Evaluation of remote monitoring of parturition in dairy cattle as a new tool for calving management

Abstract

BackgroundProper calving management of dairy herds is a crucial aspect of the bovine life cycle, as it has profound effects on calf viability and on the post-partum course of the dam. The objectives of this study were to monitor the calving process through the use of a remote alarm system and to determine the impact of prompt emergency obstetric procedures in case of dystocia for the prevention of stillbirths and post-partum reproductive pathologies, and for improving herd fertility. Six groups of experimental animals were studied: monitored heifers (n = 60) and multiparous cows (n = 60) were compared with non-observed animals (n = 60 heifers and n = 60 multiparous) giving birth during the same time period and housed in the calving barn, and with unmonitored animals placed in a dry zone (n = 240 heifers and n = 112 multiparous cows).ResultsThe incidence of dystocia ranged from a minimum of 23.4% (monitored multiparous cows) to a maximum of 33.3% (monitored heifers), and there were no differences compared with control groups. However, the rate of stillbirth was higher in control groups than in the monitored groups (P < 0.01). Among both heifers and multiparous cows, the incidence of post-partum uterine infections was higher in the unmonitored animals both in the calving barn (P < 0.01) and in the dry zone (P < 0.05) compared with monitored animals. Among both heifers and multiparous cows, the control groups showed higher rates of foetal membrane retention than did the monitored groups (P < 0.001). The calving-to-conception interval was shorter; in particular, observed heifers showed a significant advantage of approximately 46 days compared with the unmonitored group (P < 0.001) and 32 days compared with the group in the calving barn (P < 0.05). Multiparous cows also had a reduction in the number of days open.ConclusionsThe remote alarm system used to monitor the calving process assured the prompt presence of personnel, improving both the cow’s reproductive efficiency and neonatal viability.

The utility of sensor technology to support reproductive management on dairy farms

“…This specific sensor is an intravaginal device from which one module is expelled during the second stage of parturition. This expelled module transmits a signal when it is outside the body (Palombi, et al, 2013). When this sensor system was applied on dairy farms studies reported a significant decrease on calf mortality, uterine infections and number of days open (Palombi, et al, 2013, Paolucci, et al, 2010.…”

“…Economic evaluations of sensor systems are therefore important. The adoption of sensors for calving detection on commercial dairy farms is still low (Palombi, et al, 2013). However, a system that helps farmers by predicting the moment of calving could be beneficial.…”

“…It has been suggested that more frequent observation of late gestation cows at night, on Sundays and bank holidays would reduce still birth rates (Mee, et al, 2014). Visual observation is a labor-and time-consuming practice (Palombi, et al, 2013), moreover the presence of an observer has been associated with an increased stress level resulting in calving problems (Dufty, 1981). So, the current practice could be improved by introducing an automated monitoring system that observes late gestation cows more frequently than farmers do.…”

“…The advantage could be a high detection performance because the system is specifically designed to detect calving, but such a system will require additional investments. An example of such a specialized sensor system can be found in the equine industry (Palombi, et al, 2013). This specific sensor is an intravaginal device from which one module is expelled during the second stage of parturition.…”

“…Providing proper and timely assistance at calving can significantly reduce calf morbidity and mortality, especially when dystocia occurs (Lombard, et al, 2007). Next to the effect on the calf, timely calving assistance reduces parturition stress and improves the cow's reproductive performance (Barrier, et al, 2013, Mee, et al, 2014, Palombi, et al, 2013. Timely detection of the start of calving is therefore important to ensure timely assistance.…”