Electrical Conductivity of Reproductive Tissue for Detection of Estrus in Dairy Cows
Smith, James Wilson
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/71730
Description
Title
Electrical Conductivity of Reproductive Tissue for Detection of Estrus in Dairy Cows
Author(s)
Smith, James Wilson
Issue Date
1986
Department of Study
Animal Science
Discipline
Dairy Science
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition
Abstract
Inefficient detection of estrus is the principal cause of delayed conception and concomitant lengthened calving intervals. Consequently, interest is generated in devising new methods of detecting estrus. Electrical conductivity of reproductive tissue can be a potential method of doing so.
Two experiments were conducted sequentially to (a) test and compare two methodologies for collecting conductance data from vaginal and vulvar tissue, (b) characterize these data in relation to estrus and, (c) determine the effects of sex steroids on electrical conductance and hydration of vaginal and vulvar tissue. One bipolar electrode was implanted in the mucosa of the vagina and another in the submucosa of the vulva in each cow. Tissue conductivity was monitored during and around estrus by two hard-wired devices operating at 16 kHz and 100 kHz and during administration of sex steroids in ovariectomized cows at 16 kHz. Vaginal and vulvar biopsies were performed at corresponding periods and were used to measure tissue hydration.
Both electrical frequencies were found to be satisfactory for characterizing vaginal and vulvar tissue conductivity. Vaginal and vulvar tissue conductivity and hydration increased significantly at estrus over the non-estrus base period. There were no significant differences in tissue conductivity between the two locations although the vulva, because of its exterior location, was easier to access for implantation and provided more tissue space. Two methodologies, the Peak and Threshold, were used to analyze the data and predict estrus. Both were found to be satisfactory and appeared suitable for analyzing conductivity data for detection of estrus in real time.
Vaginal tissue hydration and vaginal and vulvar tissue conductivity of ovariectomized cows increased significantly during administration of estradiol-17(beta) and estradiol-17(beta) + progesterone but did not change significantly during administration of a placebo or progesterone.
It was concluded that the biological variables which influence genital tissue conductivity are reliably cyclic and that changes in conductivity can be used for estrus detection. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)
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