JP2005204750A - Screening method of estrus of mammalia (female) - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a safe and simple screening method of the estrus of the female Mammalia with extremely high accuracy and sensitivity. <P>SOLUTION: Images of circumferential portion of the vulva and its adjoining portion of the Mammalia are picked up using thermography, and the obtained thermograms are analyzed to screen an individual having possibility of the estrus. This method is, for example to pick up images of the circumferential portion of the vulva and its adjoining portion of the Mammalia using the thermography, analyze the obtained thermograms, find a difference between the temperature of the circumferential portion of the vulva and the temperature of the other areas of the identical individual of the Mammalia, examine the estrus of the individual based on the value, and screen the estrus of the female of the Mammalia. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a screening method for examining the estrus time of livestock such as mammals, particularly dairy cattle, beef cattle, etc. It aims to improve productivity improvement.

Breeding of dairy cows, etc., it is necessary to insemination in a timely manner because milk cannot be produced without giving birth. However, because of high-emulsification breeding, estrus signs are weak and the insemination time is often overlooked. Conventional estrus discovery aids and automatic estrus discovery systems (step number measuring device, riding detection device), etc., are required to be costly and labor intensive because each device is attached to each individual, and are invasive to living organisms. There was a point. In addition, the discovery of cattle estrus by human observation has increased the number of heads and the number of individuals with weak signs of estrus due to high emulsification. It was a drawback such as that required.
Furthermore, estrus discovery by rectal examination or ultrasound imaging has disadvantages such as requiring advanced techniques and labor, and is not suitable for screening for estrus.
On the other hand, there is no practical method for assisting discovery of estrus in wild animals and zoo animals so far.
Therefore, in various fields dealing with mammals, there is a need for a simple, accurate and sensitive screening method for mammalian estrus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the current situation as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening an estrus time of a female mammal, which is inexpensive, simple, and has extremely high accuracy and sensitivity.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have been diligently researching a screening method for the estrus time of mammals (female), and the difference between the temperature around the vulva and the temperature of other parts such as the sciatic nodule of the cow. As a result of finding a phenomenon that only increases during the estrus, and further research, it was possible to easily obtain hyperthermia around the vulva as a thermal image in a short time using non-invasive thermography on the living body. By adding analysis, it has been found that individuals with possible estrus can be screened, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, the present invention is characterized by screening an individual having a possibility of estrus by photographing a peripheral region of the vulva and its adjacent region using thermography and analyzing the obtained thermal image. The present invention relates to a screening method for the time of estrus in female mammals.
The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
As used herein, the phrase “perineal area” refers to the vulva and its surrounding area, and the phrase “its adjacent area” refers to other areas adjacent to the vulva area. That is to say.

The method of the present invention using thermography
(1) It can also be used for individuals that do not show estrus behavior such as standing estrus and individuals that are tied stalls.
(2) Since infrared rays emitted from the living body are measured, it is non-invasive to the living body.
(3) No special equipment or materials are required for taking and analyzing thermal images, and running costs are low.
(4) The photographing operation is simple and takes a short time (several seconds).
(5) Thermal image processing is easy, and as a result, anyone can intuitively determine estrus. (6) Estrus state can be detected without being affected by changes in body temperature due to outside air temperature or circadian rhythm.
This is a remarkable effect compared to the conventional method.

  In order to carry out the present invention, for example, a region around the vulva and its adjacent region of a mammal are photographed using thermography, and the obtained thermal image is analyzed to determine the temperature and other factors of the region around the vulva in the same mammal. The temperature difference with the temperature of the region is obtained, and the estrus time of the individual is tested based on this value, so that the estrus time of the female mammal can be easily screened.

  The present invention is to screen the estrus timing of female mammals by examining the estrus timing of the individual based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the region around the vulva and other regions in the same mammal, The other region is preferably, for example, a sciatic nodule that is adjacent to the peripheral region of the vulva.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the peripheral region of the vulva and its adjacent region of a mammal are imaged by thermography, the temperature difference is measured on a straight line connecting the left and right sciatic nodules, and the sciatic nodules and the vulva periphery There is a method of screening the estrus time of a female mammal by examining the estrus time using the temperature difference of the part.

  When calculating the temperature difference between the temperature around the vulva and the temperature of other areas (particularly the temperature of the sciatic nodule), the maximum temperature of the part around the vulva and the temperature of other areas (particularly the sciatic nodule) It is more preferable to obtain a temperature difference from the above temperature.

The heat sensed by the thermography is determined by the blood flow. That is, heat production in the body is usually due to heat conduction from the deep part and metabolic heat, but these values are usually constant in surrounding tissues. In addition, heat radiation to the outside of the body is usually due to evaporation heat, radiant heat, and convective radiant heat, and the value of these heat radiation is usually constant in the surrounding tissue. Here, when hyperemia, congestion, or the like occurs in a certain site, the blood flow to the site increases, and the amount of heat dissipation inevitably increases.
In the luteal phase, no special hyperemia or the like is normally observed in the peripheral region of the vulva and other regions, so that there is no significant difference in blood flow, and the difference in heat dissipation between the peripheral region of the vulva and other regions is small.
On the other hand, in the estrus period, the degree of hyperemia in the region around the vulva is larger than in other regions, so the blood flow to this region inevitably increases, and the difference in heat dissipation from other regions is large. Become.
The inventors of the present invention have arrived at the present invention as a result of repeated research focusing on the change in the difference in heat dissipation thus generated, that is, the change in the temperature difference between the region around the vulva and other regions.

Examples of mammals that can be screened for estrus by the method of the present invention include livestock such as cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, and dogs, and particularly screens for estrus of females such as dairy cows and beef cattle. It is suitable for.
The screening method of the present invention can also be applied as a practical method for assisting discovery of estrus in wild animals and zoo animals.

In the present invention, the region around the vulva of the mammal and its adjacent region are imaged by thermography, the temperature difference is measured on a straight line connecting the left and right sciatic nodules, and the temperature of the sciatic nodule and the temperature around the vulva (particularly) When the estrus time test is performed using the temperature difference from the maximum temperature), the body surface temperature change is measured every day, and the time when the temperature difference is significantly higher than the previous value is one. It is considered to be a time zone for estrus development for several days, or for several days before and after that.
The specific numerical value of the temperature difference that serves as an index of estrus expression is naturally different depending on the type of mammal, and even within the same mammal, there are individual differences, so it cannot be generally stated.
For example, in the case of cows, the temperature difference that can be judged as the development of estrus is usually about 2 to about 2.5 ° C., and in some cases it may be more, but in the case of blunt estrus, it is said to be around 1 ° C. Sometimes.
Therefore, the determination of estrus expression is not based on the absolute value of the temperature difference as an index, but the temperature change is continuously measured and recorded, and the temperature difference is significantly higher than the previous value. It is more certain to judge the time as an index.

  Examples of the apparatus for carrying out the screening method of the present invention include those comprising thermography and thermal image analysis software.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention more concretely, this invention is not limited at all by these Examples.

The body surface temperature of three Japanese black cattle (black hair 1, black hair 2, black hair 3) showing normal ovarian cycle in the laboratory house for naturally estrus cows was measured using thermography for 29 days. The measurement was performed every day at 9 am, and ovary dynamics were confirmed at the same time. The temperature difference between the sciatic nodule and the vulva region (temperature difference between two points) was determined from the obtained body surface temperature.
The thermography used was “Neo Thermo TVS-600” manufactured by Nippon Avionics Co., Ltd., and the imaging settings were an emissivity of 0.99 and an auto temperature range, and the region around the vulva and its adjacent region were photographed from 1.5M behind. The thermal image analysis software “PE Professional” manufactured by the same company was used.
[result]
In any of the three naturally estrus cows, the “temperature difference between the two points” was not affected by rectal temperature and temperature, and increased specifically from 3 days before ovulation to the day of ovulation and showed a high value. The results are shown in FIGS.
Fig. 1 shows the measurement data for the black cattle 1. In this case, the temperature difference peak (point c) is 2 days before the date of ovulation, and the temperature difference rises specifically compared to the previous value. Period (3 days to 1 day before the date of ovulation) and the estrous period expected from ovarian dynamics were consistent.
In addition, FIG. 2 shows the measurement data for the black cattle 2. In this case, there are two ovulation days during 29 days, and the peak of the first temperature difference is the day of ovulation (point a). The peak of the temperature difference is one day before the ovulation day (point b). In any of these cases, the period in which the temperature difference is specifically increased compared to the previous value (ie, 2 days before the ovulation day to the day of ovulation, and 3 days to 1 day before the ovulation day) and ovarian dynamics The expected estrus duration was consistent.
FIG. 3 shows the measurement data for the black cattle 3. In this case, the temperature difference peak (point d) is 2 days before the ovulation day. In this case, the temperature difference is more specific than the previous value. Period (3 days to 1 day before the date of ovulation) and the estrus period expected from ovarian dynamics were consistent.

Tests on blunt estrous cows Two cases in which standing behavior and mucus leakage were not observed in 17 luteal holstein cows observed with PGF2α were observed for 7 days. The relationship between the temperature difference between the nodule and the vulva region (temperature difference between two points) and the date of ovulation was examined in the same manner as in Example 1 using thermography.
[result]
In two cases of blunt estrous cows, the “temperature difference between the two points” was not affected by rectal temperature and temperature, and increased in a specific manner from 3 days before ovulation to the day of ovulation, and showed a high value as in the case of spontaneous estrus cows.

From the results of Example 1 and Example 2 above, predict the ovulation date for both natural and blunt estrous cows by using continuous measurement as the criteria for the rise and high value of the temperature difference between the two points. It was suggested that the time of estrus could be estimated.
In addition, for a large number of cattle, a single measurement can be made at the same time, and it can be estimated that individuals with high values are between 3 days before ovulation and between ovulation days. It can also be divided.

  The present invention provides a method for screening the estrus time of mammalian females such as dairy cows and beef cattle, and an apparatus used therefor, and according to the present invention, the insemination time can be accurately predicted. Can be avoided, and can contribute greatly to the productivity improvement of livestock farmers.

Results of body surface temperature measurement for three naturally estrus cows (Japanese black cattle 1, Japanese black cattle 2, Japanese black cattle 3) using thermography for 29 days, and sciatic nodules calculated based on the measured values obtained The temperature difference between the temperature and the temperature around the vulva (maximum temperature) is shown in the graph. (Example 1)

Claims (12)

  Establishing female female estrus by imaging the area around the vulva and its adjacent area using thermography, and analyzing the obtained thermal images to screen for individuals that may be in estrus. Time screening method.   The screening method according to claim 1, wherein the estrus time of the individual is tested based on a temperature difference between the temperature of the region around the vulva and other regions in the same individual mammal.   The screening method according to claim 2, wherein the estrus time of the individual is tested based on a temperature difference between the maximum temperature of the region around the vulva and other regions.   The screening method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the other region is a sciatic nodule.   Thermographic imaging of the area around the vulva and its adjacent area in mammals, measuring the temperature difference on a straight line connecting the left and right sciatic nodules, and testing the estrus using the temperature difference between the sciatic nodule and the vulva area The screening method according to claim 4.   6. The screening method according to claim 5, wherein the determination is performed using as an index the time point at which the temperature difference is significantly higher than the previous value.   The screening method according to claim 1, wherein the mammal is a domestic animal.   The screening method according to claim 7, wherein the livestock is a dairy cow or a beef cow.   An apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1.   Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 2.   An apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 5. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising thermographic and thermal image analysis software.

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