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
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
3
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
4
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
5
New Scientist recommends a brilliant take on the evolution of birds
6
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
7
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
8
Wolves seen hunting European bison in rare camera-trap recording
9
A nuclear war between India and Pakistan could destroy the ozone layer
10
Unpicking endometriosis reveals how it affects more than the pelvis
