Farmers in the US who want to know when their cows become fertile can glue a
special patch called HeatWatch to their tails. Inside the patch is a
piezoelectric sensor and a tiny radio with a 400-metre range. Farmers normally
know that a cow is in oestrus when other cows in the herd try to mount her. When
a cow receives unwelcome attention from other cows the piezoelectric pressure
sensor is triggered and a radio signal is sent. Cows are only in oestrus for
10–12 hours each month. So the patch will be a boon to farmers, telling
them the optimum time to artificially inseminate the cows.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Einstein thought time dilation was both real and not – he was right
91É«Ç鯬
Space
Read an extract from Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’s The Edge of Space-Time
Culture
91É«Ç鯬
‘Thinking about the edges of space-time can help build a better world’
Culture
Environment
Galapagos corals suggest climate change drives stronger El Niños
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles