Estrus detection in dairy cattle: Changes after the introduction of an automated activity monitoring system?^[*]

Summary

Objective: In context of the study farmers using an automated activity monitoring (AAM) system called Heatime were surveyed on estrus detection practices. The aim of the study was to gain an overview of the usual estrus detection methods and especially to learn about the practical aspects of that system. Material and methods: Items addressing farm and animal environment, estrus detection before and after installation of Heatime, reproduction, Heatime management and the far mer’s perception of efficiency were asked. Results: A total of 232 survey forms were returned (58.3% response rate) and 219 surveys could be used for final analysis. Visual observation was the most common practice to detect estrus. After installation of the Heatime system the farmers assessed that the application of hormones for reproduction management decreased. The majority of the responding dairy farmers (93.1%) strongly agreed or agreed that heat detection was higher after the installation of Heatime. Most of them (92.3%) strongly agreed or agreed with the statement that the reproduction management became easier with Heatime. Conclusion: Overall, 94.1% of the responding farm managers were satisfied with the Heatime system and almost all of them (94.5%) would install the system again. Clinical relevance: The results show that the Heatime system is a well accepted estrus detection aid and has the potential to reduce the time needed for estrus detection and might potentially reduce the use of hormones.

Zusammenfassung

Gegenstand und Ziel: Es wurden Landwirte befragt, die zur Brunsterkennung ein automatisches System zur Aktivitätsüberwachung der Kühe (Heatime System) nutzen. Ziel der Studie war, einen Überblick über die üblichen Brunsterkennungsmethoden zu erlangen und insbesondere Informationen über die praktischen Aspekte des genannten Systems zu erfahren. Material und Methoden: Über einen Fragebogen wurden allgemeine Daten zum Betrieb, zur Umwelt der Tiere, Reproduktion, Brunsterkennung vor und nach Installation des Heatime Systems, zum Management des Heatime Systems und die Meinung der Landwirte über dessen Effizienz abgefragt. Ergebnisse: Von den 232 zurückgesendeten Fragebögen (Rücksendungsrate von 58,3%) konnten 219 für die Auswertungen genutzt werden. Die direkte Beobachtung war die meist genutzte Methode, um Kühe in Brunst zu erkennen. Nach der Installation des Heatime Systems reduzierte sich nach Einschätzung der Landwirte die Applikation von Hormonen zur Brunstinduktion. Die Mehrheit der Landwirte (93,1%) stimmte voll und ganz zu oder stimmte zu, dass die Brunsterkennungsrate nach der Installation des Heatime Systems höher war. Die meisten Befragten (92,3%) stimmten voll und ganz zu oder stimmten zu, dass das Reproduktionsmanagement einfacher wurde. Schlussfolgerung: Insgesamt waren 94,1% der befragten Landwirte zufrieden mit dem Heatime System und 94,5% würden ein solches System wieder installieren. Klinische Relevanz: Die Studie zeigt, dass Heatime ein akzeptiertes elektronisches Hilfsmittel zur Brunsterkennung ist. Dieses System hat das Potenzial, die für die Brunsterkennung erforderliche Zeit zu reduzieren und den Einsatz von Hormonen zu vermindern.

Key words

Activity monitoring - dairy cattle - accelerometer - estrus detection

Schlüsselwörter

Aktivitätsüberwachung - Milchvieh - Beschleunigungsmesser - Brunsterkennung

^* Herrn Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. H. Bostedt zum 75. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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