Cows with collars contributing to conception
If you travel through regional Queensland and spot cows with collars, there’s a good chance they’re more than just a collar but a wearable sensor that’s detecting when the animal is about to go into oestrus and is ready to be joined by a bull.
CQUniversity PhD student Jonathan Reid is studying the phenomenon and says research is proving that the sensors can improve reproduction in cattle breeding.
“Oestrus is a really important reproductive milestone,” Mr Reid explained, ahead of Beef Australia 2024 where he will be presenting on the topic.
“Autonomous oestrus sensors can improve reproduction performance through optimising breeding management practices and enhancing genetic selection strategies,” he said.
Mr Reid is currently in the third year of his PhD where he is now completing data processing and thesis writing.
“My PhD thesis is on autonomous oestrus detection in extensive beef cattle production, which is effectively using wearable sensors to detect the behavioural changes associated with ovulation,” he further explained.
“The rapid advancement and increasing availability of commercial sensor technologies represents a new and exciting frontier in beef production. The potential for innovation in this research area presents an exciting opportunity to drive advancements in reproduction and the integration of research findings into commercial prospects represents a great opportunity for practical outcomes in beef production.”
Mr Reid said wearable sensor technologies offered unique opportunities to remotely monitory livestock and provide real-time detection of key reproductive events, such as calving or oestrus.
“As technology advances and becomes more commercially available, there’s an increasing prospect for producers to gain invaluable insights into their herds reproduction and pin-point significant reproductive milestones to improve reproductive performance,” he explained.
“The ability to detect events such as age of puberty or postpartum oestrus, presents significant opportunities to improve lifetime reproductive performance and economic efficiency.
"Furthermore, as these traits are genetically linked, accurate detection enables informed genetic selection, leading to long-term improvements in reproductive performance and overall sustainability in beef cattle production.”
Mr Reid’s PhD stipend is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia, and he was also fortunate enough to receive a PhD top-up scholarship from CRCNA.
“Both of which I am grateful for receiving.”
Originally from Townsville, Mr Reid’s introduction to agriculture stems from his time spent at a beef cattle research station, where his uncle and aunty worked.
“I was fortunate enough to spend time there regularly and completed subsequent work experience which grew my exposure and interest in cattle production and research,” he said.
“In particular, my aunt’s role as a biometrician involved in beef cattle research served as a significant inspiration for me to pursue a career in research.”
Mr Reid completed his undergraduate degree in Gatton before relocating to Rockhampton to for his PhD.
“I chose to pursue my PhD with CQU because of the exciting opportunity to join a well-established research team experienced in sensor technology,” he said.
“This represented a fantastic chance to further my personal research skills and gain expertise in sensor technologies and algorithm development. Being part of a such a reputable team has provided invaluable learning experiences.”
>> On-animal sensor companies or researchers seeking to understand how to use GPS and accelerometer data to detect oestrus in cattle, can visit Mr Reid who will be presenting at the CQUniversity Trade Stall at 9am on Friday, 10 May.
