An apparatus (100) for automatically detecting a status of an oestrus indicator associated with an animal is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a structure having two substantially parallel barrier means (1) and moveable barrier means (2) for selectively preventing an animal from proceeding between the parallel barrier means (1). A camera (11) is provided for capturing an electronic image of an area of interest of the animal (A), the area of interest comprising an area of the animal (A) which the oestrus indicator is usually associated with or attached to. Processing means (300) determine a status of the oestrus indicator based on the image. Animal position sensing means (6) are also provided, wherein, in use, closing of the moveable barrier means (1) is dependent on the animal position sensing means (6) detecting that a required portion of the animal (A) has moved past the moveable barrier means (1). A method of automatically detecting a status of an oestrus indicator associated with an animal is also disclosed.
