AU2015246704A1 - Device for indicating reproductive status of cows - Google Patents

Abstract

A device and method are provided for sensing the reproductive status of a cow, the device comprising: at least one sensor adapted to sense primary and secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed. The device may also comprise a data management system for receiving signals from the sensor and a housing for housing the data management system.

Description

WO 2015/160263 PCT/NZ2015/000024 1

DEVICE FOR INDICATING REPRODUCTIVE STATUS OF COWS TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for providing a reproductive status indication for a cow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is useful for farmers to know whether a cow is in heat (in oestrous), is pregnant, returns to heat following a failed conception, or has one of several possible reproductive problems that result in irregular oestrous cycling or non-cycling that may prevent successful pregnancy. Heat is the period of time that occurs on average every three weeks (18-24 days) in sexually mature, non-pregnant female cattle, during which they are receptive to mounting or riding actively by a bull or other cows. As an egg develops in a cow's ovary, the sex hormone estrogen (produced by the ovary) causes changes to the animal's reproductive, circulatory, and nervous system. Physical mounting, or "standing heat," occurs within the first 12-18 hours after the onset of heat. A cow is fertile only when an egg is released (ovulation) during the time period that begins near the end of standing heat and continues for around 6-10 hours thereafter.

In the context of dairy cows, efficient dairy production relies on getting cows pregnant and delivering a calf within the tightest time window possible. Failure to produce a calf results in lost milk supply. Likewise, in the context of beef cows, efficient beef production relies on getting cows pregnant and producing calves within the earliest time window possible. A failure to achieve pregnancy and produce calves in beef cows results in lost time available for weight gain prior to slaughter. Most dairy cows and an increasing number of beef cows these days are artificially inseminated. The timing of the artificial insemination is based on monitoring the oestrous or heat cycle of each cow to predict the cow's ovulation time.

Many cows are bred using artificial insemination, and farm managers have a limited (24 hour maximum) period from the onset of oestrous during which a cow should be inseminated. It is important for a farmer to know which of the cows in the herd that have been bred (e.g. artificially inseminated or inseminated by bull) do not become pregnant. The sooner the farmer knows that a cow has not become pregnant following artificial insemination, the sooner the cow can be resubmitted (returned) for a subsequent round of insemination at the next oestrous cycle in order to try and minimise further economic losses from the cow not being pregnant.

Typically, pregnancy confirmation following breeding is carried out by trained technicians using ultrasonography or rectal palpation, which is time consuming and expensive. Determining that a cow is non-pregnant using ultrasonography or rectal palpation comes too late for resubmitting the cow for a further insemination round at the next possible oestrous cycle. In particular, ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis may only be PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 2 reliably carried out as early as 25 days after insemination by using highly skilled technicians, and is more typically carried out after 35 days, and rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis is only reliable from as early as 30 days from insemination in heifers and from 35 days in cows. A goal of the dairy and beef industries worldwide is to develop heat detection systems that can remove the human element from the task of determining the optimal time for insemination. Various heat detection devices have been developed. Heat detection devices reduce the need for farmers to spend time observing heat behaviour in cows to determine whether a cow is likely to be in heat. The benefits of heat detection devices therefore include improving reproductive performance and profitability, and increasing discretionary time for farm staff to focus on other important farm issues. However, heat detection devices are unreliable if they do not adhere well to the animals or do not provide a reasonably accurate indication of heat. A number of devices for indicating when a cow may be on heat are known and have been in use for several years. These devices are typically visual aids, such as dye release adhesive patches (dye is released from a capsule in an adhesive patch when the cow receives a single standing mount), scratch patches (these abrade with mount activity to reveal a high visibility colour), and tail-paint (this also abrades with mounting activity). These devices are all reliant on strong physical pressure or friction caused by contact between the cow being mounted and the mounting cow or bull. Relying on only strong pressure or friction is a deliberate attempt to reduce accidental activation or abrasion due to non-heat activity such as normal contact behaviour or the day to day contact that occurs during normal farm operations such as milking, drafting, etc. Accidental activation would generate a number of false alerts that a cow is in heat, which would prove costly and time consuming for the farmer and also has the potential to lead to miscarriage in a cow that is already pregnant due to an earlier breeding. Consequently, heat indication devices must be located on a hard surface region that Is exposed to significant pressure and friction due to the action of the mounting animal (e.g. an area above the backbone of the cow being mounted). Typically, such devices are located on top of the backbone between the tail head and a line bisecting the iliac crests and most often on or in proximity to the sacral region of the cow. This is the region where contact from the mounting cow or bull provides the maximum pressure against the detection device so that the device is activated or abraded during mounting whilst also reducing the risk of accidental activation or abrasion. However, there are inherent disadvantages to strong pressure and friction activated heat detection devices that must be located on the backbone of a cow.

One problem of heat detection devices located on the backbone is that because this a region of the highest friction and shear forces during typical bulling behaviour, devices located in this region are frequently dislodged from the cow during normal mounting PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 3 activity. If the device is dislodged from a cow, the device fails to achieve its purpose as a visual indicator of possible heat activity.

Other known heat detection devices are electronic heat detection patches. Due to the low retention rate of these patches, they are not used to identify multiple oestrous cycles, which requires the patch to remain in place on the animal over multiple cycles, each of approximately 21 days. Field studies show that it is common for around 50% of the patches to be dislodged following the first oestrous cycle. At the second oestrous cycle, an even greater proportion of patches are likely to have been dislodged. Following a second heat, It is possible that only 20% or less of the original patches remain in place.

One of the reasons for the patches being dislodged is that the critical failure point Is often the hair junction. Hairs may rip out of the hair follicles or snap off at their base due to the action of the mounting cows. The hairs are the only structure that the patch adhesive can grip onto for any period of time. Typically, the patches do not work well when applied directly to the skin of a cow because skin cells flake away too rapidly to allow direct adhesion to the skin for any length of time.

Some heat detection devices have a large surface area Where the adhesive contacts the cow to overcome the shortcomings in adherence to the backbone area. However, this has created other problems that are unsatisfactory for the health of the cow and, in some cases, actually reduces adherence due to other unforeseen mechanisms. Specifically, these devices suffer from the problem that the hide under the device becomes moist and sweaty due to poor moisture transfer. Dead skin also builds up and when combined with moisture, often results in bacterial and fungal infections that can trigger inflammation of the cow's skin. Hair is often shed as a result, which consequently leads to loss of adherence of the device. The affected area can go on to cause other health problems after the patch is no longer needed. For example, the bald area can become sunburnt due to loss of protective hair and, in some cases, skin pigmentation can result.

Another problem with existing heat detection devices, such as patches, is that because they must be adhered to a hard bony region (e.g. the backbone), the edges of the devices are exposed to the strong shear forces caused by a mounting cow or bull. These strong forces cause the edges to lift and peel. Once an edge has come away it is very easy for the device to then be dislodged entirely from the cow.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for providing an indication of a cow's reproductive status that goes at least some way toward overcoming the disadvantages of known heat detection devices, or that at least provides a useful alternative to known heat detection devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a device for sensing the likely reproductive status of a cow, the device comprising at least one sensor adapted to sense primary and PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 4 secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed.

The device may also comprise a data management system adapted to receive signals from the at least one sensor and to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow based on one or more of the received signals. The data management system may comprise a control system programmed to analyse signals from the at least one sensor by comparing the number of signals, duration of signals, and nature of signals within a certain time period to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow.

The device may also comprise a visual indicator adapted to provide a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status, as determined by the data management system. The visual indicator may be a light. The visual indicator may bean LED. The LED may be located within a housing of the device. The upper portion of the housing may be transparent or semi-transparent.

The at least one sensor may be pressure sensitive, touch-sensitive, or both to sense contact between the device and another animal. The at least one sensor may be a capacitive sensor. Alternatively, the at least one sensor may comprise a mechanical switch or a piezoelectric switch. Optionally, the at least one sensor is a near field sensor. The device may comprise a temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise an accelerometer.

The device may comprise a housing for housing the data management system, the housing comprising a base and an upper portion having a low friction, low shear, raised profile in relation to the base. The upper portion may be configured so that an angle measured from a point where the upper portion contacts the base of the device to the peak of the upper portion of the device is not less than approximately 5° and is not more than approximately 55°. The upper portion of the housing may be substantially convex.

The upper portion of the housing may be attached to the base of the housing to provide a water-tight seal.

The at least one sensor may be located within or may be integral with the housing.

The upper portion of the housing may be formed of a resilient, flexible material.

In one form, the upper portion forms a switch and is adapted to depress under pressure or on contact from another animal and produce a signal.

The upper portion may be substantially rigid and may be joined to the base with a flexible material.

The base of the housing may be rigid or semi-rigid. In one form, the base of the housing is a circular disc. Optionally, the base of the housing is approximately 20 mm to 200 mm in diameter.

The base of the housing may comprise a bottom surface that comprises an adhesive. PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 5

Optionally, the base of the housing comprises a bottom surface that is corrugated or comprises one or more flutes or holes.

The device may be adapted to be located on the rump of the cow. Preferably, the device is adapted to be located on the mount contact area of the cow.

In another aspect, the invention provides a system for identifying the likely reproductive status of a cow, the system comprising a device comprising at least one sensor adapted to sense primary and secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed; and a data management system adapted to receive and process signals from the device to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow; and to cause a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status to be displayed by a visual indicator located on the device or externally to the device. The data management system may be a computer located externally to the device and the visual indicator is a display screen of the computer.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of determining a reproductive status indication for a cow. The method includes the steps of attaching a device to the cow, the device comprising: a sensor adapted to sense primary and secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed; a visual indicator to indicate the reproductive status of the cow; a data management system for receiving signals from the at least one sensor and causing the visual indicator to provide a visual indication of the cow's reproductive status depending on the signals received from the sensor; and a housing for housing the data management system. The housing may comprise a base and an upper portion having a low friction, low shear raised profile in relation to the base. The method also comprises the step of observing the indicator to determine the reproductive status of the cow.

Preferably, the sensing device is attached to the mount contact area of the cow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred forms of the invention are now described in relation to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a cow showing a schematic representation of the location of a conventional heat detection device;

Figure 2 is a top view of a cow showing a schematic representation of the location of a device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of components of one form of device of the invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded side view of the components of the device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a top view of a device according to one form of the invention; PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 6

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic showing a mounting cow or bull contacting one form of device of the invention when located on a mount contact area of a cow; and

Figure 8 is a graph of the retention rate of the device of the invention when compared with a prior art device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a device that is configured to sense primary behavioral indicators of reproductive status, which is mounting (bulling) activity, including short mounts, where the cow runs off upon mounting. However, in some embodiments, the device can also sense secondary behavioral indicators of reproductive status such as: chin and head resting and rubbing; licking. The device may also be adapted to sense the close presence of another cow or bull, such as during ano-genital sniffing. Optionally, the device may be adapted to sense physiological changes in a cow, such as temperature changes or significant changes in pedometry, which increase prior to and during heat.

The device is adapted to be attached, adhered or otherwise mounted to a cow. The device may be adapted so that it can be located on the rump of a cow. Preferably, the device is adapted to be attached to the mount contact area of the cow.

To assist with understanding the invention, the following explanations and definitions are provided.

The term "reproductive status" as used in this specification is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, an indication of whether or not a cow is in oestrous or is no longer cycling due to pregnancy. The term is also used to refer to reproductive problems such as the absence of heat or abnormal frequencies of heat cycles. The term is also used to refer to events relating to the reproductive status of a cow that is undergoing timed artificial insemination protocols with or without the use of hormone protocols and/or CIDR type technologies where some of these events are behavioural and physiological and some are related to fixed timing in relation to the reproductive status.

The phrase "behavioural indicators of reproductive status" as used in this specification Is intended to mean behaviours that a cow is in heat, such as mounting and deliberate close contact from other animals, such as nuzzling, chin and neck resting and rubbing, licking, increased pedometry, and sniffing around the rump.

The term "primary behavioural indicators" as used in this specification is intended to mean mounting behaviours (where a cow or bull mounts a cow bearing the device of the invention) and includes short mounts where the cow runs off upon mounting.

The term "secondary behavioural indicators" as used in this specification is intended to mean non-mounting behaviours that involve contact between two cows or between a cow and a bull, such as as nuzzling, chin and neck resting and rubbing, and licking and that indicate that a cow may be in heat. PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 7

The phrase "physiological indicators" as used in this specification is intended to mean physical changes indicating that a cow is in heat, such as temperature increases associated with oestrous.

The phrase "mount contact area" as used in this specification is intended to mean the area on the body of a cow that is approximately caudal to a line bisecting the iliac crest and lateral to the backbone of the cow. This is the area that comes into contact with the brisket, underbelly, and forelegs of a mounting cow or bull. For example, the area of the rump adjacent to the backbone of the cow falls within the mount contact area. The mount contact area excludes the area directly above the backbone.

The term "touch-sensitive" as used in this specification is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, that the degree of sensitivity of the sensor enables the sensor to sense contact between the housing of the sensor and the mounting cow or bull by touch and without the application of substantial pressure.

The term "near field sensing technology" as used in this specification is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, the use of an electric field to detect the proximity of an animal and its directional movement.

The term "close presence" as used in this specification is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, in relation to the proximity of a mounting cow or bull to the device of the invention located on a cow being mounted, that a part of the mounting cow or bull is within a predetermined distance (e.g. 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, or 2 mm) from the device such that a sensor in the device is able to sense that the cow is being mounted or where another animal is neck or chin resting or rubbing its head and neck over the cow.

The phrase "low shear, low friction, raised profile" as used in this specification is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, that the upper portion of the device is adapted so that the shear forces and frictional forces that the device is exposed to during mounting are minimised.

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

The term "cow" as used in this specification is intended to mean a female bovine.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the oval shaped ring 500 shows the recommended region for placement of a conventional heat indication device 50, such as a patch containing a dye or having a scratchable surface which is activated to show a distinct colour upon mounting by another cow or a bull.

Figure 2 shows a mount contact area 10 of a cow, indicated by the oval shaped ring, located close to the backbone. A mount contact area is also provided on the other side of the backbone. The solid circle shown in Figure 2 represents a device 100 of the invention placed in the mount contact area 10. The mount contact area is the preferred location for PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 8 the device 100 to be placed on the cow because it avoids the backbone of the cow that is subject to high friction/high shear forces during mounting.

Figures 3 and 4 show components of one form of device of the invention. The device 100 comprises a body, which may be configured to form a housing 110 for housing at least a portion of at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be located within the housing or the sensor may be integral with the housing, such as by forming part of the housing. The housing 110 may also house a data management system, to be described later.

The housing comprises a base 120, which may be in any suitable shape or form, such as in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid circular disc. The housing also comprises an upper portion 130. The upper portion 130 is preferably raised and defines a cavity between itself and the base 120 of the housing. One or more sensors and/or the data management system may be held within the cavity.

In Figures 3 and 4, the base 120 and upper portion 130 are shown separated, whereas Figures 5 and 6 show a complete device ready for adhering to a cow. Figures 3 and 4 also show electronic componentry included within the data management system 140 of one form of the device 100.

The base of the device may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. Where the device comprises a rigid/semi-rigid base, the nature of the base provides the device with a firm foundation. A rigid or semi-rigid base may also help the upper portion of the device to compress during mounting activity to activate a pressure sensor in the device.

The base has peripheral edges that may define the shape of the base of the housing. While the device 100 is shown as having a circular base 120, the base may be of any other suitable shape. Examples of suitable shapes include circular, elliptical, ovoid, or any suitable regular or irregular shape.

The base 120 of the housing has a bottom surface that defines the bottom surface of the device. The bottom surface of the device may be contoured to conform to the contours of the cow at the intended location of the device on the cow and/or to reduce the risk of the device being dislodged from its location during mounting activity.. For example, the bottom surface may be planar, concave, convex, or of varying contours. The bottom surface of the device may be corrugated or may include one or more flutes or holes to help expel moisture and encourage air circulation between the device and the cow on which it is located. This helps the hair follicles of the cow to remain healthy, consequently aiding longer term retention of the device on the cow.

The bottom surface is adhered to a cow during use. Any suitable adhesive may be used to adhere the device to the hide of a cow. In one form, the bottom surface of the base of the device may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive for attaching the device to a cow. This adhesive may be applied at the time of manufacture and protected with a removable covering. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to the bottom surface of the device when attaching the device to a cow or, in the case of contact adhesives, an adhesive may be PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 9 applied to both the bottom surface of the device and to the area of the cow to which the device is to be attached, before adhering the device to the cow when the adhesive becomes suitably tacky.

The upper portion of the housing may be adapted to minimise the effect of frictional and shear forces on the device. In one form, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the device comprises a substantially smooth, curved, dome shaped (convex) upper portion 130 that provides the device with a low shear, low fiction, raised profile. The upper portion of the device may have a substantially smooth or tapered, curved or polygonal surface. A device having a curved, spherical or elliptical, convex profile is preferred. However, the upper portion may have any suitable shape. For example, the upper portion may be substantially tear shaped, or have a gradually stepped profile, or the like. In other forms, the base may be hexagonal, octagonal, or trapezium shaped and the upper portion may have an angular, raised profile having tapered edges that meet with the edges of the base. Alternatively, the base and upper portion may be of an irregular shape. Preferably, the device is adapted so that the height of the upper portion of the device in relation to the width of the base is not greater than approximately 1:3 (for example, the height of the device may be 10 mm and the width of the base may be 30 mm or more) to minimize the effect of shear forces and frictional forces. Preferably, the minimum angle of overall incline of the upper portion (measured from a point where the upper portion contacts the base of the device to the peak of the upper portion of the device) is not less than approximately 5° and the maximum angle of the upper portion is not higher than approximately 55° to minimize the friction and shear forces.

It has been found that an upper portion having a low shear, low friction, raised profile (for example, a convex profile without overly steep angles of incline and with a sufficiently large base to support the height of the device) Improves the retention of the device on a cow across multiple oestrous cycles because the device is able to withstand high shear forces during mounting better than raised profiles having sharp angles or exposed edges, for example. A top surface of the raised upper portion (including the peak of the upper portion) forms a contact zone because it is this surface that will come into contact with a mounting cow or bull. The raised profile of the upper portion of the device allows the contact zone to be contacted by a mounting cow or bull, even if the device is located in a mount contact area that is less prominent than the backbone of the cow. Therefore, where the device comprises a pressure sensor or touch sensor, the device is able to generate a heat event signal when contacted by a mounting animal or by chin and neck resting or rubbing, even when the device is not located on the backbone of a cow.

The housing of the device 100 may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastics materials, epoxy resins, composite materials, and thermoformed materials. The materials PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 10 used may be low friction materials having inherent slip to reduce any impact of friction and shear forces from a mounting cow or bull during mounting. Teflon, silicon, graphite, suitable nano-materials, or other suitable coatings may be used to further reduce friction. Biodegradable or compostable materials may also be used to minimise the environmental impact of used devices and also to provide a market acceptability advantage. The upper portion of the housing may be made from a different material or materials from the base of the housing. For example, in one form the base may be made from a water impermeable foam and the upper portion may be made from a flexible plastic.

The device comprises at least one sensor for sensing heat events, such as primary and/or secondary behavioural indicators of reproductive status and/or for sensing physiological indicators of reproductive status. For example, the device may comprise one or more sensors, which may sense contact, such as pressure or touch; temperature; movement; and/or any other behavioural or physiological changes that may indicate that a cow is in oestrous. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a proximity sensor to sense the close presence of another cow, bull or vasectomised (gomer) bull.

The at least one sensor is adapted to detect a heat event (an event associated with a cow being in heat) and to generate a signal each time that a heat event is detected.

In one form, the at least one sensor may sense pressure or contact and can be selected so that it is activated irrespective of the degree of pressure applied to the device. For example, the sensor may be touch-sensitive or it may be activated by low pressure contact. The sensor may be adapted to be activated in response to mounting activity in which the cow Is mounted by another cow or bull when in standing heat or in response to secondary behavioural indicators that a cow is in heat, such as chin and neck resting, rubbing and licking.

In one form, the device may comprise a proximity sensor to sense the close presence of another cow or bull, such as during ano-genital sniffing, regardless of whether that animal contacts the device and irrespective of the pressure applied to the device if contact is made.

Because the device can comprise one or more sensors that are activated by touch, low pressure contact, or the proximity of another animal, it is not necessary to locate the device on the backbone of a cow. Instead, the device can optionally be located on any suitable area of the cow's rump and is preferably located on the mount contact area of the cow, where it is significantly less exposed to frictional forces and shear forces during mounting and is less likely to be dislodged so that it can remain on the cow for longer.

The device may comprise a mechanical sensor, an electronic sensor, or any other suitable sensor or switch for sensing behaviours associated to whether or not a cow is in oestrous. For example, the device may comprise one or a combination of a mechanical switch, piezoelectric sensor, or capacitive touch sensor that is/are activated by the PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 11 pressure, force, or touch of the device when a cow is mounted or otherwise contacted by another cow or bull in the location of the device.

In one form, the sensor is located within the housing. In another form, the sensor is incorporated within the housing. For example, the upper portion of the housing may comprise a piezoelectric material that forms a piezoelectric sensor that is integral with the upper portion. In another form, only a portion of the sensor is located within the housing. For example, proximity sensors that can sense the close presence of another animal may be incorporated into the device. In a device having a proximity sensor, the hardware of the sensor is located in the housing cavity, but an electric field, a magnetic field, or an electromagnetic field emitted by the sensor is predominantly located outside of the housing. This field becomes distorted when the device is in close presence with another object (such as a cow or bull) and in this way, the sensor is able to detect the presence of the object. In yet another form, the housing of the device of the invention also functions as a sensor in the form of a mechanical switch. In this form, the upper portion of the housing comprises a flexible material that, on contact with a mounting cow or bull, depresses and contacts the base of the housing to produce a heat event signal. Alternatively, the upper portion is formed from a substantially rigid material and is joined to the base with a flexible material, such as a rubber or silicone O-ring, which allows the upper portion to be pressed against the base to create an electrical contact to produce a heat event signal, such as when pressed down by a mounting bull or cow.

In addition to sensing activities (such as mounting, licking, chin and neck or head resting and rubbing) that involve contact with the device, it is possible for the device to be configured to sense other behavioural indicators that a cow is in heat. These other indicators include ano-genital sniffing by other animals at regions of the cow near the device, increased pedology, and increased body temperature. Each of these activities can be used to provide an indication of the reproductive status of the cow.

Optionally, the device may comprise a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cow.

Alternatively, or additionally, the device may comprise an accelerometer for sensing the movement and position of the cow and the direction of movement of mounting cows and bulls and for sensing the increase in pedometry that occurs both pre-heat and during heat.

Capacitive sensing or, alternatively, near field sensing is another form of sensing that can be used with the device of the invention. A device of the invention that functions using capacitive sensing or near field sensing can sense the dose presence of another animal without requiring physical contact from the other animal, such as during ano-genital sniffing. The extent to which the sensor can identify other animals in close presence to the cow can be controlled by presetting the field power of the sensor so that the device can sense the presence of another animal within a predetermined distance of the device. For PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 12 example, the presence of another animal coming within 100 mm of the device (or even further away) can be sensed depending on the field settings of the sensor.

Thus, the device of the invention can be used to sense many forms of heat activity in order to provide high quality data about the reproductive status of the cow bearing the device.

The device may also comprise a data management system that receives and processes signals from the sensor(s) to determine the likely reproductive status of a cow. The data management system 140 is held within the housing of the device. In particular, the data management system is located in the cavity formed between the base 120 and the raised upper portion 130 of the housing 110. The housing is sealed and made water-tight (preferably at the time of manufacture) to protect the electronic components of the device,

The data management system comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a control system (such as a microprocessor or microcontroller), a power source (such as one or more batteries and/or solar powered capacitors), and may also comprise at least one reproductive status visual indicator, such as an LED, OLED, a low power light source, or other visual indicator.

To help minimise the cost of the device, the electronics of the device may utilise readily available and inexpensive off-the-shelf components where possible.

The control system of the data management system is programmed to receive heat event signals from the sensor(s) and process those signals into data, which is analysed to determine the cow's likely reproductive status. This determination may be used to provide a visual indication of a cow's reproductive status. The data may be stored in an internal memory of the control system or in a separate memory. The data may include information relating to the time and/or duration of each heat event, using counters, timers, and a clock included in the data management system.

The control system may be configured to receive and process signals from each sensor of the device. For example, where the device comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cow, the control system is configured to analyse the temperature readings received from the sensor to determine if the readings indicate that a cow is likely to be in heat. A 1.3°C increase in body temperature can indicate that the cow is in heat. Where the device comprises an accelerometer, the control system is configured to analyse the signals received from the accelerometer to help determine true mounting activity and to disregard false triggers such as bumps. In effect, the control system may be programmed to receive and analyse signals from different sensors to assess whether the signals from each sensor, either alone or in combination with signals from other sensors, satisfy predetermined criteria that indicate the likely reproductive status of the cow to which the device is attached. For example, the control system may be programmed to identify cumulative patterns of activity across one or more sensor inputs that have been proven to be highly correlated to certain reproductive statuses of interest. Therefore, when the PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 13 control system has received signals from the sensor(s) that are of sufficient type and number to indicate that a cow is in heat (this indication being determined according to the algorithms programmed into the control system), the control system may make a determination of the cow's likely reproductive status. Alternatively, the control system may communicate data to an external unit that makes the determination. A visual indicator (located either on the device or remotely) may then be caused to provide a visual Indication of the cow's likely reproductive status.

In one form, the visual indicator of a cow's reproductive status is provided on the device. For example, the device 100 may comprise a visual indicator in the form of a light, such as an LED of a predetermined colour or flash sequence that is activated by the control system to communicate the reproductive status of a cow according to the signals received from the sensor(s). The LED may be located within the housing of the device and the upper portion of the housing may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the device lights up when the LED is activated.

In a typical operation of this form of device of the invention, a farmer will attach the device to a cow. The device may be attached to the mount contact area of the cow, but alternatively, the device may be attached to the backbone or iliac crest. Upon sensing any mounting activity (or other heat event, such as behavioral or physiological indicators of reproductive status), the sensor(s) will send one or more signals to the control system, which will analyse the signal(s) (alone or in combination with previously received signals) and produce a determination of the cow's likely reproductive status. Depending on the determination made, the control system may cause the device to display a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status. For example, if one or more signals meet predetermined criteria (such as when the control system receives x number of signals within y time frame), the control system may determine that the cow is in oestrous and may cause a visual indicator to be displayed for a time period corresponding to the fertile period of the cow (the time that the cow can be viably inseminated). For example, the visual indicator may be a red LED that is activated by the control system to emit a red flashing light. The farmer will then know to artificially inseminate the cow.

The control system of the device may be programmed to count the days until the next heat cycle (normally 21 days, plus a margin of 3-4 days). If no further mounting activity has been sensed by the sensor(s), the control system may cause a different visual indicator (for example, a green light or no light at all) to be displayed. This may indicate with a high degree of confidence that the cow is pregnant due to the absence of an expected return to heat.

The control system may be programmed to identify cows that have never recorded any heat activity over the time it takes for a normal cycle period (18-24 days) and can provide a visual indication or alert that the cow is non-cycling. In this case, the device provides a visual indicator that alerts to the absence of heat activity. In the case of PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 14 abnormal short-cycling cows, the control system may be programmed to alert when cows have an abnormally short inter-oestrous period, usually indicating the abnormal coordination of follicle development, which will usually prevent viable pregnancies. All of the above alerts are important for farmers to make decisions as to the management of the animal.

The invention may also comprise a system of indicating the likely reproductive status of a cow. In this form, the data management system of the device may transmit the data from the control system to an external device, such as a computer, that may determine the likely reproductive status of the cow.

The external device may comprise a visual indicator, such as an indicator on a display screen, for providing a visual indication of the cow's reproductive status based on a determination made by the control system of the device or by the external device. For example, the device of the invention may comprise a transmitter to transmit data relating to the reproductive status of a cow to a data reader so that a farmer or other user can access the data.

Alternatively, the data management system may be external to the device. For example, the data management system may be a computer that comprises a control system as described above. In this form, the data management system comprises a data reader or the like to receive sensor signals from the device. The signals are then processed by the data management system to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow. The data management system causes a visual Indication of the cow's likely reproductive status to be displayed by indicating the reproductive status on an external visual indicator (such as on the display screen of the computer) and/or by transmitting data back to the device to cause the device to provide a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status.

In yet another form, the device may comprise an onboard data management system that receives and processes signals from the sensor(s) of the device and to produce data relating to the cow's likely reproductive status. An external data reader is programmed to receive data from the device and to project the data onto a display screen in a meaningful way to provide the farmer or other user with an indication of the cow's reproductive status.

Where the device of the invention communicates with an external data reader, such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver or RFID reader, over a wireless RF communication medium or over an optical data communication system that may read data from a flashing light located on the device, a user will attach the device to a cow, as described above. Upon sensing behaviours associated with heat, the sensor(s) will send a signal to the control system, which will record the signal as data in its memory. When the cow comes close to a RF transceiver or optical reader or other communication means (which may be held by a person or attached to a fixed object, such as a gate post), the device transmits the data held in its memory to the data reader or receiver, which then provides a visual indication (such as a screen display) of the cow's reproductive status. The visual indication may only PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 15 be activated when a predetermined pattern of activity is confirmed from one or more sensor inputs. In this way, false positive and negative alerts can be reduced.

It is envisaged that the data receiver may include a transmitter to transmit the data to a PC or the like. In another form, upon receiving one or more signals from the sensor(s), the device may convert these signals into data and transmit that data immediately to a data reader or receiver.

Data may be transmitted by the device using any wireless communication module or transceiver using any wireless communication protocol, particularly an optical reader so that LED alert lights can be used to provide a visual indicator to the user and to also transmit encoded data modulated through the visual indicator.

In the case of a pregnancy not proceeding to full term (which can occur in 10-30% of cows in a herd within 45 days of conception), the cow will return to mounting activity and the visual indicator may indicate an oestrous alert, for example. The farmer or other user may then ready the cow for insemination again. Where this comes too late in the breeding season, the farmer can make an immediate decision to cull the cow without having to wait until pregnancy diagnosis is confirmed by other means and without incurring the expense of feed over the extra period.

The control system or external memory of the data management system (such as an external computer) may record all relevant heat activity, or a lack of expected activity, experienced by a cow. This will enable a user to have high confidence and certainty about the reproductive status of a cow. In turn, this enables the user to make better informed decisions in relation to managing the timing of artificial insemination events, whether a nonpregnant cow should be returned for a subsequent artificial insemination event, or other decisions such as culling or, in the case of abnormal heat behavior of lack of heat, whether to involve veterinary intervention to correct the problem.

The device is not limited to any particular size. However, an advantage of the device of the invention is that it can be substantially smaller than many existing heat indication devices as both its low friction contours and placement options means that less surface area is required to attain strong adhesion. The device depicted in Figures 3 and 4 has a diameter of approximately 50 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the diameter of the device could be any suitable diameter in the range of approximately 20 mm to 200 mm (Including any number within that range or range of numbers within that range, for example 30 mm, 45 mm, 58 mm, 70 mm, 100mm, 30 to 80 mm, 45 to 145 mm).

The device of the invention provides a number of advantages. For example, a device with a base having a bottom surface with a smaller surface area allows for better migration of moisture from the central region to the outer regions of the area between the device and the cow's hide. By removing the likelihood of trapped moisture beneath the device, it is possible to reduce the risk of microbial growth, such as bacteria and fungi, forming beneath the device, which may lead to inflammation of the surrounding skin, causing hair loss PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 16 resulting in loss of adherence of the device. A device comprising a base having a bottom surface with a smaller surface area also requires less adhesive and materials for the housing in general, which has a positive impact on the manufacturing costs of the device and the cost to the environment. A further advantage of the device of the invention is that, because the upper portion of the housing is dome-shaped or has at least a low shear, low friction, raised profile, when the device is located lateral to the backbone on the mount contact area of the cow (which is lower in height than the hard backbone), the contact zone of the device (when sandwiched between the cow being mounted and the mounting cow or bull) is smaller. As the device of the invention is pressed against the body of the cow 200 being mounted by another cow or bull 300, as shown in Figure 7, the contact zone of the upper portion of the housing is relatively small. For example, in the case of a device of approximately 55 mm in diameter, the contact zone during mounting may be equal to or less than approximately 40 mm2, depending on the physical characteristics of the cow and the degree of flexibility of the material used to manufacture the upper portion of the housing. This means that the friction and shear forces acting on the device are reduced and the device is less likely to be dislodged from the cow. Conversely, existing patch technologies may have as much as 750 mm2 to 1200 mm2 or more in contact between the two animals in an area subjected to greater frictional forces.

Another advantage to the device of the invention having a low shear, low friction, raised upper profile is that the peripheral edges of the base of the housing are separated from the contact zone of the upper portion of the housing, so the edges of the base are less likely to catch during mounting activity and peel off as a result.

The longer retention time of the device of the invention compared to prior art devices is evidenced in Figure 8. This figure shows a graph of the retention rate of the device of the invention when compared with a prior art device over a three week period when both devices were placed on cows submitted for breeding. The devices were tested on 258 cows and tests showed that the device of the invention had a significantly higher retention rate than the prior art device. A further study conducted on 840 cows in spring demonstrated that by re-adhering the devices to the cows on day 25, a 78% device retention rate was achieved after 50 days from the initial application of the devices to the cows. Another study on 552 cows in spring showed an 89% retention rate 18 days after the devices were applied to cows. This retention rate was achieved without needing to re-adhere the devices to the cows. These tests were carried out on cows that were actively shedding their winter coats during spring, which has been an obstacle to achieving high retention rates using existing technologies. Smaller studies conducted in winter showed that the device of the invention had a retention rate of between 93% and 96% even after the cows had been subjected to breeding. PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 17

Yet another study conducted on 245 cows in spring and summer showed that when the device of the invention was used during the breeding season, the conception rate was 74%, compared to a conception rate of 37% where the farmer used his/her own judgement based on observing the cows and a conception rate of 47% where tail paint was used to indicate whether a cow is in heat.

Because the device can stay on the cow for sustained periods of time over the breeding season (typically 3-4 cycles of 21 days), the device allows the cow's behavioral and physiological indicators of reproductive status to be monitored for longer. Consequently, more data about the cow's reproductive status can be collected over time. The farmer or other user can then rely on that data with greater confidence when making certain decisions relating to the cow.

It has been found that approximately 15 to 20% of cows do not reach 'standing heat' where active mounting behaviour occurs. However, these cows may still experience a lot of secondary behaviours of reproductive status when in heat. For example, her herd mates may rest or rub their necks, chins, or heads against her rump. Significant occurrences of such behaviour within a small time frame can indicate that a cow is in heat. The device of the invention may be adapted to sense touch or other forms of contact that are associated with heat (i.e. secondary behaviours of reproductive status), but that do not necessarily apply high pressure to the device (such as occurs during mounting). This may be achieved by using one or more touch-sensitive sensors and/or by programming the device to identify both primary (mounting) behaviours of reproductive status and secondary behaviours of reproductive status. By identifying both primary and secondary behaviours, the device is better able to identify a cow in heat, even if the cow does not reach standing heat.

The information provided by the device of the invention is valuable to farmers when making financially important decisions relating to the breeding of the cow and whether an empty cow should be culled. Further advantages are that the device may: • Allow multiple heats to be recorded (in the case of electronic heat mount indicators); • Provide alerts of non/return/pregnant reproductive status following a normal heat event if the cow has not returned to heat in the expected interval; • Alert of heats immediately upon re-entering oestrous cycling if an earlier pregnancy is lost due to miscarriage in a timeframe that the farmer can re-inseminate immediately and not miss a heat cycle or cull the cow; • Provide alerts of abnormal reproductive status known as short cycling due to uncoordinated follicle development, meaning that the usual process and timing of inseminating the cow may need to be modified; • Provide alerts of abnormal reproductive status on non-cycling cows (anoestrous) by failure to come into heat; • Provide alerts of all of the above when also used in conjunction with timed artificial insemination drug protocols and CIDR technologies; and PCT/NZ2015/000024 WO 2015/160263 18 • Provide reproductive status data that is valuable to bovine genetics companies who can use the data to identify and select or avoid certain fertility traits that are genetically linked.

Although the invention has been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

Claims (30)

1. A device for sensing the likely reproductive status of a cow, the device comprising at least one sensor adapted to sense primary and secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising a data management system adapted to receive signals from the at least one sensor and to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow based on one or more of the received signals.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data management system comprises a control system programmed to analyse signals from the at least one sensor by comparing the number of signals, duration of signals, and nature of signals within a certain time period to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a visual indicator adapted to provide a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status, as determined by the data management system.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the visual indicator is a light.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the visual indicator is an LED.

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor is pressure sensitive, touch-sensitive, or both to sense contact between the device and another animal.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor is a capacitive sensor.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a mechanical switch or a piezoelectric switch.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor is a near field sensor.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a temperature sensor.

12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises an accelerometer.

13. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a housing for housing the data management system, the housing comprising a base and an upper portion having a low friction, low shear, raised profile in relation to the base.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein an angle measured from a point where the upper portion contacts the base of the device to the peak of the upper portion of the device is not less than approximately 5° and is not more than approximately 55°.

15. A device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the upper portion of the housing is substantially convex.

16. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one sensor is located within or is integral with the housing.

17. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the upper portion of the housing is attached to the base of the housing to provide a water-tight seal.

18. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the upper portion of the housing is formed of a resilient, flexible material.

19. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the upper portion forms a switch and is adapted to depress under pressure or on contact from another animal and produce a signal.

20. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the upper portion is substantially rigid and is joined to the base with a flexible material.

21. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the upper portion of the housing is transparent or semi-transparent.

22. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the base of the housing is rigid or semi-rigid.

23. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the base of the housing is a circular disc.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the base of the housing is approximately 20 mm to 200 mm in diameter.

25. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the base of the housing comprises a bottom surface that comprises an adhesive.

26. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the base of the housing comprises a bottom surface that is corrugated or comprises one or more flutes or holes.

27. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to be located on the rump of the cow.

28. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to be located on the mount contact area of the cow.

29. A system for identifying the likely reproductive status of a cow, the system comprising: (i) a device comprising at least one sensor adapted to sense primary and secondary behavioural indicators of a cow's reproductive status, physiological indicators of the cow's reproductive status, or both and to generate a signal when at least one behavioural and/or physiological indicator is sensed; and (ii) a data management system adapted to receive and process signals from the device to determine the likely reproductive status of the cow; and to cause a visual indication of the cow's likely reproductive status to be displayed by a visual indicator located on the device or externally to the device.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the data management system is a computer located externally to the device and the visual indicator is a display screen of the computer.