novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

5.3 RESULTS
Results demonstrate positive proof of concept that UWB can detect cows in
oestrus. Furthermore oestrus activity is reported in real-time. This was
verified by milk progesterone concentration, activity monitoring and visual
observation.
The results from POC 1 were restricted due to several limitations, but when
data collection was continuous the 3D positions of cows were recorded by
UWB and could detect cow interactions indicative of their behaviour. The
sequence of interaction recorded between 2 cows is plotted in Figures 5.2
to 5.5, showing 2 episodes of oestrous behaviour. These data show the 3D
coordinates in the X, Y and Z axes changing in real-time as the cows move
and interact. UWB detected when one cow mounted (blue line) and another
cow stood to be mounted (red line), indicative of oestrus. It is clear that
the 2 cows moved closer together followed by mounting, before moving
apart (see Figure 5.2 to 5.5). The X and Y horizontal coordinates show the
local position and the Z axis depicts the actual height change in
centimetres occurring at one second intervals denoted by specific
numbered time points. Furthermore, these figures confirm UWB accuracy
as the increased height, which changed during mounting, could be detected
from 160cm to 220cm.
The 2 episodes of oestrus reported by UWB during POC 1 were true oestrus
behaviour as confirmed by visual detection from CCTV footage assessed
post trial, milk progesterone concentration