Abstract
The extensive nature of grazing systems creates data gaps concerning cows' physiological status, especially where natural service is the breeding strategy. The lack of online information hinders informed decision-making regarding individual treatment, feed additives, pasture management, etc. Early pregnancy detection addresses all these and provides unique information concerning early embryonic death occurrence. In this study we analysed volatile organic compounds emitted from cows' urine in order to characterise pregnancy, using an innovative «Scent recorder» (NanoScent, Israel, ltd.). Twenty grazing beef cows were palpated for pregnancy and urine samples were collected. The gas phase over each sample was pumped through the sensor, resulting in absorption of molecules to an array of gold nanosensors each covered with specific ligand. Feature extraction from the sensors was processed according to a protocol developed in the Technion nano-chemistry lab, Israel. Three features derived from different sensors showed significant differences between pregnant and open cows (P < 0.05), 13 features which showed differences with P values < 0.09 were considered sub-significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS-JMP applying Wilcoxon-Kruskal test. Applying model using two features resulted in 95% accuracy, with only one cow misclassified (false positive). Palpation resulted in 90% accuracy, misclassifying two cows (false negative). Conception date (determined by pedometric system) showed pregnancy detection by the «Scent recorder» as early as 10 + 2 days. Analysis of the urine volatiles was performed by GC-MS. Analysis discovered molecules, known in different physiological and chemical contexts. Their possible role in pregnancy needs to be further researched.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Precision Livestock Farming 2019 - Papers Presented at the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019 |
Editors | Bernadette O'Brien, Deirdre Hennessy, Laurence Shalloo |
Publisher | Organising Committee of the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming (ECPLF), Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre |
Pages | 738-745 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781841706542 |
State | Published - 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019 - Cork, Ireland Duration: 26 Aug 2019 → 29 Aug 2019 |
Publication series
Name | Precision Livestock Farming 2019 - Papers Presented at the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019 |
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Conference
Conference | 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019 |
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Country/Territory | Ireland |
City | Cork |
Period | 26/08/19 → 29/08/19 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Precision Livestock Farming 2019 - Papers Presented at the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Electronic nose
- Nano sensors
- Pregnancy detection
- Volatile organic compounds
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Animal Science and Zoology