Detection of the time of foaling by accelerometer technique in horses (Equus caballus)-a pilot study.

The research article conducts a pilot study testing the use of accelerometers attached to pregnant mares to potentially predict the time of giving birth. The researchers hypothesized the restlessness in mares before labor would increase and could be detected by these devices.

Objective

The main objective of the study was to reduce labor and time requirements involved in monitoring pregnant mares prior to childbirth. This was to be achieved by deploying small-sized accelerometers to detect increased restless activity in mares shortly before the final stage of labor.

Methodology

• The study focused on eight late pregnant mares to which the accelerometers were attached in a medioventral position on the mares’ halters.
• To examine any influence that the placement of the accelerometer might have, two more accelerometers were attached to one mare close to the jawbone (mandibular) and the joint which connects the skull and the spine (atlanto-occipital).
• The devices were programmed to transmit 600 signals per minute (10Hz).
• Data were continuously collected, reviewing intervals of 30-minutes from four days prior to foaling, up to the final two hours leading to the rupture of the allantochorion (the outermost membrane surrounding the embryo in mammals) during labor.

Results

• The results from the collected data indicated that the placement of the accelerometer had an impact on the rate of signal detection. The best performance was noted with the accelerometer in a lateral and dorsal position. The rate of acceleration detected by the system, however, did not vary regardless of where the device was placed, or when data was measured four days before foaling.
• The researchers observed an increase in acceleration difference from 120 minutes leading up to the birth and this surge was most noticeable during the last 30-20 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the researchers acknowledged the need for further technical refinements and an algorithm specifically designed for foaling to boost prediction accuracy. Despite the limitations, the study showcases the potential of accelerometers as a key part of future birth alert systems in horses.