RT Journal Article
T1 Estrus Detection and Optimal Insemination Timing in Holstein Cattle Using a Neck-Mounted Accelerometer Sensor System
A1 Álvarez Torres, Jacobo
A1 Acción Carro, Antía
A1 López, Elio
A1 Antelo, Carlota
A1 Barrionuevo, Renato
A1 Becerra González, Juan José
A1 Peña Martínez, Ana Isabel
A1 García Herradón, Pedro José
A1 Quintela Arias, Luis Ángel
A1 Yáñez, Uxía
K1 Dairy cattle
K1 Heat detection
K1 Precision livestock farming
K1 Reproductive performance
K1 Ultrasonography
AB This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the accelerometer-equipped collar RUMI to detect estrus in dairy cows, establish a recommendation for the optimal timing for artificial insemination (AI) when using this device, and characterize the blood flow of the dominant follicle (F) and the corpus luteum (CL) as ovulation approaches. Forty-seven cycling cows were monitored following synchronization with a modified G6G protocol, allowing for spontaneous ovulation. Ultrasound examinations were conducted every 12 h, starting 48 h after the second PGF2α dose, to monitor uterine and ovarian changes. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum progesterone (P4) levels. Each cow was fitted with a RUMI collar, which continuously monitored behavioral changes to identify the onset, offset, and peak of activity of estrus. One-way ANOVA assessed the relationship between physiological parameters and time before ovulation. Results showed that the RUMI collar demonstrated high specificity (100%), sensitivity (90.90%), and accuracy (93.62%) for estrus detection. The optimal AI window was identified as between 11.4 and 15.5 h after heat onset. Increased blood flow to the F and reduced luteal activity were observed in the 48 h prior to ovulation. Further research is needed to assess the influence of this AI window on conception rates, and if it should be modified considering external factors.
PB MDPI
SN 1424-8220
YR 2025
FD 2025-08-23
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43286
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43286
LA eng
NO Álvarez, J.; Acción, A.; López, E.; Antelo, C.; Barrionuevo, R.; Becerra, J.J.; Peña, A.I.; Herradón, P.G.; Quintela, L.Á.; Yáñez, U. Estrus Detection and Optimal Insemination Timing in Holstein Cattle Using a Neck-Mounted Accelerometer Sensor System. Sensors 2025, 25, 5245. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175245
NO J.A. holds a predoctoral contract funded by the Fundación Caixa Rural Tomás Notario Vacas (2024 call). U.Y. holds a postdoctoral contract funded by the Xunta de Galicia (Ref. ED481_033/2024).
DS Minerva
RD 8 jun 2026