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. 2019 May;61(3):163-169.
doi: 10.5187/jast.2019.61.3.163. Epub 2019 May 31.

Quantifiable and feasible estrus detection using the ultrasonic sensor array and digital infrared thermography

Ji Hwan Lee  1 , Dong Hoon Lee  2 , Won Yun  1 , Han Jin Oh  1 , Ji Seon An  1 , Young Gwang Kim  1 , Gok Mi Kim  3 , Jin Ho Cho  1
Affiliations

Quantifiable and feasible estrus detection using the ultrasonic sensor array and digital infrared thermography

Ji Hwan Lee et al. J Anim Sci Technol. 2019 May.

Abstract

Detection of estrus is an essential factor as a method of successful breeding in the sow. As increasing the adaption of the information and communication technology (ICT) into swine industry, this study focuses on a possibility and quantification of standing time, vulva and body temperature as methods of estrus detection, comparing each time and temperature in estrus and non-estrus period, and analyzing each success rate of new and existing methods. Ultrasonic sensor array and digital infrared thermography were used to evaluate whether new methods such as standing time and number, and vulva and skin temperature can be replaced, or these methods can be quantifiable in estrus period. Ultrasonic sensor array was installed beside the stall and digital infrared thermography was placed in the rear of sow to collect the dates of sow in estrus and non-estrus period. This study showed total standing time, number and number over 10 minutes, and vulva temperature of the sow in estrus period were increased (p < 0.05) compared with those of sow in non-estrus period, respectively. Detection of estrus using standing time and vulva temperature tended (p = 0.06) to increase the success rate when artificial insemination (AI) was performed. In conclusion, standing time and vulva temperature increased when estrus happened. Success rate of AI of sow using these methods showed an increasing trend. Therefore, existing method using the naked eye can be replaced to new method such as vulvar temperature and standing time when detecting the estrus.

Keywords: Digital infrared thermography; Estrus; Standing time; Ultrasonic sensor array; Vulvar temperature.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. (A) Standing sensor connecting diagram image. (B) Installed standing sensor image.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. Float chart of signal processing to log the distance between the sensors and sow’s side surface in 100 Hz of measurement of frequency.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.. (A) The horizontal axis shows the seconds of the day. (B) The position of sensor is as follows.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.. (A) Vulvar image. (B) Top area of tail image. Two red spots was used as guide. (C) Infrared thermal image.
All digital Images were taken using the SmartView™ Version 2.0 software (Fluke Thermography, Plymouth, USA).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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