Method and electrical resistance probe for detection of estrus in bovine

A method of detecting estrus in a bovine which comprises periodically determining the electrical resistance of the bovine vaginal mucus using a bovine vaginal probe which comprises:

• (a) a relatively non-conductive support means, having a generally cylindrical shape, adapted for insertion into a bovine vaginal tract and contact with the vaginal mucus therein;
• (b) having secured to the surface thereof at least one pair of substantially parallel electrodes aligned parallel to or at an angle of less than 45.degree. from the longitudinal axis of said support means, said electrodes being separated from each other by at least 45.degree.;
• (c) said electrodes being electrically connected to an AC ohm-meter adapted to determine the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus between said electrodes, and detecting a change in electrical resistance indicative of estrus.

A bovine vaginal probe for detecting estrus which comprises:

• (a) a relatively non-conductive support means, having a generally cylindrical shape, adapted for insertion into a bovine vaginal tract and contact with the vaginal mucus therein;
• (b) having secured to the surface thereof two sets of substantially parallel electrodes substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of said support means, each electrode spaces apart by about 90.degree., and each electrode being between about 1/16 inch and about 1/2 inch wide to about 1 inch to about 4 inches long;
• (c) said electrodes being electrically connectable to an AC ohm-meter adapted to determine the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus between said electrodes.

A method of detecting estrus in a bovine which comprises periodically determining the electrical resistance of the bovine vaginal mucus using a bovine vaginal probe which comprises:

• (a) a relatively non-conductive support means, having a generally cylindrical shape, adapted for insertion into a bovine vaginal tract and contact with the vaginal mucus therein;
• (b) having secured to the surface thereof at least one pair of substantially parallel electrodes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said support means, said electrodes being separated from each other by at least 45.degree.;
• (c) said electrodes being electrically connected to an AC ohm-meter adapted to determine the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus between said electrodes, and detecting a change in electrical resistance indicative of estrus.