DETECÇÃO DE ESTRO BOVINO COM DRONE PELO USO DE BUÇAL MARCADOR E ADESIVO

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the performance of two known tools for the detection of estrus in bovine females, the adhesive and the marker buçal, when used in conjunction with a drone, in the afternoon and at night. Forty crossbred females (Dutch/Zebu) of reproductive age were grouped into four groups (n=10), as follows: Group 1 (control) - females with proper adhesive for estrus detection without any scraping area (grey); Group 2 - females with 50% orange scraping adhesive; Group 3 - females with light coat in the region of the croup with fluorescent purple marker brush ink; and Group 4 - females with dark rump coat with yellow fluorescent paint. After applying the adhesive and marking with ink, the bovine females were sent to a paddock. In the afternoon, a drone flight was carried out to capture images of the experimental herd at 20, 15, 12 and 10 meters high. The images were analyzed in a notebook for domestic use. For statistical analysis, data were submitted to Analysis of Variance. Differences between means were submitted to Tukey's test at 5% probability, for all causes of variations (p<0.05). It was possible to visualize, by capturing images with a domestic drone, 100% of the stickers without scraping (gray) at all flight heights. All stickers with 50% scraping (orange) were visualized at 10 meters height and 30% of them at 12 meters height. On the other hand, the simulation of marker mouthpiece with ink was visualized in all of them with purple coloring at 10 meters in height only. It was not possible to visualize the marking with yellow paint at any of the flight heights. A new flight was performed at night, but it was not possible to visualize or identify any of the images captured at heights of 20, 15, 12 and 10 meters. Despite the inks and stickers having intense fluorescent coloring, animals and markers could not be identified in the images obtained. In conclusion, a technique was developed with the combination of two technologies, the adhesive and ink simulating a marker mouthpiece, in conjunction with the drone for bovine estrus detection. This technique can be used by ranchers bringing good results in the afternoon. At night, it is necessary to carry out more tests with other technologies or cameras for the absence of lighting.