Methods and apparatus for using vaginal electrodes for anticipating and detecting optimal breeding time

A method for monitoring the reproductive status of an animal, said method comprising the following steps:

• inserting into the vagina of the animal a probe having at least two electrodes at its insertion end, said end being configured to fit the cervical protrusion of the animal,
• rotating said probe to a predetermined radial orientation,
• applying across said electrodes an electrical signal, and
• measuring across said electrodes a signal indicative of the reproductive status of the animal.

A probe for monitoring the reproductive status of an animal, said probe comprising:

• an elongated body having a first end and a second end,
• said first end having a tip for entering the fornix region and contacting the tissues in said region,
• said tip having at least two electrodes spaced from the end of said tip such that the distance between the end of said tip and the proximal end of at least one of said electrodes does not exceed about 100% to 150% of the length of the cervical protrusion of the animal, and
• said second end having a marker for gauging the rotation of said elongated body to a predetermined radial orientation.

A method for monitoring the reproductive status of an animal, said method comprising the following steps:

• inserting into the vagina of the animal a probe equipped with a tip having at least two electrodes spaced from the end of said tip such that the distance between the end of said tip and the proximal end of at least one of said electrodes does not exceed about 100% to 150% of the length of the cervical protrusion of the animal, and further having an orientation marker at the end of said probe opposite to the tip-bearing end of said probe,
• rotating said marker to rotate said probe to a predetermined radial orientation,
• applying across said electrodes an electrical signal, and
• measuring across said electrodes a signal indicative of the reproductive status of the animal.

A method for monitoring the reproductive status of an animal, said method comprising the following steps:

• inserting into the vagina of the animal a vaginal insert having at least two electrodes and a cavity for receipt of the cervical protrusion of the animal,
• applying across said electrodes an electrical signal,
• measuring across said electrodes a signal indicative of the reproductive status of the animal, and
• transmitting said measurement to a receiver.