Clinical Field Trial for Remote Radio Telemetry Heat Mount Detection System

Authors

  • M. B. Cattell College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525
  • R. P. Dinsmore College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525
  • R. D. Stevens College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525
  • G. D. Niswender College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Keywords:

heat mount detection system, estrus detection, milk progesterone

Abstract

Accurate and efficient estrus detection is required to maintain reproductive performance in an artificially inseminated herd. Even with a substantial labor commitment, visual estrus detection is not practical in a large, multi-unit herd given the diurnal pattern of estrous behavior. Large dairies increasingly elect to reduce labor costs by relying on less accurate detection methods, eg. tail chalk, or by eliminating genetic improvement of youngstock from the operation mission.

A commercial heat mount detection system (HMDS) was evaluated for accuracy of estrus detection. The system was used to monitor behavioral estrus in 130 cows. HMDS was compared with visual observation and biweekly radioimmunoassay of milk progesterone.

Cover image of the 26th Conference Proceedings: A photo of the Albuquerque skyline during midday. In the foreground are skyscrapers, the scene is dotted with trees and scrub land, and a mountain rises behind the city. Yellow background.

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Published

1993-09-16

Issue

1993

Section

Research Summaries 2