Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ELECTRONIC ESTRUS DETECTION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the general field of estrus detection, and
more specifically, to an electronic device for attachment to the posterior of
a cow
that counts and times mounts by other cows. This application, thus, describes
an
electronic device useful for determination of estrus, said device enabling,
for
example, an artificial insemination technician to appropriately determine the
optimum time of insemination and/or breeding, thereby increasing number of
pregnancies and reducing the number of open cows, and in turn, increasing milk
l 0 and/or meat production.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
Animal husbandry technique advancement, including for example,
computerized genetic selection and/or tracking and artificial insemination
(AI)
1 S allows both dairy farmers and beef producers to optimize genetically
linked cattle
characteristics through breeding programs. Such characteristics may include,
for
example, udder size and placement, animal size, milk or meat productivity and
disease resistance. The goal of a breeding program, whether it employs live
cover
or artificial insemination, is to develop and further certain characteristics
of a herd.
2 0 For example, dairy farmers select to increase and maximize the milk
production
of each and every cow in their herd. To do so, it is necessary to minimize the
number of days open between pregnancies by impregnating a cow as soon as
possible after calving.
Successful breeding programs must incorporate efficient and accurate
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detection of estrus and timely breeding. Estrus detection may be the most
common and costly failure of breeding programs. Ineffcient detection of estrus
results in lost lifetime milk yield in dairy cows, decreased number of calves
born
per lifetime, excessive days open, and increased reproductive culling (Walker
et
al. (1996) J. Dairy Sci. 79:1555). Requirements for an "ideal" system for
estrus
detection have been listed as: 24-hour continuous surveillance, accurate and
automatic identification of cows in estrus, operational for the productive
life of the
cow, reduced or eliminated labor requirements, and highly accurate
identification
of behavioral estrus events that correlate with ovulation (Senger (1994) J.
Dairy
Sci. 77:2745). Historically, the object of such a system has been to detect
the first
mount of standing estrus -- the true onset of estrus.
Behavioral indicators of cattle estrus include, for example, increased
physical activity and mobility, increased vocalizations and certain mounting
behaviors. During estrus there is an increased frequency of mounting of other
cattle by the animal in heat. Also, cows in heat will allow themselves to be
mounted and remain mounted by other cows. This mating behavior -- standing to
be mounted -- is particularly relevant to the instant invention. A standing
heat, a
prolonged mounted standing posture is maintained only during estrus cycle.
A cow's estrus cycle is approximately 21 days. Therefore, a cow comes
2 0 into heat approximately every 21 days and remains in heat for
approximately 10-
12 hours. Approximately 14 hours thereafter, the cow ovulates. Time of
ovulation is a relatively fixed reproductive event, taking place within
approximately 40 hours of onset of estrus (Walker et al., Supra). The optimum
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time for breeding, either live cover or artificial insemination; to achieve
pregnancy
is between 4 and 12 hours after the onset of estrus. Further, conception rates
are
highest for cows that are bred from 4 to 14 hours following the first standing
event
of estrus. The probability of pregnancy is also affected by standing events
per
estrus. Specifically, cows exhibiting less than 3 standing events prior to
insemination have 41 % lower odds of pregnancy than cows inseminated following
greater than or equal to 3 standing events (Dransfield et al. (1998) J. Dairy
Sci.
81:1874). Simple mathematical calculations may be performed to determine
optimum breeding time if the onset of estrus is known. Also, a known time of
ovulation in reference to the first mount of estrus and being able to identify
the
first mount allows for accurate timing of breeding (Walker et al., Supra);
more
accurate timing relative to estrus detection based on visual observation of
estrus.
If the onset of estrus is unknown, insemination should be performed within 4
to 12
hours of observation of estrus (Dransfield et al., Supra). Based on a 280-day
pregnancy, after which calving occurs, it is necessary to impregnate that cow
within 45-60 days after calving to optimize production. Therefore, accurate
and
optimal breeding times must be determined to prevent economic loss, currently
estimated at more than $300 million annually to the US, dairy industry because
of
failure to detect estrus (Senger, Supra). Hence, a preferred system must
determine
2 0 estrus based on a threshold of 3 mounts in 4 hours, so that insemination
may be
performed in a timely manner. That is, at an optimal point in time.
The prior art discloses several different types of estrus detection, both
electronic and manual. Relevant prior art includes U.S. Patent nos. 4,895,165,
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3,844,273, 5,111,799 and 4,635,5876. However, prior attempts at detection of
estrus in cattle have proven unsatisfactory. In U.S. Patent no. 4,895,165 to
Blair,
entitled ELECTRONIC ESTRUS DETECTOR, an affixable electronic estrus
detector that stores and displays the number of mounts by another cow as
determined by a force responsive switch is disclosed. Said detector may
measure
increments of mounts or may be modified to indicate estrus based on a mount-
second index. Either embodiment is a counting device requiring manual daily
checks of each detector, and thus, close proximity observation of each cow.
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANIMAL HEAT DETECTION
1o AND RECORDING is disclosed in U.S. Patent no. 3,844,273 to Poison. An
electronic apparatus, specifically a transmitter, is attached to a female
animal. The
transmitter is activated by mounting activity, and in turn, transmits a signal
to a
receiver, fixed or mobile. The apparatus further provides a timer that is
concurrently activated and records the passage of time.
Next, A fully automated, surgically implantable device for estrus detection
is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,111,799 to Senger et al., entitled ESTROUS
DETECTION SYSTEMS. A force responsive sensor provides data regarding
mounting behavior and standing heat mount occurrence during a fixed period
that
are compared to a threshold, thereby determining estrus. Upon determination, a
2 o signal is broadcast to a receiver, allowing the herdsman to breed or
inseminate
based thereon. This device precludes the necessity of daily, direct animal
observation through the use of a computer system and telemetric signals.
However, implanted devices, subcutaneous or otherwise, present a number of
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issues, for example, surgical implantation of the device itself, retrieval of
a failed
device, retrieval of devices from culled animals, infection at the
implantation site
and rejection of the device.
Finally, Leonardo (U.S. Patent no. 4,635,587, METHOD AND
5 APPARATUS FOR DETECTING STANDING HEAT IN CATTLE) discloses an
electronic module, including a readout display and indicators connected to a
membrane switch actuated by mounting activity. Said module is housed in a
sleeve that is adhered to the tail-base of a cow. When mounted, the switch
actuates the timer and indicators. In one embodiment, the display flashes,
indicating estrus. Said device detects the onset of estrus.
Despite these attempts to detect estrus, none of the prior art satisfactorily
solves the problem of how to reliably and efficiently detect estrus and/or the
optimal breeding time. Shortcomings found in the prior art include, for
example,
the detection of the onset of estrus rather than detection of estrus, the
necessity of
surgical procedures, and the necessity of complex and/or computer-based
systems.
For these reasons, as well as others, visual observation of cow behavior and
fully
automated cow monitoring systems continue to be the primary techniques used
for
estrus determination in cattle. However, only 50% of the cows displaying
behavior indications of estrus are detected by visual monitoring. Close to
100%
2 0 accuracy may be achieved with a fully automated and computerized system,
such
as HeatWatch~ (U.S. Patent no. 5,542,431 specifically incorporated herein by
reference, DDx, Inc., Denver, Colorado). Such fully automated cow monitoring
systems are expensive and inappropriate for use with, for example, small
herds.
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The present invention overcomes these drawbacks, fulfilling the need for
accurate
and economical estrus detection, by integral incorporation of a water-
resistant,
self contained, battery operated, estrus detection device for determination of
estrus
that is affixed to the tail-head area of a cow; said device indicating
suspected heat,
confirmed heat and/or time to breed by pulsing LED or LEDs and/or various
visual indicators. Suspected and confirmed estrus detection and subsequent
optimum time to breed determination are based on data processing algorithms
incorporating the statistics discussed supra regarding number of mounts per
hour,
and simple user observation of the device indicates which cow or cows to
further
monitor and/or breed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is based on a novel concept for determination of optimal
insemination timing in cattle in order to result in maximum production levels -
milk and beef. In accordance with the present invention, a self-contained,
water
resistant, battery operated, estrus detection device for determination of
optimal
breeding time that is affixed to the tail-head area of a cow is disclosed;
said device
indicating suspected heat, confirmed heat and/or time to breed by visible
indicator
or indicators, e.g., LED. Suspected estrus, confirmed estrus and optimum
2 o breeding time detection is determined by the application of heat mount
data input
to an algorithm or algorithms incorporating mounting frequency and duration,
and
more specifically, the number of mounts per hour, the number of mounts per
estrus or the number of mounts per time period. Simple user observation of the
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device indicates which cow or cows to further monitor and/or breed.
The present invention is a self contained, watertight detection device for
optimum breeding time calculation including a housing and an electronic means
for detecting, processing and indicating mounting activity data housed
therein.
Said electronic means may include a controller means, a processing means, a
power means, an activation means and at least one indicating means. More
specifically, the electronic means includes an internal controller chip, a
power
source, a pressure sensitive switch, and at least one visible indicator
display. It
may further include a read data switch and a digital display; said device is
programmed to be capable of applying an algorithm to actual mounting data and
detecting estrus and determining optimal breeding time based thereon. In one
embodiment, the controller means is a microprocessor, the power means includes
at least one battery, the activation means is a force activated switch and the
indicating means includes at least one LED. The electronic means of the estrus
detection device detects mounting activity, actuating the processing means
according to preprogrammed thresholds and visibly indicates satisfaction of
said
thresholds.
The device is affixed to the tailhead area of a cow, for example, within a
patch intended for such use, via a tail-wrap or tail sheath assembly adapted
for
2 0 device retention or combinations thereof. The pressure sensitive switch
is, thus,
positioned such that mounting activity actuates the switch that in turn
actuates an
incremented counter, count up function timer, data processor and visible
display.
The assembly or housing of the instant invention is highly suitable for the
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above-stated purposes as it is made from any number of plastic, or the like,
material, for example, ABS plastic, polypropylene or polycarbonate. It is
sealable
for water resistance and has adjustable and/or replaceable parts. While prior
art is
suitable for some aspects of estrus and estrus onset detection, none of the
prior art
employs an algorithm or the like within a simple electronic device for
determination of estrus, and thus, does not provide the breeding or
insemination
accuracy necessary for productivity, and in turn, profit. The instant
invention is a
simple, reliable, self-contained electronic device for estrus detection that
employs
an algorithm to determine optimal insemination time.
The present invention, when practiced as disclosed herein, accurately
detects estrus and optimal breeding time and indicates same via simple
observation of the device. Said device is applicable to all non-human animals
displaying estrus cycle and mounting related activities. The instant
invention,
thus, is useful in dairy and beef cattle estrus detection, but is not intended
to be
limited thereto.
In broad terms, the instant device is a self contained, battery operated
device that determines estrus and optimal breeding time based on an algorithm
for
accurate estrus detection and displays visible signals indicative of the same.
In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device is encased and sealed in a
2 o clear housing facilitating water resistance and optimal visible signal
observation
from a variety of angles or vantage points. In an alternate embodiment, the
power
source portion of the device is encased in its own sealed housing adapted to
functionally integrate with the remainder of the device, thereby facilitating
part
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removal and/or replacement.
A number of salient features of the present invention are readily
recognized. An electronic estrus detection device is provided that obtains
mounting activity related data and may incorporate other relevant factors in
making optimum breeding time determinations and indications. The present
system is capable of computer hardware and/or software integration for data
storage, however such function is in addition to the primary function of
optimum
breeding time determination.
All embodiments of the instant invention include the same general
methodologies, objects and elements; an electronic estrus detection device
including a housing in which electronic components for estrus detection are
housed. More specifically, such electronic components may include an internal
controller chip, a power source, a pressure sensitive switch, a read data
switch, a
digital display and a visible indicator or a plurality of visible indicators
substituted
therefor, all of which are encased in a hermetically sealed housing and may
further
comprise other customizing features and specifications, for example,
integrated
motion sensors or alternate data analysis/presentation elements. Other
features
and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures,
which
2 0 illustrate by way of example, the principles of the instant invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the estrus detection
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device of the instant invention.
Figure 2 is a top view of another preferred embodiment of the estrus
detection device of the instant invention.
5
Figure 3 is a block diagram representation of the circuitry of the preferred
electronics of the instant invention.
Figure 4 illustrates diagrammatically the estrus determination algorithm
1 o and optimal insemination timing upon which the invention is based.
Figure Sa is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the estrus
detection device of the instant device depicted in Figure 1.
Figure Sb is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the estrus detection
device of the instant device depicted in Figures 1 and Sa.
Figure 6a is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the estrus
detection device of the instant device depicted in Figure 2.
Figure 6b is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the estrus detection
device of the instant device depicted in Figures 2 and 6a.
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Figures 7a-d are perspective views illustrating the optimal placement of the
device employing a patch assembly (a), a tail-wrap assembly (b), a tail-sheath
assembly (c) and a combination thereof (d).
Figure 8 is a schematic of the printed circuit board layout a preferred
embodiment of the device.
Figure 9 is a schematic of the printed circuit board layout of the second
preferred embodiment of the device.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another alternate preferred embodiment
of the estrus detection device of the instant device.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of integral combination of the base portion,
internal electronics and cover portion of the instant device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
2 o restrictive of the invention as claimed.
The present invention provides an electronic estrus detection device useful
for optimal timing of insemination in cattle by determination and counting of
mounting activity related to the estrus cycle. It is recognized by those
skilled in
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the art that a broad range of estrus detection devices may be practiced in
accordance with the presently disclosed invention.
Moving to Figure 1, shown is a detailed external, top view of first
preferred embodiment. A generally rectangular box shaped detection device 5.
Said device provides six generally rectangular surfaces (see Figure 5); a
lower
surface that rests generally horizontally against the tail head area of a cow,
an
opposite facing upper surface upon which a pressure sensitive switch and
digital
display are located, four generally vertical surfaces connecting and defining
the
perimeters of each of the lower and upper surfaces one of which houses a
recessed
read data switch 30 and another of which houses at least one visible display
means.
Another preferred embodiment's detailed external, top view of a generally
rectangular box shaped detection device 5, as shown in Figure 2, provides a
pressure sensitive switch 15 and a recessed read/reset switch 30 on the upper
surface. Said device carrying the same general shape as the first embodiment,
see
Figure 6.
Yet another preferred, simple-to-use, embodiment (shown in Figure 10) in
which 3 display LEDs 20 are employed. One LED 20 is activated upon
commencement of mounting activity; the next LED 20 is activated when qualified
2 0 mounting activity occurs. That activity which is determined to meet the
device's
predetermined and preset thresholds, e.g., 3 mounts in 4 hours. The last LED
20
is activated when the animal is within the range of time for breeding, thus,
indicating to the herdsman to breed the animal at the next opportunity.
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The details of the basic structure of the preferred embodiment of the
invention include two major portions: the housing 10 and the electronic
components 13 housed therein. The injection molded housing 10 is constructed
of
plastic or like material, preferably transparent, comprising a base portion 11
and
cover portion 12, Figures Sa and 6a. The base portion 11 is a planar,
generally
rectangular section upon which the electronic circuitry components 13 are
mounted. The cover portion 12 is generally concave and of a shape and size
that
corresponds to the base portion 11 such that via conventional secondary
injection
molding techniques, it is capable of being hermetically sealed to the base
portion
11 and creating a water- and weather-resistant housing 10. The transparency of
the entire housing is not a necessary defining feature of the invention; a
viewing
window or windows 14 may be strategically placed in an opaque housing via
custom injection molding techniques accepted in the art.
Generally, the base portion 11 of the housing is connectable to the cover
portion 12 using, for example, standard injection molding techniques. in
connection with holding a power source, e.g., a battery or batteries, in a
desired
portion relative to the housing 10, supports may be provided that are attached
to,
for example, a vertical wall of the housing, which is joined to the base
portion 11.
Before the base portion 11 is connected to the cover portion 12 creating a
sealed
2 0 housing 10, electronic componentry 13, including a printed circuit board
(PCB),
which includes the necessary circuitry involved in the instant estrus
detection
functions, is positioned in the housing. See Figure 11. This circuitry
includes a
pressure sensitive switch assembly that is activated during a cow mount and is
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engaged by a switch contact section. Battery connectors are attached to the
PCB
and provide the electrical connection between the battery and PCB circuit
paths in
order to supply a power source to the circuitry components 13. After the
electronic portion 13 of the device is fully assembled, the base portion 11 is
connected to the cover portion 12 and the device may be placed into the pocket
area of a pouch for proper positioning on an animal.
Figure 3 sets out portions of electronic componentry of a preferred
embodiment which include a single internal controller chip 40, a power source
35,
a pressure sensitive switch 15, a read data switch 30, a digital display 25
and a
l0 visible indicator or a plurality of visible indicators 20. Both the
pressure sensitive
switch 15 and the read data switch 30 feed directly into the controller chip
40,
where switch de-bounce and qualification is performed. The controller chip 40
then actuates and operates the digital display 25 and the visible indicator or
the
indicators 20. The controller 40 may also directly drive the display 25. Each
actuation of the pressure sensitive switch 15 caused by mounting activity
sends a
signal to an incremented counter. The controller chip 40 debounces the input
signal, thereby preventing the recordation of any signal of duration less than
a
preset threshold, e.g. 3 seconds. In addition to the above components of the
device, additional resistors and/or capacitors may be added to the system as
2 o necessary. Furthermore, unnecessary or redundant components may be left
out of
the system.
In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensitive switch i5 is activated
during a mount. Activation of the pressure sensitive switch 15 during a mount
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causes power from the battery 35 to be applied to the circuitry of the device.
In a
stand-by mode in which the pressure sensitive switch 15 assembly is not
activated,
no battery power is being applied to the device circuitry; so that reduced
power
consumption is achieved, thereby extending the life of the battery. Upon
switch
5 closure of greater than a predetermined amount of time, power is applied to
a
counter that essentially counts pulses related to the time duration of the
mount.
That is, the counter continues to count pulses beginning with the switch
closure
until it opens at the end of the mount.
At the same time that the counter is counting to keep track of the heat
10 mount duration, a timer circuit is also powered on or activated. The timer
circuit
includes power down delay circuitry that is used in maintaining necessary
power
to the device after the pressure switch has been deactivated. In addition to
the
duration time, a battery power status unit may be added to the system. The
system
provided by this unit may be used to inform the user that the battery is low
or
15 should be replaced.
In connection with the analysis involving heat mount related data, it may
not be necessary to keep track of the complete mount time. That is, each mount
that exceeds a predetermined time interval may be given the same significance
in
the analysis. If the mount continued for than a predetermined time, for
example,
2 0 5-7 seconds, it may not be necessary to keep track of the mount time of
greater
duration.
The timer circuit may also include circuitry that compensates for
momentary deactivation of the pressure switch during the occurrence of a
single
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mount. During a mount, the force applied by the mounting animal to the
pressure
switch may momentarily be lost, for example, due to movement or shifting by
the
mounting cow. This temporary loss of force may cause the electrical contact of
the pressure switch to open, leading to discontinuance of the counting by the
counter and an inaccurate indication that the mount has been completed. In one
embodiment, the timer circuit utilized a threshold related time and, unless
this
predetermined threshold magnitude of time is exceeded due to deactivation of
the
pressure switch, the counter continued to count and keeps track of time in
accordance with the occurrence of a single mount. That is, instead of the
momentary deactivation of the pressure switch causing an indication that the
mount has been completed, the timer circuit maintains the counting and the
monitoring of the mount time, unless the predetermined threshold of time was
exceeded.
In a more preferred embodiment, the hardware circuits and operation
thereof in connection with the device are substantially replaced by a
programmed
microcontroller 40; for example, a microcontroller performs the counting
operation to monitor heat mount time. In conjunction with and in addition to
analyzing fundamental mount data, i.e., the duration of heat mounts during the
relevant monitored period, the monitoring of additional data and/or other
2 0 parameters may be programmed into the microcontroller in order to
accurately
determine the optimum time to breed. Additional data to be monitored may
include, for example, ambient temperature, patterns of known activity, number
of
heat cycles, mountor versus mountee activity, number of animals, age,
location,
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breed and humidity.
The instant device is operated by a power source 35, for example, a button-
cell type battery. Such type of battery keeps the profile of the device to a
minimum. Further, the life of the device may be adjusted, up or down, by
battery
selection. Further a plurality of low voltage, button-cell batteries in series
may be
used to increase power and minimize the device profile. Accordingly, the
device
as a whole may be considered disposable and employ a battery having a specific
life. Alternatively, separately encasing the battery or battery receiving
means
enables replaceable and/or rechargeable power sources, thereby extending the
life
of the device.
The preferred device is programmed to apply an algorithm, e.g., 3 mounts
in 4 hours of actual mounting activity, to determine estrus and the optimal
breeding time. The estrus determination algorithm and optimal insemination
timing based thereon are set forth in Figure 4; 3 mounts per 4 hours must be
logged before the device's indicator function is actuated. To be actuated by
mounting activity, the device must rest strategically on the tail head of a
cow.
Methods of doing so include, for example, an adhesive patch assembly (Figure
7a), a tail-wrap assembly (Figure 7b), a tail-sheath assembly (Figure 7c) and
a
combination thereof (Figure 7d), each adapted for retaining the device in
proper
2 0 position. Figure 7d incorporates aspects of each attachment assembly into
a single
assembly. Specifically, it incorporates a tail-wrap with at least one patch
into the
same assembly. It further comprises at least one adjustable shock absorbing
connection element. Accordingly, improper positioning prevents mounting
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activity actuation of the device and failed estrus detection.
The bulk of the apparatus is composed of a material that facilitates the
necessary rigidity and robust structure to withstand multiple mounting
activity, for
example, plastics, rubbers or elastomers. The preferred material, ABS plastic,
is a
chemically stable, heat and cold resistant material that is lightweight, semi-
rigid,
resilient and sturdy. That is, it is unaffected by such things as extreme
temperatures or repeated mounting activities. More specifically, it may be
formulated so as not to split, splinter or crack and to possess significant
fire
retardant properties. Therefore, the assemblies made according to the instant
invention last a long time and are completely safe for their intended use.
The device disclosed herein is, in use, is semi-permanently affixed to the
tail-head area of the animal with assemblies as described supra. Figures 7a-d
show the estrus detector optimally positioned in the tail-head area of a
monitored
cow. The detector preferably rests within a protective pouch of an attachment
assembly, which may itself be transparent, so as to not obstruct an observer's
view
of the device. Alternatively, the pouch may be constructed from, for example,
nylon, canvas, composite textile or other fabric or combination thereof, and
provide a device viewing window.
Until mounting behavior activates the pressure sensitive switch 15, the
2 0 controller 40 powers down and/or reverts to what is generally considered
sleep
mode. Upon activation, and after the preprogrammed algorithmic thresholds have
been met, a visible indicator 20 or indicators are activated. The preferred
embodiments employ any long life battery, such as, lithium. Long life being
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defined as a battery having a life of approximately 50 mA-hour or more
capacity.
For example, the estimated hour capacity of the preferred BR2032 Button Cell
battery then is 190 mA-hours. At 25 °C, the described device then has a
minimum
shelf life of 10 years, and an operating outdoor life of approximately 2.2
years in
ambient temperatures ranging from -40 to 85 °C. The operating and shelf
lives of
the device may be altered based on, for example, battery selection, visible
indicator pulse rate and ancillary electronic componentry. Pulsing and/or
pulse
rate is known to increase visibility to the human eye, and therefore, in
preferred
embodiments is adjusted accordingly.
In operation, the pressure sensitive switch 15 is activated by the weight of
a mounting herdmate when mounting activity persists for a preset minimum time
period, for example 3 seconds. A count of individual mounts meeting the
minimum threshold is recorded on an incremented electronic counter. A preset
time threshold for depression of the pressure sensitive switch 15 avoids false
counts. At a preset count threshold, an electronic timer begins counting hours
and
minutes from activation of the pressure sensitive switch 15, and may round to
the
nearest hour for a 2-digit display 25, and a visible indicator 20, such as LED
display, begins pulsing indicating mounting activity. At such time, the device
is
read by the herdsman using the read data switch 30, salient data independently
2 0 recorded and the device reset.
In a second preferred embodiment, a plurality of, for example 6, LED
displays 20 replace the digital display and single LED. Upon activation based
on
the same preset threshold, the LED displays pulse. Each LED representing a 2
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count and all LEDs pulse for counts per hours of 12 and above. Thus, as the
device records an increased amount of mounting activity, the number of LEDs
pulsing increases. By simple observation of the number of LEDs poising, it is
possible to see the amount of mounting activity recorded and determine
5 appropriate insemination timing.
Recordation of salient data may be achieved, for example, manually, via
passive RF communication or via infrared port. The device may be fitted with
appropriate ports for electronic transfer.
In this embodiment, upon observation of the pulsing LED or LEDs, the
10 herdsman user approaches the device, and in the first embodiment reads, the
digital display before depressing the read data switch to obtain mount and
timer
information. Depressing the read data twitch once, preferably located on the
side
of the device, displays the mount count from 1-99; depressing the switch a
second
time to displays the number of hours elapsed since a first qualified mount.
15 Pressing the switch further toggles between the mount count and time
displays.
Depressing the switch simultaneously with the mount switch resets the mount
counter and timer to zero. Alternatively, a time-threshold may be set, for
example
3 seconds, after which depression of only the read data switch resets the
mount
counter and timer.
2 0 Referring back to the first described preferred embodiment, a digital
display, preferably 2-digit, is the device profile defining component. The
preferred QT MAN4900A display is approximately 0.2 inches tall and has a
standard 0.065 PCB thickness. The resulting housing then is approximately
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1.50"W x 4.00"L x 0.40-0.45"D. The cover portion of the housing further
comprises flexible portions over the switches produced via secondary injection
molding techniques. Said flexible portions are preferably constructed of
elastomer
material and hermetically sealed. Two-digit digital display is provided by 2,
7
segment LED displays. However, digital display may be achieved by other
means, such as liquid crystal or light-emitting diode. The use of LED display
is
merely representative.
In an alternate preferred embodiment, multiple LEDs are located at one
end within one of the two, shorter length vertical surfaces of the device. The
use of
multiple LEDs facilitates a smaller statured device than that of the first
described
preferred embodiment. For example, using 6 individual LEDs, the device's
measurements are reduced to approximately 1.20"W x 3.00"L x 0.30"D.
The visible indicator or indicators in each of the preferred embodiments
are provided by LED displays. In one of the preferred embodiments, a single
LED
is employed with the digital display. Another embodiment employs 6 individual
LED displays in sequence, creating a bar graph row of LED indicators. When
activated, the visible displays pulse. A diagnostic function sequence may be
programmed for operation confirmation and/or battery level indication
employing
an alternate pulsing pattern. In yet another preferred embodiment, three LED
2 o displays are employed to indicate different time periods during estrus
corresponding to suspected heat, confirmed (standing) heat and breeding time,
as
shown in Figure 10.
The pressure sensitive switch 15 is connected via appropriate circuitry to
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an internal controller chip 40, set forth more fully with respect to Figwe 2.
The
electronic portion 13 of the device 5 is hermetically sealed within the
housing 10
creating a water-resistant housing. A pressure sensitive switch 15 is
activated, at a
flash level of approximately 4 mA per flash, for a 0.1 second flash every 1.5
seconds. Based on a 21 day cycle including a confirmation cycle, the LED 20
flash usage is approximately once every 33 days standing estrus is defined
when a
cow has 3 standing events in any 4-how period; fewer standing events are
suspected estrus -- quantitative, linear logistic regression.
Figures 8 and 9 schematically set forth preferred circuitry of the preferred
device embodiments' printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. Said schematics are
illustrative only; any number of functional PCB layouts may be provided by one
skilled in the art. With respect to the processing and/or analysis of heat
mount
data for making a determination regarding breeding time for a subject cow, an
onset of estrus is first detected by determining whether a predetermined
threshold
was met or occurred. This predetermined threshold related to an onset of
estrus
based on a predetermined minimum number of heat mounts occurring within a
predetermined time interval. If this predetermined threshold is met, further
analysis is conducted to obtain a peak estrus value that is useful in
determining an
optimal, or at least desirable, breeding time. Such a predetermined threshold
falls
2 0 within the range of at least three heat mounts within about fow howl and
fow
heat mounts within at least about three hours. If this predetermined threshold
is
not met, the subsequent analysis is not performed. However, when the
predetermined threshold is satisfied, further analysis is conducted to
determine a
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peak estrus value (PEV). In that regard, it has been noted that the
distribution of
mounting behavior within estrus, as determined by summing the predetermined
threshold, appears to fit a substantially symmetrical distribution, with peak
estrus
centrally located at the time of peak mounting behavior. In the preferred
embodiment, because such mounting behavior is symmetrical, the mean mounting
behavior is found at the time average of the heat mounts. If there are N
mounts at
time T(i), the peak estrus value would occur at a time: Tpev=ET(i)!N. In a
preferred embodiment, with it being known that the longest and most
significant
mounts will occur at peak estrus, when the estrus hormones are expressed at
their
highest levels, this average can be weighted according to the duration of the
mounts. If there are N mount of duration D(i) occurring at times T(i), the
peak
estrus occurs at time Tpev=E[T(i)*D(i)]/ED(i). It is understood from the above
discussion that each of the two expressions determines a time value at which
peak
estrus occurs, and therefore an optimum time to breed, with the second
expression
weighting the time values by a corresponding duration value. The weighted time
value is believed to result in a more accurate representation of peak estrus
for the
subject animal.
It is apparent that the present invention provides a self contained electronic
device for accurate detection of estrus through 24-hour automatic
surveillance,
2 o thereby reducing labor requirements and increasing production.
Furthermore, the
instant invention may clearly be practiced in conjunction with any type of non-
human animal exhibiting estrus cycle and mounting related behavior. While
specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described
herein,
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these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,
but
rather an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. Numerous
variations are possible and will occur to those skilled in the art. It is
therefore to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
