Cattle Stress Tool May Boost Fertility

K State Develops Brush Device to Help Calm Cows During Artificial Insemination Process 

Kansas State University researchers have developed a cool tool that may help reduce cattle stress and improve artificial insemination (AI) results.  

The idea came from animal science experts Nicholas Wege Dias and Sandy Johnson, who observed that cattle accustomed to their environment showed a 10% improvement in AI success. 

“Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling,” Dias said. 

The team turned to the Technology Development Institute (TDI) for help in designing and fabricating a brush device that cattle could use while in the chute. The concept was inspired by cow brushes seen in videos where animals rub themselves for comfort. 

TDI engineers crafted prototypes that could be adjusted for different heights and chute types. The brush sits just below head height and is placed in the alleyway, where cows can use it while waiting their turn. 

Two devices have been made and are now in use by Dias and his team to test how well they reduce stress and affect fertility. 

According to Bret Lanz, commercialization director at TDI, “Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry.” 

Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, this project reflects K-State’s mission to support agriculture with practical, science-based innovations that improve animal welfare and farm productivity.