Innovative method for early detection followed by chemical characterisation of pregnancy in grazing beef cows

R. Gabrieli, O. Barash, O. Gavriely

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPrecision Livestock Farming 2019 - Papers Presented at the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019
EditorsBernadette O'Brien, Deirdre Hennessy, Laurence Shalloo
PublisherOrganising Committee of the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming (ECPLF), Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
Pages738-745
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781841706542
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019 - Cork, Ireland
Duration: 26 Aug 201929 Aug 2019

Publication series

NamePrecision Livestock Farming 2019 - Papers Presented at the 9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019

Conference

Conference9th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2019
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityCork
Period26/08/1929/08/19

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

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