Accuracy of prepartum vaginal temperature to predict the onset of calving in a Holstein-Friesian dairy herd: A comparison of anterior presentation, posterior presentation and twin calvings

Abstract

Calving management is an important fundamental aspect of successful dairy operation. With the development of precision livestock farming, namely dairy monitoring technology, there is surprisingly very little research undertaken. Therefore, it is worth researching the accuracy of intravaginal thermometers to predict calving. This study was completed on 257 Hungarian Holstein-Friesian dairy cows to evaluate the accuracy of intravaginal thermometers (Vel’Phone Sensor - Medria Solutions) to predict the onset of calving, comparing differences between anterior presentation to posterior presentation and twin calving. It can be concluded that the intravaginal thermometer can accurately alert the producer of impending parturition within 48 hours of notification but there is no definitive differentiation between vaginal temperature changes and presentation of the foetus(es).