Abstract #229

# 229
Calving detection in dairy cattle using a novel vaginal temperature device.
Megan C. Hardy*1, Denise L. Ray1, Joey D. Clark1, Jeffrey M. Bewley1, 1University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.

Parturition detection and dystocia prevention represent major challenges to dairy farmers. A potential solution is a vaginal thermometer used to detect calving. The objective of this study was to assess the Vel’Phone vaginal thermometer (Vel’Phone, Medria, Chateaubourg, France) for calving prediction accuracy and to characterize temperature and behavior before calving time. Primiparous (n = 40) and multiparous (n = 55) Holstein cows were enrolled in the study, conducted at the University of Kentucky Coldstream Dairy from May 2013 to August 2014. The Vel’Phone thermometer was vaginally inserted into each animal before the expected calving date. Vel’Phone service provided text messages displaying daily temperature reports, as well as impending calving and thermometer expulsion alerts. The Vel’Phone collected temperature data to investigate precalving temperature decreases. Alert timing data were collected to assess the Vel’Phone’s calving prediction ability. Video monitoring recorded calving time and behavior (Barn Cams, Oconomowoc, WI). The MEANS procedure of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) was used to calculate the average time between impending calving alerts, expulsion alerts, and calving time. The FREQ procedure of SAS created alert-frequency distributions. The GLM procedure of SAS was used to assess the effects of calf weight, calf sex, parity, calving ease, and season on precalving temperature decreases. A gradual temperature decrease of 0.6°C was seen at 48 h before parturition. Calf weight, calf sex, parity, calving ease, and season did not have a significant (P < 0.05) effect on precalving temperature decreases. Results indicate temperature decreases 48 h before parturition and thermometer expulsion alerts could be useful in calving detection technology.

Key Words: vaginal temperature, calving detection, precision dairy technology