Automated oestrus detection using multimetric behaviour recognition in seasonal-calving dairy cattle on pasture.AIM To evaluate the performance of a novel accelerometer-based oestrus detection system (ODS) for dairy cows on pasture, in comparison with measurement of concentrations of progesterone in milk, ultrasonographic examination of ovaries and farmer observations.  METHODS Mixed-breed lactating dairy cows (n=109) in a commercial, seasonal-calving herd managed at pasture under typical farming conditions in Ireland, were fitted with oestrus detection collars 3 weeks prior to mating start date.  The ODS performed multimetric analysis of eight different motion patterns to generate oestrus alerts.  Visual observations by the farmer and the number of theoretically expected oestrus events were used to evaluate the number of false negative ODS alerts.  RESULTS During the insemination period, the ODS generated 194 oestrus alerts and 140 (72.2%) were confirmed as true positives.  Six confirmed oestrus events recognised by the farmer did not generate ODS alerts.  The positive predictive value of the ODS was 72.2 (95% CI=65.3-78.4)%.  To account for oestrus events not identified by the ODS or the farmer, four theoretical missed oestrus events were added to the false negatives.  Estimated sensitivity of the automated ODS was 93.3 (95% CI=88.1-96.8)%.  CONCLUSIONS and CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ODS under investigation was suitable for oestrus detection in dairy cows on pasture and showed a high sensitivity of oestrus detection.  Multimetric analysis of behavioural data seems to be the superior approach to developing and improving ODS for dairy cows on pasture. 
ODS
Automated oestrus detection using multimetric behaviour recognition in seasonal-calving dairy cattle on pasture.AIM To evaluate the performance of a novel accelerometer-based oestrus detection system (ODS) for dairy cows on pasture, in comparison with measurement of concentrations of progesterone in milk, ultrasonographic examination of ovaries and farmer observations. 
accelerometer-based oestrus detection system