Identification of oestrus cows based on vocalisation characteristics and machine learning technique using a dual-channel-equipped acoustic tag

•Sound recognition in cow heat detection remains a challenge.•Integration of hardware and filtering algorithm for extracting cow call clips.•The most suitable combination of cow sound features is determined.•Optimal match between time window and discrimination method for oestrus detection was found.•This study proves sound signals can be used as an early indicator of oestrus cows.