Application of an Automated Estrus Detection System for Dairy Cows in Taiwan

This study was designed to develop an automated estrus detection system to solve the problem of missing the opportunities of observing estrus for dairy cows. Thus, the dairy farmers are able to find the appropriate time to give insemination, and thus to increase the rate of fertilization and improve the performance of reproduction of Holstein dairy cattle. There are three categories of the system: type I, type II, and type III. The efficiency of detective estrus for type I and II are 80.0% and 93.7%, respectively, and the conception rate are 57.1% and 72.7%, respectively. Obviously, the type II is better than the type I. Moreover, type III is developed to correct some bugs of type II, and the field investigation of type III is still going on. Based on the results of the experiment, the automated system does have the potential for extension.