Detection of the time of foaling by accelerometer technique in horses (Equus caballus)—a pilot study

Abstract

Observation of preparturient mares is labour-intensive and time requirements would be reduced with automated monitoring systems. Recently, small-size accelerometers have become available. We followed the hypothesis that increased restlessness in mares shortly before the expulsive stage of labour can be detected with such accelerometers. Accelerometers were attached medioventrally to the halter of eight late pregnant mares. To evaluate an influence of accelerometer position, in one mare two additional accelerometers were attached close to the mandibular and atlanto-occipital joints. Accelerometers were programmed to send 600 signals/min (10 Hz). Signals were recorded continuously and, for evaluation, four intervals of 30-min duration on day 4 before foaling and the last 2 hr before rupture of the allantochorion at foaling were selected. Signal detection was influenced by position of the accelerometer on the mares' halter. The highest signal detection rate was reached with the accelerometer in the lateral and dorsal position but differences of accelerations measured by the system differed neither between sensor positions nor between time intervals 4 days before foaling. Differences of accelerations increased from 120 min before foaling until birth of the foal (p < 0.001) and this increase was most pronounced during the last 30-20 min before birth of the foal (p < 0.001). Technical improvements and a foaling specific algorithm are required to improve the accuracy to predict foaling. Even if this preliminary study included only a small number of mares, results demonstrate that accelerometers could be an important component of birth alert systems in horses in the future.

Investigating the suitability of a transponder-based birth monitoring system attached to the vulva of a mare

“…In the present study, births for which no alarm was triggered were detected by additional camera surveillance or by direct visual observation of the mare. This further supports the argument that relying solely on a transponder is insufficient for detecting all births [ 13 ]. Future studies should focus on whether a combination of different birth monitoring systems improves the safety of the prediction or detection of birth in mares.…”

“…This is considered to be a weakness of the system as it may have fatal consequences for the mare and unborn foal [ 3 ]. Therefore, the transponder system is often combined with other birth monitoring methods, such as camera monitoring or direct human observation [ 13 ].…”

Development of a foaling alarm system using an accelerometer

“…For instance, De Waele et al [ 5 ] developed an algorithm based on data collected using an accelerometer sensor attached to the halter; the system detected the onset of the second stage of foaling. In another study, Hartmann et al [ 6 ] used an accelerometer sensor attached to the halter and measured acceleration data from 120 min before foal discharge; the authors noted that acceleration was significantly higher during 0–30 min than during 90–120 min before foal discharge. From these reports, accelerometers are useful tools to detect the pre-foaling behaviors of mares.…”

Design and Verification of an On-Body Antenna in the Harsh Environment of a Horse Hoof

“…The earlier an anomaly is detected, the higher the chances for a full recovery. To monitor the horse's vital parameters, one can put a monitoring device or a wearable on the animal, which will inform the caretaker in an early stage about any possible anomaly [1]. This requires a wireless connection from the device to a gateway, e.g.…”