Abstract

Accurate oestrus detection is critical in New Zealand dairy farming, where many farms operate a seasonal farming model and, therefore, rely on a compact calving spread and a short mating period to farm efficiently. Automated oestrus detection systems are available that automatically identify and draft cows in oestrus. There are two types of automatic systems available commercially in New Zealand; activity-based systems that involve pedometers/accelerometers and systems that detect mounting behaviour using a sensor attached to the animal’s back.

K, Hempstalk, CR Burke, and C Kamphuis

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 73, Hamilton, 26-28, 2013