Evaluation of an electronic system for automatic calving detection on a dairy farm

Precise calving monitoring is important for reducing the effects of dystocia in cows and calves. The C6 birth control system is an electronic device that detects the time of the expulsion phase during calving. Several 53 Holstein were fitted on Day 280 ± 5 of gestation with the C6 birth control system, which was left in place until confirmation of calving. Sensitivity and PPV of the system were calculated as 100 and 95%, respectively. The partum events occurring at the group fitted with the system where compared with the analogous occurred at 59 animals without device. When alarmed by the system farm staff were in the calving barn during the expulsion phase in 100% of cases. On the contrary the cows without the device were assisted only in 17% of cases (P < 0.001).