Abstract: Improvements in a diagnostic system for determining and/or monitoring a physiological condition in a female mammal are disclosed. The diagnostic system includes hardware and software, and comprises algorithms for the recognition of predetermined patterns of data values, said algorithms being applied to said current daily data value and said stored daily data values by said microprocessor means, said microprocessor means controlling said display means to display characters representing one of several states of the mammal in response to recognition of a corresponding one of said predetermined patterns, wherein the algorithms are capable of determining, for example and substantially automatically, variables that can be used to define the beginning of the fertile cycle of the mammal, the end of the fertile cycle of the mammal and the most fertile day of the mammal. The improvements of the present invention involve a novel user interface providing display of the physiological condition over time to the user.

Abstract: Manual techniques for monitoring animal ovulation cycle have been used commercially to determine the best time to breed animals. Techniques using heat as an indicator for ovulation do not always correspond to ovulation. The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and kits for monitoring and predicting ovulation using an automated hand-held device, incorporating a computer and probe for detecting physical changes in the animal body fluid. Changes in electrolyte levels are detected as alterations in resistance which corresponds to specific intervals in the ovulation cycle. The present invention provides a rapid, low cost means for monitoring mammalian ovulation cycles and a tool for use in artificial insemination, especially in assessing large populations of animals.

Abstract: Improvements in a diagnostic system for determining and/or monitoring a physiological condition in a female mammal are disclosed.