Facility location
The map below is the location of the research facility used in this study. The facility is located at the Dairy Research and Technology Center (DRTC), University of Alberta (South Campus), Edmonton Alberta. The DRTC is a tie-stall research herd housing approximately 120 high producing Holstein dairy cows.
Sampling protocol
Nineteen cows housed in tie-stalls were monitored for 9 days throughout their estrous cycle. Activity was monitored by pedometer, and 24 hr video surveillance. Ultrasound scans and blood samples monitored ovarian changes and progesterone (P4) concentrations, respectively. The sampling protocol began on day -3 as day 0 was the day of prostaglandin (PGF) treatment. Estrus was expected 72 hours after PGF treatment, therefore an increase in activity was expected between days 2-4.
Objective 1.Data table
The experimental units in this study were the cows (n=19). The predictor variables for this study were pedometer records for lying times and lying bouts. Activity gathered from video records for lying times and lying bouts were the response variables.
Predictor variables were continuous and simply observed.
Predictor variables were continuous and simply observed.
Objective 2. Data table
The experimental units were the cows (n=17), 2 cows were removed from statistical analysis because they did not respond to the PGF treatment. The predictor variable was the trial day because day 0 was the day of treatment. Data was split into two treatments, 1) before PGF (days -3-1), and 2) after treatment (days 2-6). The response variables were steps, lying time, and lying bouts. Predictor variables were continuous and simply observed.
Disclaimer: This is a class exercise based on modified or randomly generated datasets