Thus substantial overlap of the conductivity values between infected and uninfected quarters exists if the designation is made from values at only one milking. Electronic Detection of Estrus Recent reports indicate that electronics also can be used to improve estrus detection. Electronic detection of estrus also is possible via measurement of electrical conductance of vaginal secretions or of reproductive tract tissue. The efficiency of this approach has been documented in Israel, Ireland and the U.S., but its incorporation into an automatic recording system awaits the development of a reliable telemetric sensor system. In addition, vaginal temperatures are difficult to obtain for cows that are free roaming, as in free stalls.
Intravaginal devices designed to hold units in the vagina appear to have some promise.
Automatic Weighing An application of electronic identification which many producers will find attractive is automatic weighing of cattle. The accuracy of body weight measurements and body weight changes over the lactation, are becoming increasingly important in the fine tuning of rations. Robotics Dairy producers usually frown at the mention of robotics for tasks such as attaching the milking machine. However, there is interest in this topic among livestock engineers and some feasible units are starting to make their way out of the laboratory into the milking parlor. Some workers have demonstrated a system in which light sensors locate the udder, infrared sensors locate the teats by temperature differentiation, and a specially built apparatus attaches the teat cups.