Estrus detection in farm animals with the help of estrus gun / Intravaginal probe

Estrus Detector is a device used to check the estrus in cows, buffalos, mares,

sheep and in swines. This device mainly consists of a display screen, gun, probe

(consists of electrodes) and a switch.

How it works?

This device works on the principle of electrical impedance (resistance). On pressing the switch current flows which detects the impedance of cervical mucous and shows the reading between 0-900 ohms. 

• physiology in follicular and luteal phase:

1. Animal in dominant follicular phase => high estradiol => cervical mucous becomes plentiful, watery (low electrical resistance and high conductivity), and less viscous which facilitates good current flow => reading 200 or <200 ohms.
2.  Animal in luteal phase => CL dominance => high progesterone => cervical mucous becomes thick, opaque, viscous and scanty ( high electrical resistance and low conductivity) => poor current flow => reading >400 ohms. 

Procedure:

1. First of all clean the perineum region of animal. 
2. Insert the probe into the vagina at the angle of 45 and then straight, after straightening touch the probe with the cervix. 
3. Press the switch and take reading. 
4. Rotate the probe 360° and again take the reading. 
5. Take 3 readings.
6. Clean the probe with a disinfectant before using to other animal. 

Advantages:

1. Allows for the detection of symptomless estrous (so-called silent estrous).
2. Makes it easier to determine an optimum mating time for females with atypical estrous cycles. 
3. Increases the effectiveness of insemination. 
4. Improves the economic results of breeding. 
5. Easy to use. 
6. Can save the details of up to 250 animals.
7. Can also be operated on data transmission software which allows easy transfer of saved data from the device to computer. 
8. Works on four AA 1.5V batteries. 
9. Available at Kurdson’s industries Lahore, Pakistan. 

Disadvantages:

1. High cost (Made in China 65,000 PKR , Made in Europe 1,35,000 PKR).
2. Only affordable in corporate dairy farms. 
3. Technical assistance required. 

Precautions while using Estrus Detector:

1. It is necessary to rotate the probe inside the animal by 360° before each measurement during measurement cycle to ensure the best possible (100%) contact between the electrodes and cervico-vaginal mucous. In this way you can always obtain accurate and correct results. 
2. The disinfectant and its solution may irritate the vaginal mucosa, so the recommended concentration should be observed that is 0.5% to 1%. 
3. It is forbidden to use any type of lubricant or boiling water as they will hinder mucous contact with electrodes.
4. Always insert the probe at 45° to minimise the passing of probe into the urethral diverticulum.