JP2018113904A - Estrus condition detection method of livestock, estrus condition detection device of livestock and estrus condition detection system of livestock - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an estrus condition detection method of livestock, an estrus condition detection device of the livestock and an estrus condition detection system of the livestock.SOLUTION: An estrus condition detection method of livestock includes the steps of: acquiring data containing a body temperature and an electric resistance value in the vagina of the livestock being an inspection object; specifying a time change of the body temperature and the electric resistance value based on the data acquired; performing pattern matching of the specified body temperature and the electric resistance value to the time change, by using the pattern of the change of the body temperature and the electric resistance value in the vagina of the livestock being in the estrus condition and being the same kind of the inspection object generated previously; and detecting the estrus condition of the livestock being the inspection object based on results of the pattern matching.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a livestock estrus state detection method, a livestock estrus state detection apparatus, and a livestock estrus state detection system that monitor livestock's estrus and physiological state, and senses the temperature, resistance value, and activity in the vagina of livestock. For monitoring the estrus and other physiological states of the livestock, using a new pattern recognition algorithm with a self-learning function and a wireless probe to detect the estrus state of the livestock, the estrus state detection device of the livestock, and the livestock An estrus state detection system is provided.

  In agriculture, it is necessary to specify the estrus period of livestock in order to efficiently breed livestock. Then, the technique which specifies an estrus period based on the tendency of the action of livestock is proposed (patent document 1). In addition, a technique has been proposed in which a female is in an estrus period by detecting a standing action that is stationary with respect to a so-called mounting action on a female by a male or another female (Patent Documents 2 and 3). .

Special table 2004-504051 gazette JP 2000-157084 A US Pat. No. 6,236,318

  In the above conventional technique, since it is specified whether or not it is in the estrus period based on the behavior accompanying the estrus period of the livestock, it cannot be specified in which period the estrus period of the livestock has occurred. In general, the time of estrus for livestock is limited, so it is necessary to identify the start and end of estrus for efficient mating of livestock. It cannot be detected well.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a livestock estrus state detection method, a livestock estrus state detection apparatus, and a livestock estrus state that contribute to accurately detecting the estrus state of livestock. It is to provide a detection system.

  The estrus state detection method for livestock disclosed in the present disclosure acquires data including body temperature and electrical resistance values in the vagina of livestock to be examined, and identifies temporal changes in body temperature and electrical resistance values based on the acquired data. Using the pattern of changes in the body temperature and electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same kind of livestock in the estrus state that has been generated in advance, pattern matching is performed with respect to temporal changes in the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value, Based on the matching result, the estrus state of the livestock to be inspected is detected. Thereby, the estrus state of livestock can be detected more accurately than in the prior art, the timing suitable for artificial insemination can be determined, and the reproduction efficiency can be increased.

Further, in pattern matching, the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value over time may be aligned with a previously generated pattern. In pattern matching, pattern matching may be performed with respect to temporal changes in the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value using the product of the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value and the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value. Furthermore, using the acquired data instead of the data that could not be acquired, the time change of the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value used for pattern matching may be specified.

  Further, the estrus state detection device for livestock disclosed in the present disclosure includes a body temperature measuring unit that measures body temperature in the vagina of the livestock to be examined, an electrical resistance value measuring unit that measures electrical resistance in the vagina, and the measured body temperature. And an output unit that outputs the electrical resistance value for pattern matching with the pattern of changes in the body temperature and electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same species of livestock as the test object.

  Further, the estrus state detection system for livestock disclosed in the present disclosure includes a body temperature measuring unit that measures the body temperature in the vagina of the livestock to be examined, an electrical resistance value measuring unit that measures the electrical resistance value in the vagina, and the measured body temperature. And an information processing apparatus having a probe having an output unit that outputs an electrical resistance value, an acquisition unit that acquires a body temperature and an electrical resistance value measured from the probe, and a processing unit that processes the acquired data In this estrus state detection system, the processing unit identifies temporal changes in body temperature and electrical resistance value, and detects changes in body temperature and electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same kind of livestock in the estrus state generated in advance. Using the pattern, pattern matching is performed against the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value over time, and the estrus state of the livestock subject to inspection is determined based on the pattern matching result. Out to.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the estrus state detection method of livestock, the estrus state detection apparatus of livestock, and the estrus state detection system of livestock can be provided.

It is a schematic structure figure showing an example of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of a wireless probe according to an embodiment. 3A to 3C are schematic configuration diagrams showing a thin film electrode support of a wireless probe according to an embodiment. 4A and 4B are schematic configuration diagrams showing a thin film electrode support of a wireless probe according to a modification. It is a flowchart of the process which the server which concerns on one Embodiment performs. 5 is a flowchart of processing executed by the server according to the embodiment following the processing in FIG. 4. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the body temperature in the vagina of a cow specified in one embodiment, and an electrical resistance value. It is a flowchart of the process which the server which concerns on another embodiment performs. It is a flowchart of the process which the server which concerns on another embodiment performs following the process of FIG. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the body temperature in the vagina of the cow in one embodiment. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the body temperature and electric resistance value in the vagina of a cow in one embodiment. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the electrical resistance value in the vagina of different cows in one embodiment. 6 is a graph illustrating time variation of body temperature in the vagina of different cows in one embodiment.

In general, non-pregnant cows usually show an estrus, that is, an increase in body temperature every three weeks (18-24 days), and are still actively engaged in so-called mounting and riding by bulls and other cows. It becomes acceptable (standing). However, while the estrus period lasts for 20 hours or more, the actual time for successful artificial insemination is very short. Estrus is a complex physiological behavior that is affected by various factors such as the environment. Standing occurs within the first 12-18 hours after body temperature starts to rise. However, ovulation is usually performed near the end of the standing estrus period, or 6-10 hours after that period.

  In fact, more than 30% of cows have an estrus duration of less than 8 hours, half of which (15% of the total) have an estrus duration of less than 4 hours. For heifers, about half of the estrus state duration is longer than 16 hours, 35% estrus state duration is 9-16 hours, and 15% estrus state duration is less than 8 hours. .

  The shorter the period of estrus, the lower the fertilization rate. In order to increase the insemination rate through successful artificial insemination, the ovulation period must be accurately predicted. Estrus is very difficult to predict because it is associated with complex physiological behavior, but is important for those engaged in agriculture. For example, there is a concern that loss may occur due to failure to track estrus. For this reason, various devices that support detection of the state of estrus have been put into practical use.

  The simplest method is visual observation, but it requires experienced farmers and a great deal of labor. Usually, visual observation is performed several times a day to determine whether the body temperature of the cow is rising. Such observation needs to take 30 minutes or more at a time. However, the appropriateness of such observations depends largely on the experience of farmers, and estrus often begins at night. Therefore, the reliability and temporal resolution of visual observation may be low. Moreover, when observing many cows simultaneously, the time allocated to one head becomes short. For the purpose of supporting observation, the mounting may be recorded using a marker or the like. For example, a container containing paint provided with a metal ball valve is attached to the jaw of a castrated bull. Then, when the bull gets on the cow, the mark of paint adheres to the back of the cow that has estrus. However, bulls are considered the most dangerous animals on the farm, and more than half of the fatalities associated with livestock are caused by bulls.

  Also, sticky heat pads and choking may be used for cows and heifers. In this case, when the cow is mounted on the bull, the pad is activated and the chalk is peeled off. However, this method is often inaccurate because the pad may operate or the chalk may fall off for other reasons.

  Cows in estrus are known to be restless. A pedometer may be used to identify the start of estrus in long-term observations. In a free stall barn, the result is that the distance traveled by cows in estrus is about 2.75 times the distance traveled by cows not in estrus. In addition, the accuracy of estrus detection using a pedometer greatly depends on the farm and other environmental conditions. Depending on whether a cow is bred or grazed in the barn, the accuracy of estrus identification with a pedometer varies greatly.

  As described above, specifying an appropriate insemination time is important for farmers engaged in breeding cows, but it is difficult to specify an appropriate insemination time using the various conventional methods described above.

A factor related to the identification of the time of estrus is temporal resolution. Time resolution is the key to building an efficient system and achieving a high fertilization rate. In order to achieve a high insemination success rate (80%, etc.), it is necessary to accurately identify the timing of insemination. The period during which the insemination success rate exceeds 50% is only about 24 hours. Whether performing manually or using sensors, finding the optimal insemination timing from the movement data is a particularly difficult task.

  The temporal relationship between the time at which cows begin to settle down and the timing of ovulation does not necessarily appear clearly, but varies greatly depending on the type of livestock and the cycle of the breeding season. In addition to behavioral changes, there are several physiological indicators that suggest estrus. Two of the indicators are body temperature and vagina electrical resistance, which are already proven in the scientific literature. However, although it is a highly accurate index in theory, there is a practical problem, so it is difficult to specify the estrus period using the index. For these reasons, there are few commercial systems that use these indicators and are not widely used.

  From the body temperature and the electrical resistance value in the vagina, an extreme value that can determine the optimal insemination timing is obtained. When healthy cows enter estrus, the vulva swells and is accompanied by a significant discharge of mucus. This is associated with the sex hormone estrogen that is produced in the ovaries during the rise of body temperature. As a result, the electrical resistance value in the vagina decreases and shows a minimum value (frequency dependent decrease of at least 15 to 20%). In addition, the intravaginal temperature becomes the lowest at the start of the body temperature rise and then rises to the highest value. When the electrical resistance value in the vagina shows the minimum value and the temperature in the vagina shows the maximum value, there is a sudden increase in luteinizing hormone that controls ovulation, which is at least very close to the optimal timing for artificial insemination It can be said that it is time.

  Ovulation is closely related to the phenomenon in which the temperature in the vagina reaches its lowest value after the luteinizing hormone level is maximized. In the present invention, body temperature and electrical resistance are monitored simultaneously without using a single index for monitoring and detecting estrus and other physiological conditions. Further, in the present invention, it is possible to detect in real time a timing suitable for insemination that is particularly important for heifers by using a pattern-oriented algorithm. Furthermore, a new algorithm can be generated by self-learning by including the data of the estrus period obtained from a specific animal in the detection result. This is particularly useful in light of the fact that farmers are likely to want to detect temperature increases without repeated trials and without failure. The system according to the present invention is constructed by any detection algorithm and a non-conventional wireless sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 is an example of a livestock estrus detection system. The information processing system 1 includes a wireless probe 100 and a server 200. The wireless probe 100 is an example of a livestock estrus detection device. A wireless probe 100 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a temperature sensor 101, a vibrator 102, an accelerometer 103, a communication module 104, and a resistance value measuring electrode 105. The temperature sensor 101 is an example of a body temperature measurement unit, the communication module 104 is an example of an output unit, and the resistance value measurement electrode 105 is an example of an electrical resistance value measurement unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 200 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 201, a Random Access Memory (
RAM) 202, Read-Only Memory (ROM) 203, communication module 204, and Hard Disc Drive (HDD). A monitor 300 is connected to the server 200, and graphs and messages obtained as a result of processing of the server 200 described below are displayed on the monitor 300. The wireless probe 100 and the server 200 are connected to each other via a known wireless network (not shown). The wireless probe 100 and the server 200 perform wireless communication with each other by the communication modules 104 and 204, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the vibrator 102 is used to improve the contact with the living tissue when the wireless probe 100 is inserted into the bovine vagina by the vibration. The accelerometer 103 is used to monitor the activity state of the cow into which the wireless probe 100 is inserted based on the acceleration.

  In this embodiment, the wireless probe 100 is inserted into the bovine vagina. Data generated by the wireless probe 100 is transmitted as a wireless signal from the wireless probe 100 to the server 200 directly or via one or more relays. In the server 200, the CPU 201 develops various programs stored in the ROM 203 in the RAM 202 and executes them, thereby executing processing to be described later. Data received by the server 200 from the wireless probe 100 and a graph generated by the processing of the CPU 201 are stored in the HDD 205 as an example. The raw data received by the server 200 from the wireless probe 100 and the data processed by the server 200 can be displayed and shared by other terminals and devices such as a telephone and a computer as necessary.

  The total length of the main body of the wireless probe 100 is 50 mm to 200 mm, and the diameter is 5 to 20 mm. The resistance value measuring electrode 105 of the wireless probe 100 is an integrated electrode and is used for measuring the electrical resistance value in the vagina. A conventional bulk metal or thin film type metal is used for the integrated electrode. Since an electrode using a thin film type metal can be manufactured by micromachining, the cost is lower than other manufacturing methods. The bulk metal can be formed in an annular shape, and can be manufactured using titanium (Ti), stainless steel, and other biocompatible conductive materials. The wireless probe of the present invention requires two or more electrodes, but the conventional electrode is not only larger than the electrode of the present invention, but also needs to be cleaned before being inserted into the cow, which takes time. I couldn't wash it on site. Therefore, a thin film electrode can also be used as the electrode of the wireless probe in the present invention.

  Since the thin film electrode is disposable, it does not require cleaning. A general thin film electrode can be formed on a polymer or a flexible substrate such as a polyimide seed. The thickness of the electrodes is a few to 100 micrometers and the lateral dimensions are only limited in lithographic patterning (greater than 1 micrometer). Examples of the electrode material include gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and other high-conductivity materials having biocompatibility. The thin film electrode is incorporated into the wireless probe using an instrument that is part of the wireless probe. The thin film electrode can be made into multiple electrodes by micromachining. The structure of the thin film electrode is not limited to an annular type, but a dot type or other distributed type is adopted for the purpose of preventing noise from being generated between the electrode and the vaginal mucus.

  The electrode surface of the resistance value measuring electrode 105 needs to secure a contact area with vaginal mucus in the bovine vagina. When the area is small, noise may be generated in the contact between the electrode and the vaginal mucus in the measurement according to the present embodiment. Therefore, the wireless probe 100 is provided with a vibrator 102. The vibrator 102 operates and vibrates only when there is a command from the system. Vibrator 102 can be incorporated directly into the electrode, or can be provided on the wireless probe as a single component.

  The physiological state associated with estrus is not only different for each type of livestock, but also changes depending on the season, environment, etc. even in the same type of livestock. In addition, there is a concern that it is not adopted by agricultural businesses unless it is a system that can automatically detect fever during the estrus. Livestock behavior and physiological phenomena change over time and moving to new locations. There is also a relationship between the age of livestock and estrus. By using the self-learning function in the algorithm of the present invention, it is possible to detect an estrus state based on characteristics of livestock behavior, physiological phenomena, age, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows a wireless probe 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2A shows the wireless probe 1.
It is a side view of 00. FIG. 2B is a view of the wireless probe 100 as viewed in the longitudinal direction from the base end side. The wireless probe 100 has a long main body 110 made of a resin having biocompatibility. The main body 110 is a hollow cylindrical member, and includes a storage unit 120 that stores the temperature sensor 101, vibrator 102, accelerometer 103, and communication module 104. A thin film electrode support 150 to be described later is attached to the tip of the main body 110. Further, a thin film electrode 140 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the thin film electrode support 150.

  Since the main body 110 is made of a resin material, it has thermal conductivity. For this reason, when the wireless probe 100 is inserted into the bovine vagina, the temperature sensor 101 housed in the housing portion 120 measures the temperature in the vagina with a thermocouple via the main body portion 110. The thin film electrode 140 functions as the resistance value measuring electrode 105. The thin film electrode support 150 is detachable from the main body 110. Accordingly, when the wireless probe 100 is used, the thin film electrode support 150 can be removed from the main body 110 and the thin film electrode 140 can be easily replaced with a new electrode without having to clean the thin film electrode 140. Further, a lid 130 is provided at a base end corresponding to the other end of the main body 110. The lid part 130 has a positioning part 131 for positioning the temperature sensor 101, vibrator 102, accelerometer 103, and communication module 104 in the storage part 120. In the present embodiment, the total length of the wireless probe 100 when the thin film electrode support 150 and the lid 130 are attached to the main body 110 is 95 to 200 mm, and the diameter is 15 to 20 mm.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a thin film electrode support according to the present embodiment. 3A is a view schematically showing an appearance of an example of the thin film electrode support 150, and FIG. 3B is a view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 3A. . FIG. 3C schematically shows the appearance of the thin film electrode support 150 and the connecting portion 151.

  The thin film electrode support 150 is provided to attach the thin film electrode 140 to the tip of the wireless probe 100. The thin film electrode 140 is a sheet-like electrode having a thickness of about 1.0 mm, and is attached so as to cover the outer periphery of the attachment portion 150e of the thin film electrode support 150. The thin film electrode 140 is configured such that, when attached to the attachment portion 150e, electrodes are provided on the distal end 100a side and the proximal end 100b side of the wireless probe 100, respectively. When the wireless probe 100 is inserted into the bovine vagina, the electrical resistance value of the intravaginal mucosa between these two electrodes is measured.

  The thin film electrode 140 attached to the attachment part 150e is electrically connected to the conduction part 150a. The conduction part 150 a has an electrical contact structure with the thin film electrode 140. The conduction part 150a is electrically connected to a connection part 151 for electrically connecting the conduction part 150a and a resistance value measurement substrate (not shown). The main body 150 d of the thin film electrode support 150 has a substrate fixing portion 150 c that is a hollow portion for fixing a substrate for resistance measurement, and a connection portion fixing portion 150 b that is a hollow portion for fixing the connection portion 151. Is provided. The substrate and the connecting portion 151 are fixed to the thin film electrode support 150 by being inserted into the substrate fixing portion 150c and the connecting portion fixing portion 150b, respectively.

  The connecting portion 151 has a conducting portion 151 a that is electrically connected to the conducting portion 150 a of the thin film electrode support 150. Moreover, the connection part 151 has the wiring connection part 151b to which the wiring for electrically connecting with a board | substrate is connected. Thereby, the connection part 151 fixed to the connection part fixing | fixed part 150b is electrically connected with the board | substrate fixed to the board | substrate fixing | fixed part 150c via the wiring connection part 151b and wiring.

FIG. 4A schematically shows the appearance of a thin film electrode support 160 according to a modification of the thin film electrode support 150 described above. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line A′-A ′ of FIG. The conducting portion 160a can ensure a larger electrical contact area with the thin film electrode 140 than the conducting portion 150a of the thin film electrode support 150. Thereby, the conduction | electrical_connection part 160a can be electrically connected with the thin film electrode 140 more reliably compared with the conduction | electrical_connection part 150a. The connecting portion fixing portion 160b, the substrate fixing portion 160c, the main body portion 160d, the mounting portion 160e, the connecting portion 161, and the conducting portion 161a are the conducting portion 150a, the connecting portion fixing portion 150b, the substrate fixing portion 150c, and the main body portion, respectively. It corresponds to 150d, attachment part 150e, connection part 151, and conduction part 151a. Therefore, a detailed description of each part in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  Next, processing executed by the CPU 201 of the server 200 in the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As an example, when the server 200 is powered on, the CPU 201 starts the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the wireless probe 100 is inserted into the bovine vagina before the CPU 201 starts the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. The wireless probe 100 includes a temperature measurement value of bovine vagina measured by the temperature sensor 101 and an electric resistance value of bovine vaginal mucosa measured by a resistance value measurement substrate connected to the thin film electrode 140. Then, data including the acceleration value measured by the accelerometer 103 is transmitted from the wireless module 105 to the server 200. In the present embodiment, changes in body temperature and electrical resistance value of cattle in an estrus state are stored in the HDD 205 as a pattern, and in the following processing, this pattern is used as an identification pattern, and changes in each measured value are detected. The estrus state of the cow is detected by pattern matching. The identification pattern may be generated using data acquired in advance, or the identification pattern stored in the HDD 205 may be corrected using the measurement value output from the wireless probe 100 in the process described below. Good.

  In OP101, the CPU 201 receives the above data from the wireless probe 100 by the wireless module 204. Next, the CPU 201 advances the process to OP202. In OP102, it is determined whether the total data size of the data received so far from the wireless module 105 is equal to or larger than the size of the identification pattern. In OP102, the CPU 201 determines whether the data received from the wireless module 105 so far is aligned for graph display. When the total data size of the received data is equal to or larger than the size of the identification pattern and the data is not aligned (OP102: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP103. On the other hand, if the total data size of the received data is less than the size of the identification pattern or the data is already aligned (OP102: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP104.

  In OP103, the CPU 201 aligns the data (measurement data) received so far according to the daily average of the body temperature and the electrical resistance value based on the data. Next, in OP104, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the total data size of the received data exceeds the size of the identification pattern. When the total data size of the received data exceeds the size of the identification pattern (OP104: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP105. On the other hand, if the total data size of the received data does not exceed the size of the identification pattern (OP104: No), the process proceeds to OP110.

In OP105, the CPU 201 calculates the fitting error of the data received so far for the measured body temperature, electrical resistance value, and product thereof. By calculating the fitting error, it is possible to detect a state of estrus more accurately by preventing a state such as fever and hormonal abnormality from being considered as estrus, for example, when a livestock is ill. . Next, the CPU 201 advances the process to OP106, whether the measured body temperature fitting error is less than the threshold A, the electrical resistance fitting error is less than the threshold B, or the product fitting error is less than the threshold C. It is determined whether it is. If any fitting error is less than the threshold (OP106: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP107.

  In OP107, the CPU 201 generates an estrus warning for the cow in which the wireless probe 100 is inserted, and displays the generated warning on the monitor 300. Next, the CPU 201 advances the process to OP108. In OP108, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the fitting error calculated in OP105 when the current flowchart is executed exceeds the fitting error calculated in OP105 when the previous flowchart is executed. When the fitting error calculated this time exceeds the previously calculated fitting error (OP108: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP109. On the other hand, when the fitting error calculated this time is equal to or less than the previously calculated fitting error (OP108: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP110. In this embodiment, after generating an estrus warning, if the fitting error increases again, it is considered that the cow is in an estrus state.

  In OP109, the CPU 201 generates a message indicating that the cow in which the wireless probe 100 is inserted is in the estrus period, and displays the generated message on the monitor 300. Next, the CPU 201 advances the process to OP110. In OP110, using the data received so far, the graph of the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value is updated, and the graph is displayed on the monitor 300. When the graph is updated and displayed on the monitor 300, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a daily average graph of body temperature and electrical resistance displayed on the monitor 300. The horizontal axis of the graph is the number of days correlated with ovulation (“Days relative ovulation”), and the vertical axis is the body temperature (“Temperature”) and electrical resistance value (“Resistance”) in the bovine vagina. In the graph, the number of days correlated with ovulation indicates the days before and after ovulation (“1”, “2”, “−1”, “−2” etc.) With the graph displayed on the monitor 300 in this manner, the correlation between the body temperature measured by the wireless probe 100 and the electrical resistance value can be visually grasped. In addition, as a daily average displayed on a graph, it is suitable to comprise so that the average value of at least 3 or 4 days may be calculated.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the CPU 201 executes the processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 instead of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that “4” in FIG. 9 is connected to “4” in FIG. In this embodiment, every time data is received from the wireless probe 100, an ID for identifying the cow in which the wireless probe 100 is inserted is assigned to the data and stored in the HDD 205 for each data line. In the present embodiment, the wireless probe 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of cows that monitor the estrus state, and the server 200 executes the following processing for each cow to be monitored, so that the estrus state of the plurality of cows is obtained. Can be monitored simultaneously. However, in the following description, processing executed for one monitoring target cow will be described. By executing the following processing on a plurality of monitoring target cows at the same time, the estrus states of the plurality of cows can be monitored simultaneously.

  In OP201, the CPU 201 specifies a user interface of the server 200 that displays a graph of the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value, and displays the graph on the monitor 300 using the specified user interface. In OP202, using the data received from the wireless probe 100, data including a daily average of the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value is read. Next, in OP203, the CPU 201 creates an identification pattern to be used later in OP102 and OP104 using the data read in OP202.

  Next, in OP <b> 204, the CPU 201 tries to read the data line of the data newly received from the wireless probe 100 among the data stored in the HDD 205. Next, in OP205, the CPU 201 determines whether or not new data can be used by an attempt to read the data line in OP204. If new data is available (OP205: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP206. On the other hand, when new data cannot be used (OP205: No), the CPU 201 returns the process to OP204 and repeats the data line reading trial until new data is available.

  In OP206, the CPU 201 determines whether the ID of the data line is an ID indicating the monitoring target cow. When the ID of the data line is correct, that is, the ID indicating that the cow has the wireless probe 100 inserted (OP206: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP207. On the other hand, when the data line ID does not start with the predetermined ID (OP206: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP208.

  In OP207, the CPU 201 discards the data line read in OP204 and advances the process to OP209. In OP208, the CPU 201 adds initial data for creating a graph of the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value, and advances the process to OP209.

  In OP209, the CPU 201 reads a new data line from the HDD 205. Next, in OP210, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the read data line is empty. When the data line is empty (OP210: Yes), since the server 200 has not received new data from the wireless probe 100, the CPU 201 ends the process of this flowchart. When the data line is not empty (OP210: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP211.

  In OP211, the CPU 201 determines whether the ID of the data line read in OP209 is not the ID of the cow to be monitored, and the measured body temperature indicated by the data of the data line is 37.5 ° C. to 40.0 ° C. It is determined whether the value is between. When the ID of the read data line is not the selected ID, or when the measured body temperature is a value between 37.5 ° C. and 40.0 ° C. (OP211: Yes), the CPU 201 performs processing. Return to OP209. On the other hand, when the ID of the read data line is the ID of the cow to be monitored, or when the measured body temperature is not a value between 37.5 ° C. and 40.0 ° C. (OP211: No), the CPU 201 Advances the process to OP212.

  In OP212, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is missing data in creating the graph. In the present embodiment, when data is transmitted from the wireless probe 100 to the server 200, the data may not be transmitted normally due to a change in the communication environment and the data may be lost. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is missing data among data used for creating a graph. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a discontinuous ID in the data line ID of the data used to create the graph. If there is missing data (OP212: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP213. If there is no missing data (OP212: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP214.

In OP213, the CPU 201 acquires data determined to be missing in OP212 from the HDD 205 and adds it to data for creating a graph. Here, the CPU 201 adds data by a known interpolation method such as linear interpolation using the data stored in the HDD 205. In OP214, the CPU 201 adds the data read in OP209 as new data to data for creating a graph. Next, in OP215, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the body temperature indicated by the data added in OP214 exceeds 39.5 ° C. When the body temperature exceeds 39.5 ° C. (OP215: Yes), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP216. On the other hand, when the body temperature does not exceed 39.5 ° C. (OP216: No), the CPU 201 advances the process to OP102 in FIG. Since the processing after OP102 is the same as that in the above embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The inventors of the present invention have found that information related to estrus is concentrated in the 4 days immediately before the rapid change of luteinizing hormone appears. FIG. 10 shows an example of a graph obtained by pattern matching for changes in body temperature in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the estrus state of a cow is determined based on the position of the extreme values (1, 2, 3) obtained from the graph. In FIG. 10, the cow is in estrus during the period indicated by the extreme values in the figure. For example, the first extreme value (“1” in the figure) is the reference, the next extreme value (“2” in the figure) is −0.3 ° C. from the reference, and the next extreme value (“3” in the figure) is the reference. When it shows a change of + 0.2 ° C., it is determined to be in the estrus state. Since there are individual differences in cattle in determining how the extremum changes, the change in extremum is determined on a different basis for each cow.

Also, changes in body temperature (“Vaginal temperature”) and electrical resistance value (“Cond. Change”) in the bovine vagina over 16 days based on the data acquired using the above-described wireless probe 100 in FIG. 11. An example is shown. In the figure, “Front” indicates the back side of the vagina when viewed from the vaginal opening of the cow, and “Rear” indicates the near side of the vagina. “PGF 2α injection” indicates that the estrus hormone has been injected into the cow to be monitored. This injection induces bovine estrus. As shown in FIG. 11, an estrus state (“Estrus”) and ovulation (“Ovulation”) can be detected by the above processing. 12 and 13, the data were obtained using the wireless probe 100 for six cows (“Cow 9213” “Cow 70” “Cow 5779” “Cow 6957” “Cow 71” “Cow 72”). Changes in vagina temperature ("Temperature") based on data (
FIG. 13) shows an example of changes in electrical resistance value (“Resistance”) (FIG. 12). As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the estrus states of the six cows “Cow 9213”, “Cow 70”, “Cow 5779”, “Cow 6957”, “Cow 71”, and “Cow 72” are changed to “A” by the above processing. "" B "" C "" D "" E "
”And“ F ”. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize the detection of the estrous state with higher accuracy than before by using two variables of body temperature and electric resistance value in the vagina of the cow in combination.

  The above is the description regarding the present embodiment. However, the configuration of the information processing system is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope that does not lose the same technical idea as the present invention. Is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the server 200 receives and processes the body temperature and electrical resistance value data in the bovine vagina acquired by the wireless probe 100, but the wireless probe performs the processing executed by the server 200. The wireless probe may be configured to perform.

100 Wireless probe 140 Thin film electrode 200 Server

Claims (6)

Acquire data including body temperature and electrical resistance in the vagina of the livestock to be examined,
Based on the acquired data, identify the time change of the body temperature and the electrical resistance value,
Using the pattern of changes in the body temperature and electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same kind of livestock in the estrus state that has been generated in advance, pattern matching for the time variation of the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value,
An estrus state detection method for livestock, which detects the estrus state of livestock to be inspected based on a result of the pattern matching.   2. The livestock estrus state detection method according to claim 1, wherein in the pattern matching, the time variation of the identified body temperature and electrical resistance value is aligned with the pattern generated in advance.   In the pattern matching, using the product of the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value and the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value, pattern matching is performed with respect to temporal changes in the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value. The estrus state detection method for livestock according to claim 1 or 2.   2. The time change of the specified body temperature and electrical resistance value used for the pattern matching is specified by using acquired data instead of data that could not be acquired among the data. The method for detecting the estrus state of livestock according to any one of items 1 to 3. A body temperature measuring unit for measuring the body temperature in the vagina of the livestock to be examined;
An electrical resistance value measuring unit for measuring the electrical resistance value in the vagina;
An estrus state detection apparatus for livestock having an output unit for outputting the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value for pattern matching with the pattern of changes in body temperature and electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same kind of livestock as the test object . A body temperature measuring unit for measuring the body temperature in the vagina of the livestock to be examined, an electrical resistance value measuring unit for measuring the electrical resistance value in the vagina, and an output unit for outputting the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value Having a probe;
An information processing apparatus having an acquisition unit that acquires the measured body temperature and electrical resistance value from the probe, and a processing unit that processes the acquired data;
An estrus state detection system for livestock having
The processor is
Using the pattern of changes in the body temperature and the electrical resistance value in the vagina of the same kind of livestock as the subject to be examined in the estrus state that has been generated in advance, specifying the temporal change in the body temperature and the electrical resistance value, the identified body temperature and electrical resistance Perform pattern matching against time variation of resistance value,
An estrus state detection system for livestock, which detects the estrus state of the livestock to be inspected based on the result of the pattern matching.

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