Journal article
Evaluation of infrared thermography body temperature and collar-mounted accelerometer and acoustic technology for predicting time of ovulation of cows in a pasture-based system
S Talukder, PC Thomson, KL Kerrisk, CEF Clark, P Celi
Theriogenology | ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC | Published : 2015
Abstract
This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the specificity of infrared thermography (IRT) in detecting cows about to ovulate could be improved using different body parts that are less likely to be contaminated by fecal matter. In addition, the combined activity and rumination data captured by accelerometers were evaluated to provide a more accurate indication of ovulation than the activity and rumination data alone. Thermal images of 30 cows were captured for different body areas (eye, ear, muzzle, and vulva) twice daily after AM and PM milking sessions during the entire experimental period. Milk progesterone data and insemination records were used to determine the date of ovulatio..
View full abstractGrants
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the support of the Dairy Research Foundation and the investors of the FutureDairy project; Dairy Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries; University of Sydney; and DeLaval. The authors are grateful to the Poultry Research Foundation for providing the infrared camera, Dr Ajantha Horadagoda for assistance with hormonal assays, and Mr Kim McKean for assistance in animal husbandry. S. Talukder has been supported by the University of Sydney International Postgraduate Research Scholarship.