Intravaginal Devices and GNSS Collars with Satellite Communication to Detect Calving Events in Extensive Beef Production in Northern Australia

Abstract

Observing calves at birth may help to identify risk factors for, and reduce, calf loss in extensive beef systems. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate two commercial satellite birth alert systems to enable the observation of newborn calves and (2) assess behavioral changes of cows around calving. Vaginal Implant Transmitters (VIT) paired with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) collars were worn by 20 cows in Trial 1 and 10 cows in Trial 2 to identify birthing events. The VIT and GNSS collars contained a temperature sensor, accelerometer, and very high frequency (VHF) to communicate with a handheld tracker, and ultra-high frequency (UHF) for communication between the VIT and GNSS collar, which had two-way communication using Iridium satellites. A change (Brand 1) or drop (Brand 2) in temperature of more than 3 °C and inactivity triggered the VIT to communicate an expelled alert to the collar, which transmitted the birth alert information via Iridium (device ID, date, time and geolocation of the GNSS collar at expulsion). Cows and calves were tracked in the paddock following a birth alert to assess their health and status. Overall, true birth alerts occurred in only 27.6% of devices. Cows remained active on the day of calving travelling 5.54 ± 4.11 and 5.00 ± 2.80 km/day compared to 6.45 ± 2.79 and 6.12 ± 2.30 km/d on days when calving did not occur for Trial 1 and 2, respectively (mean ± SD). Average activity of the accelerometer X- and Y-axis on calving day was reduced by 15%–20% compared to other days in Trial 1 (p < 0.05) but not in Trial 2 (p > 0.05). Results suggest that these two birth alert systems are not suitable for use in extensive systems and the further development of the technology is required. Cows in the current trials remained active on the day of, and after, calving, indicating that a faster, real-time alert system and communication protocol would be required to achieve the aim of finding newborn calves.

An automated system for cattle reproductive management under the IoT framework. Part I: the e-Synch system and cow responses

“…Prolonged periods of inactivity combined with a change in temperature larger than the expected biological variation in body temperature was Tail position score from 0 to 8 h after e-Synch device insertion for cows in experiment 2. Ren et al 10.3389/fanim.2023.1093851 proposed as a method for detection of expulsion of intravaginal devices during calving in cattle (Pearson et al, 2020). Cow position data from the accelerometer could be used to prevent backflow from the vagina by releasing fluid only when cows are standing.…”

How to Predict Parturition in Cattle? A Literature Review of Automatic Devices and Technologies for Remote Monitoring and Calving Prediction

“…Correct identification of calving was reached in 66% of deliveries while localization of animals was achieved in 64% of cases with an approximation of 100-200 m. Tracking parturient animals in extensive grazing areas is a concern in Australian breeding systems. Placing radio receiving antennae could be difficult due to the ground topography; thus researchers are also evaluating a Vaginal Implant Transmitter (VIT) device which is equipped with temperature and accelerometer sensors coupled to a GNSS collar for tracking via satellite technology [101]. The device is still a prototype at present, and more improvement is needed for field use.…”

Perspectives on the Special Issue for Applications of Remote Sensing for Livestock and Grazingland Management

“…For example, GNSS-enabled collars have been used to track and monitor livestock behavior in grazinglands for some time [30,31,33,[85][86][87][88]. Distinguishing resting and foraging behaviors [30,[89][90][91][92], distance traveled to/from water [33,93], seeking out high quality forage [31,90], terrain/topographical preferences/avoidance [32,93], response to disturbance and environmental stressors [94][95][96], birth detection [97], and circadian rhythms [98] have all been studied through GNSS tracking collars and accelerometers.…”

“…These authors differentiate between grazing, standing, walking, and lying with up to 10-s moving window durations. Pearson et al [97] outfitted cattle with GNSS collars and intravaginal devices to test the ability to detect birthing events, and potential behavioral changes due to birthing. They found that birth detection in these systems were lacking, most likely due to the length of time the devices must remain implanted.…”