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Michigan State University
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East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-355-4720
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A REVIEW OF STRAY VOLTAGE RESEARCH:
DEFINITIONS
Alternating Current (ac): Flows first in one direction and then in the other to complete one cycle. Electrical power serving homes and farms are at 60 Hz.
Behavioral change: Changes in behavior that can be associated with novel or objectionable stimuli or events. Changes range from mild or moderate (i.e., flinching or becoming vocal) to distinct (i.e., raising a leg or kicking).
Circuit: An Electrical pathway, consisting of conductors, loads, and source, through which electric current flows.
Cortisol: A hormone sometimes released in response to a stressful stimulus.
Current (A): The flow of electrons through a pathway, due to a difference in electric potential (voltage).
Direct Current (dc): Current or voltage, either positive or negative, (monophasic) applied continuously for a given period of time, or applied intermittently with a period of zero level between stimulus applications.
Dopamine: An inhibitor of prolactin secretion.
Electrocardiograms (ECG): Epinephrine: Also known as adrenalin (inhibits milk letdown).
Impedance (Z): Combination of electrical resistance, inductance, and capacitance that impede the flow of current in an electrical pathway (approximately equal to the resistance for animal circuits).
Hertz (Hz): A unit if frequency. One hertz equals one cycle per second.
mA: Electrical current in milliamperes. One milliampere = 1/1000 ampere.
Momentary: A current or voltage event that is between about 1/100 of a second, and one or two seconds (usually a damped waveform).
ms: Time in milliseconds. One millisecond = 1/1000 of a second. The time required for one cycle of 60 Hz voltage or current is 16.7 milliseconds (0.017 seconds).
Norepinephrine: A hormone that is impossible to determine when animals first become aware of an object or event; therefore, visible signs of perception are measured by looking at changes in behavior, e.g., leg lifting, or training animals to perform a specific task, such as pressing a lever, in response to stimulus.
Oxytocin: A hormone involved in milk letdown.
Perception: An awareness of. It is impossible to determine when animals first become aware of an object or event; therefore, visible signs of perception are measured by lifting, or training animals to perform a specific task, such as pressing a lever, in response to stimulus.
PGF2 : Used to induce heat in cattle.
Physiological effects: Measurable changes in the normal body functions of an animal. Measured variables commonly include levels of hormones in blood, heart rate, and other indices of normal functioning.
Postpartum: After calving and coming into milk.
Prolactin: This hormone is necessary for mammary growth in cows.
Resistance (R): The properties of a material that impedes the flow of current in an electric circuit.
rms: This is the root mean square value of an alternating current or voltage. It is the value generally displayed by an analog or digital electrical meter. For a sinusodial current or voltage the rms value is 0.707 times the zero to peak value of the sine wave. For a square wave current, the rms value is the same as the peak value.
SCC: Somatic cell count.
Transient: A voltage or current impulse of short duration, usually less than 1/2 of a 60 Hz cycle (approximately 1/100 of a second).
Voltage (V): A difference in electrical potential between two points.