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novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

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CHAPTER 4 – Development <strong>of</strong> a Novel Technology for the Purpose<br />

<strong>of</strong> Oestrous Detection ................................................................. 81<br />

4.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................... 81<br />

4.2 ULTRA-WIDE BAND (UWB) ..................................................... 83<br />

4.2.1 Initial Test<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> UWB Accuracy at the Dairy Farm ................ 84<br />

4.2.2 Constellation Development ................................................ 89<br />

4.3 PRELIMINARY TRIALS............................................................. 92<br />

4.3.1 Test<strong>in</strong>g BU Geometry ........................................................ 92<br />

4.3.2 Short Cow Tests ............................................................... 95<br />

4.3.3 Longer Cow Trials ............................................................. 97<br />

4.3.3.1 12 Hour Trial .............................................................. 97<br />

4.3.3.2 Increas<strong>in</strong>g MU Number ...............................................101<br />

4.3.3.3 24 Hour Trial .............................................................102<br />

4.4 CONCLUSION .......................................................................102<br />

Chapter 5 - Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> Concept <strong>of</strong> UWB for the Purpose <strong>of</strong> Oestrous<br />

Detection .................................................................................. 104<br />

5.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................104<br />

5.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS ...................................................105<br />

5.2.1 Animals..........................................................................105<br />

5.2.2 Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g .........................................................................105<br />

5.2.3 Experimental Design ........................................................106<br />

5.2.4 Synchronisation ..............................................................106<br />

5.2.5 Data Collection ...............................................................107<br />

5.2.5.1 Ultra-wide B<strong>and</strong> (UWB) Record<strong>in</strong>g ................................107<br />

5.2.5.2 Milk Sampl<strong>in</strong>g ............................................................108<br />

5.2.5.3 Activity Record<strong>in</strong>g ......................................................108<br />

5.2.5.4 CCTV & Visual Observation ..........................................108<br />

5.2.6 Data Analysis ..................................................................109<br />

5.2.6.1 Assay for Milk Progesterone ........................................109<br />

5.2.6.2 Activity Data Analysis .................................................110<br />

5.2.6.3 Analysis <strong>of</strong> CCTV <strong>and</strong> Visual Records ............................110<br />

5.2.6.4 UWB Analysis ............................................................110<br />

5.2.6.4.1 UWB Data ............................................................110<br />

5.2.6.4.2 Script Analysis .....................................................111<br />

5.2.6.4.3 Script Analysis for Oestrous Detection at Herd Level .112<br />

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