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

Abstract

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.

Technological Tools and Artificial Intelligence in Estrus Detection of Sows—A Comprehensive Review

“…Ongoing scientific endeavors are in place to develop cost-effective, user-friendly methods for estrus detection [23]. Estrus detection can be more accurate in precision livestock farming as mechanical monitoring gives real-time data [71].…”

“…Automated estrus detection using sensors, infrared thermography and machine learning models is not limited to sows only. Considerable progress is evident in cow [141][142][143][144], buffalo [23,145], and ewe [146,147] estrus detection as well. Though installing and implementing real-time estrus detection systems may require an initial investment, in the long run, will result in benefits and significant cost savings for livestock farmers and industries.…”

“…Many researchers have emphasized timely insemination, stating "correct timing of insemination is very important for successful breeding farm" [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. It is the sole opportunity within the 21-day estrous cycle when a female animal can mate, potentially leading to pregnancy and the initiation of reproductive activity [23]. An increase in the overall embryo implantation rate is evident from scientifically investigating sows' estrus states [24].…”

Optimization of Livestock Monitoring System in Outdoor Based on Internet of Things (Iot)

“…Animal husbandry is not limited to raising animals; raising and breeding the difference lies in the objectives set [2]. Farming is carried out by business people seeking profit with the application of management principles to the factors of production that have been optimally combined [4]- [6]. The public demand for beef and milk has increased cattle business opportunities, and many people are starting to look at them, but problems such as losing livestock and capital to build cattle pens make some people reluctant to start a cattle business [1], [7]- [9].…”

Infrared thermography as a non-invasive method for evaluating stress in lactating dairy cows during isolation challenges

“…IRT tools were found to be cost-and time effective, reliable as well as non-invasive, while showing great potential for remote sensing and automatization in monitoring early indicators for health abnormalities in dairy cattle, being previously validated for mastitis and lameness detection (4,5). Moreover, several recent studies had found IRT as a feasible tool to evaluate thermal stress (6)(7)(8) and reproduction (9,10) in cattle. Additionally, both putatively negative and positive emotions have been shown to induce physiological responses in cattle, that allows indirect assessment of the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity via the alterations in temperature of different body areas, caused by phenomena such as stress-induced hyperthermia (11).…”