Effects of heat stress on the accuracy of an ear-tag accelerometer for monitoring rumination and eating behavior in dairy-beef cross cattle using an automated gold standard.

Accelerometer-based technologies can be used for precision monitoring of feeding behaviors, but limited information is available regarding the effect of varying environmental conditions on sensor performance. The objective of this study was to determine if a commercially available ear-tag sensor (CM; CowManager SensOor, Agis Automatisering BV) could accurately quantify eating and rumination time under heat stress conditions. Data obtained from CM sensors was compared with data collected using an automated gold standard (RW; Rumiwatch System; Itin+Hoch).

Form of supplemental selenium fed to cycling cows affects systemic concentrations of progesterone but not those of estradiol.

In areas where soils are deficient in selenium (Se), dietary supplementation of this trace mineral directly to cattle is recommended. Selenium status affects fertility, and the form of Se supplemented to cows affects tissue-specific gene expression profiles. The objective of this study was to determine whether the form of Se consumed by cows would affect follicular growth and the production of steroids.