Maternal Weight Monitoring for Cattle Birth Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the birth date and birth weight of cattle are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to errors due to manual data collection, which affects the accuracy of genetic breeding values in systems like BreedPlan.
Innovation Solution
A method involving regular weight measurements of the mother animal over an expected birthing period, with data smoothing techniques to identify significant weight drops, allowing for the estimation of the birthing date and subsequent calculation of birth weight, using either average or median values to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to collect birth date and birth weight data, then data can be obtained, but the cost increases significantly and the accuracy decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods of catching and weighing calves with an automated electronic system that uses weight measurements from the mother animal to calculate birth date and birth weight. The system uses a computer to process weight data and apply algorithms, eliminating the need for physical handling of newborn calves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mother animal's own weight measurements to provide information about her calf's birth date and birth weight. The mother animal effectively provides the data needed through her own weight changes, eliminating the need for separate measurement of the calf.
2Quantity of substance
If manual catching and weighing of newborn calves is performed, then birth weight data can be collected, but the workload increases and requires additional staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods of catching and weighing calves with an automated electronic system that uses weight measurements from the mother animal to calculate birth date and birth weight. The system uses a computer to process weight data and apply algorithms, eliminating the need for physical handling of newborn calves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mother animal's own weight measurements to provide information about her calf's birth date and birth weight. The mother animal effectively provides the data needed through her own weight changes, eliminating the need for separate measurement of the calf.
3Measurement precision
If constant monitoring of pregnant animals is performed to determine birth date, then accurate birth date data can be obtained, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods of catching and weighing calves with an automated electronic system that uses weight measurements from the mother animal to calculate birth date and birth weight. The system uses a computer to process weight data and apply algorithms, eliminating the need for physical handling of newborn calves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes weight measurements of the mother animal in advance of the actual birth event, during her normal management cycle. By analyzing the pattern of weight loss leading up to birth, the system can estimate the birth date without needing to be present at the actual moment of birth or implement complex monitoring equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for estimation of birthing data (such as birthing date and birthing weight) by consideration of a mother animal's weight over an expected birthing period. The method includes: measuring or providing the weight of the mother animal at intervals over an expected birthing period to provide a series of dated weight records, estimating the underlying weight of the mother animal over the expected birthing period from the series of dated weight records, and identifying a significant weight drop of the mother animal by reference to the estimated underlying weight, wherein the estimated birthing date is on or before the date of the significant weight drop. The methods are particularly useful in animals associated with production, such as cattle.