Application of Infrared Thermography Technology for Estrous Detection in Beef Cattle raised on Smallholder Farms

Abstract

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive imaging method used to measure body surface temperature and can detect variations in body temperature during physiological and pathological conditions, making IRT a potential tool for estrous detection. This study evaluated the accuracy of IRT for detecting estrous in small-holder beef cattle raised under smallholder farming systems. Measured parameters included microclimate profiles (ambient temperature and relative humidity), physiological responses (rectal temperature, pulse, and respiration rare), and body surface temperatures at four regions (eye, muzzle, ear, and vulva). Data were collected from eight estrous cows and eight not-estrous cows of two breeds (Limousin-cross and Simmental-cross). Physiological responses did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in both breeds. Similarly, although Limousin-cross showed a higher body surface temperatures at all regions in estrous cows, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). In contrast, Simmental-cross cows showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) body surface temperature at the eye, muzzle, ear, and vulva regions in estrous cows than non-estrous cows. Most body regions demonstrated a weak correlation with ambient temperature, indicating minimum environmental influence on body surface temperature. In conclusion, IRT represents reliable and accurate non-invasive method for estrous detection in Simmental-cross cows