Technical, economic and sociological impacts of an automated estrus detection system for dairy cows
Résumé
The use of a sensor system for detecting estrus of dairy cows is increasing rapidly in Europe. Many studies have evaluated these sensors ability to detect estrus, but there is a lack of information on their economic and sociological impacts on dairy farms. The objective of this study was first to assess the technical and economic consequences of an investment in an automated estrus detection (AED) system on a farm. A dynamic stochastic simulation model was used to simulate all the physiological and management processes in a dairy farm. For a herd of 125 cows, the increase of the annual profit (excluding labour time) was €2007 when estrus detection rate increased from 50 to 80% (leading toa decrease of the calving interval from 433 to 412 days). This amount was equivalent to the annual cost of the equipment (€2,100). In smaller herds (35 or 65 cows), simulations showed negative profit investments (from -€800 to -€1,600 per year). The consequences on the farmer’s work and practices were also evaluated. Qualitative interviews were conducted on 20 farms equipped with AED sensors. Two-thirds of the farmers invested mostly to improve reproductive performances and 1/3 to improve labour time and quality of life. Eighteen out of 20 farmers maintained visual estrus detection (occasionally or frequently) in supplement of the alerts. Concerning labour, positive impacts were mentioned by 17 farmers on the reduction in stress caused by AI decision making, by 9 of them on the reduced labour time and the improved relationships with colleagues (because of decision making facilitation), and by 6 of them on increased schedule flexibility. This first analysis in a French context points out that the economic relevance of AED systems is obtained only in large herds with low estrus detection rates and provides information on the farmers’ motivations for adoption.