus observed in the present experiment is comparable to the mean duration (13.4 h) reported for cows monitored for oestrus by visual observation of both primary (standing to be mounted) and multiple secondary signs of estrous behavior (Roelofs et al, 2004). Similarly duration of oestrus activity for cows found to be 16.1±4.7h (Accelerometer), 13.0±0.8 h (activity monitoring system) and 14.3±4.1h (Heat time) and 15±4h (Ice tag) respectively but findings here was higher than of , Aungier et al, (2012) and Hojo et al, (2018). Discrepancies between duration of oestrus based on standing events or visual observation with that recorded based on activity are possibly due to the uncoupling of expression of secondary signs of oestrus behaviour and standing oestrus and this could be due to different device being utilized for estrus detection.…”

“…Similarly duration of behavioral oestrus was on average 2hr longer (11.8hr) compared to pedometer oestrus (10.0 hr) . A.I done at 15.5hr and 14.4hr based on standing heat and silent heat measured by radiotelemetric pedometer with conception rate of 57.1% and 60% respectively (Hojo et al, 2018). Further, conception rate was more (90% vs. 58%) when A.I done 10-18hrs after an increase in pedometer activity compared to A.M-P.M rule (Yoshioka et al, 2010).…”

Possible causes and treatment strategies for the estrus and ovulation disorders in dairy cows

“…Hojo et al . [ 57 ] also reported that activity monitoring using a pedometer-based system can be effectively used for the detection of silent estrus without standing events. Michaelis et al .…”

[The role of reproductive biology in SDGs] Global warming and cattle reproduction: Will increase in cattle numbers progress to global warming?

“…When sensors were used in cattle farms to monitor the activity level (acceleration), step count, and body temperature, estrus was reported to be detected more accurately than by visual observation [ 29 ]. Furthermore, breeding using sensors has been reported to cause no difference in the pregnancy rate of beef cattle with weak signs of estrus [ 30 ]; the estrus detection rate and accuracy and the breeding rate can in fact be improved by the use of sensors. As sensing is also available for health management, sensors are expected to be useful for fertility improvement by promoting not only estrus detection but also health protection of the herd.…”