novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

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equipped with backpacks. They were then returned to their location with their position being recorded by UWB and signals relayed to a computer where information about the cows’ movements was stored for post-trial analysis. Cow behaviour was also monitored by CCTV (PTZ Dome Camera, Pelco-D 2400) and by visual observation, where records were made of cow number, time and position in a location and general behaviour/ activity of each cow. Results of these short trials allowed for problems with the equipment and set up to be identified and these are outlined and discussed in Table 4.1. Problems encountered due to equipment setup, occurring mainly because UWB is not designed for the purpose of cattle monitoring, were; wire connections, MU antenna breakages, battery power and units ‘dropping out’ of signal range. Once these issues were resolved cows could be monitored with continuity of data collection and positioning could be accurately identified, see Figure 4.14. Cow behaviour and position were recorded continuously for a period of approximately 2 hours (9.45am to 11.45am) using UWB, CCTV and visual observation. Initially there is some spiking at the beginning of recording which could be due to the cow returning from the management/AI stalls into the location, which is inside the BU network. The graph of absolute height then gives a clear indication of the cows movements; standing at the feed passage, entering the cubicles which is shown by an increase in height, then lying down in the cubicles shown by a marked decrease in height, finally ending with minimal spiking as the cow entered the robot to be milked. The most important conclusion from this set of experiments was that all cows displayed natural behaviour whilst wearing backpacks (Figure 4.14). In conclusion, the three small trials allowed identification of problems that occurred due to UWB set up and for these problems to be resolved (Table 4.1) which allowed progression to monitoring cows’ position and thus their behaviour. 96
Backpack 1 st put on in AI stalls Enters cubicle Briefly stands in cubicle Stands, walks into robot for milking Feeding Lying down in cubicle Lies down Figure 4.14 Annotated graph of height changes monitoring one cow’s behaviour and position for a sustained period of time by UWB, which was verified by CCTV monitoring and visual records. 4.3.3 Longer Cow Trials After establishment of an optimal BU network and optimal set up of equipment, to test further whether UWB would be suitable for the purpose of oestrous detection, cow behaviour was monitored during oestrus. 4.3.3.1 12 Hour Trial The purpose of a 12 hour trial was to monitor cows early in the morning, when oestrous behaviour is more commonly displayed, in order to monitor actual oestrus, mounting activity and standing to be mounted by UWB positioning. This would then determine the suitability of UWB for the purpose of oestrous detection. 97
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NOVEL APPROACHES TO EXPRESSION AND
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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
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2.2.3 Statistical Analyses ........
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5.3 RESULTS .......................
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Furthermore, automated software was
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Hormonal
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LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 Trends in
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ˚ ˚C μM 2D
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CHAPTER 1 - Introduction & Literatu
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the past 50 years and duration of o
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Oestrus growing follicle (Staigmill
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ecomes the main inhibitor of FSH an
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calf at 40-50 days post partum; inv
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al., 2006). However, aged sperm hav
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can occur within 2-3 days, but if t
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educes the incidence of problem cow
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oestradiol, the LH surge and ovulat
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The secondary signs of oestrus can
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There are also changes in normal be
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engage in more natural behaviours i
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1983). Exact explanations and mecha
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2006) and disruption of LH secretio
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1.4.3.2 Milk Yield and Nutrition Di
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influence the ability of the ovary
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cyclicity can be delayed if dietary
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indication for the optimal time to
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calving), 3) pre-breeding heat date
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1.5.2 Physiological Changes Physiol
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1.5.2.3 Body and Milk Temperature T
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physical activity and stage of the
Page 61 and 62: caused by the general environment t
Page 63 and 64: may be gained. This is because data
Page 65 and 66: In summary the objective was to for
Page 67 and 68: diet, with concentrates at milking.
Page 69 and 70: oestrus was defined as 3 consecutiv
Page 71 and 72: The interaction between parity and
Page 73 and 74: individual oestrus was not signific
Page 75 and 76: Table 2.4 The effects of the intera
Page 77 and 78: (361 vs. 578 points, respectively,
Page 79 and 80: oestrous expression with increasing
Page 81 and 82: the blood (Sangsritavong et al., 20
Page 83 and 84: CHAPTER 3 - Single Nucleotide Polym
Page 85 and 86: population owing to previous select
Page 87 and 88: Table 3.1 Cont. Follicle Stimulatin
Page 89 and 90: 3.2.4 Sequencing of DNA in the Labo
Page 91 and 92: was achieved. PCR products were rem
Page 93 and 94: 3.4 DISCUSSION The objectives of th
Page 95 and 96: fertility and oestrous expression.
Page 97 and 98: CHAPTER 4 - Development of a Novel
Page 99 and 100: In summary UWB seems a good option
Page 101 and 102: Initial tests were carried out to i
Page 103 and 104: Therefore this demonstrates that X
Page 105 and 106: which is most important for achievi
Page 107 and 108: Figure 4.9 Horizontal - Vertical Di
Page 109 and 110: that UWB is matching the ‘truth
Page 111: mounting cow. For example height ch
Page 115 and 116: Cows’ behaviour was assessed at 5
Page 117 and 118: or that the cows were in an area of
Page 119 and 120: plane, but mostly in achieving high
Page 121 and 122: Develop techniques for analysis of
Page 123 and 124: in elastic silicone moulded over a
Page 125 and 126: and time of mount, duration of moun
Page 127 and 128: observed matched with increases in
Page 129 and 130: 5.3 RESULTS Results demonstrate pos
Page 131 and 132: Figure 5.2 Graph showing mounting b
Page 133 and 134: Table 5.1 Results from POC 2 showin
Page 135 and 136: Table 5.3 Efficiency and accuracy o
Page 137 and 138: oestrus and oestrus it is clear to
Page 139 and 140: P4 Concentration, ng/ml P4 Concentr
Page 147 and 148: Activity Activity Activity Activity
Page 153 and 154: 5.4 DISCUSSION The aim of this work
Page 155 and 156: averaged 70% which was lower than t
Page 157 and 158: when the cows lie down, especially
Page 159 and 160: the level of oestrous activity was
Page 161 and 162: technology larger herds must be mon
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monitoring could also monitor non-l
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antennae which could affect accurac
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predispose cows to illness e.g. met
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CHAPTER 6 - Overall Discussion & Co
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oestrus, h 2 =0.27 (Lovendahl et al
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The final section of this thesis de
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ate. By using UWB in a commercial s
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provides an insight the potential o
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BLOWEY, R. (2005) Factors associate
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ovine gonadotrophin releasing hormo
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GINTHER, O. J., KOT, K., KULICK, L.
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associated with embryonic survival
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ody condition at parturition on end
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Signs in a 24-h Tie-Stalled Dairy H
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SHERMAN, E. L., NKRUMAH, J. D., MUR
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Influence of negative energy balanc
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novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

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