A novel biofarm technology to monitor and quantify oestrus cervix morphology in dairy cows

Abstract

Increased cow productivity in the last few decades has depressed fertility and reproductive efficiency. Optimum uterus health and accurate true estrus detection have thus been greatly elusive on farm. The objective was to quantify cow cervix morphology during proestrus (PE), standing estrus (SE), diestrus (DE) and metestrus (ME) phases of the oestrus cycle using a novel biofarm technology. The cervical tissue was videotaped with an apparatus in 4 Holstein cows (50 days in milk, 31 kg milk yield, 670 kg BW) on multiple estrus and non-estrus phases (per treatment day n = 8). The videotaping apparatus had 45 cm length and 2.7 cm diameter, with internal electrical settings, external polyvinyl cover, front lights, and terminal wires for computer connection. The recordings were processed in a laptop computer installed with an image processing software. Cervix’s central positioning, motility, mucosal secretions, and clarity in the captured images were scored each on a 5-scale basis. The score of 1 represented highly central, very stable, highly mucosal, and discrete cervices. The score of 5 described entirely non-central, unstable, non-mucosal, and inseparable cervices. Results verified that cervix was significantly (P < 0.01) more discrete, more mucosal, more central, and more stable on standing estrus days than on non-estrus days. A significant differential order (P < 0.01) was found for SE > PE > DE > ME for an increased cervix distinctness (1.00, 1.20, 3.10, 3.62), central placement (1.13, 1.50, 3.73, 4.15), stability (decreased motility) (1.00, 1.50, 2.58, 4.33), and mucosal secretions (1.00, 1.50, 3.88, 4.13), respectively. Rectal temperature (RT) was similar among ME, DE, PE and SE phases, respectively (38.66, 38.33, 38.58, and 38.83^。C ± 0.22). Regression analysis showed minor relations between RT and cervix morphology changes. Findings verify the on-farm feasibility of the novel technology as a cost-effective management tool (e.g., $US200 - 500 for the monitoring apparatus and computer software) to quantify cow cervix morphology. The novel biofarm technology holds promises for cohort uses with farm individuals visually detecting estrus. Future research on further quantification of the reproductive tract physiology and health is required.