When the measurement affects the object – Impact of a multi-part head/ neck mounted wearable device on dairy cow behaviour, health and productivity
Date
2023-04-25
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Wearable technology is increasingly used in both dairy research and commercial dairy farming. Assessment of
how such wearables affect cows is of major importance to rule out reductions in welfare and productivity that
would hamper commercial implementation. Furthermore, if devices intended to measure behaviour affect
behaviour, data can no longer be extrapolated to a larger (unequipped) population, hampering their use as
research tools. Lack of published research on this topic may cause an underestimation of effects on cows and
research findings. We assessed the effects of a head/neck mounted wearable intended to capture methane and
measure activity on dairy cow behaviour, health and productivity. The device consisted of a nose-piece covering
the nostrils, held in place by a halter and a 4 kg neck-rig (31 × 19 × 23 cm at the widest points). We performed a
2 × 3-week cross-over trial involving 44 cows. Whereas many variables were not found to be affected, the
wearable significantly (P < 0.05) affected bald spots (2.3-fold increase), social grooming (initiated: 41%
decrease, received: 34% decrease) and drinking time (10% increase). Furthermore, milk yield and lactose content
were significantly decreased, and partial mixed ration intake tended to be decreased (P < 0.10), but all three to a
minor extent (<2% decrease). During the initial 6 h only, the wearable significantly increased transitions
(standing up and lying down) and tended to increase the probability of a lowered head. During the first week
only, the wearable significantly affected step counts (14% increase). During the last (third) week only it affected
displacements with physical contact in the feeder area (initiated: 29% increase, P < 0.10, received: 34% increase,
P < 0.05). This study showed that wearable technology can affect several parameters of dairy cow welfare.
Whilst some effects were minor or short-lived, others were larger and persisted or increased throughout the 3-
week deployment phase. This suggests that a habituation period of approximately one week should be
observed before collecting data with the wearable. In addition, further product development would be advisable
to reduce skin abrasions and improve its suitability for long-term application.
Description
Publication history: Accepted - 23 April 2023; Published online - 25 April 2023.
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Keywords
Wearable technology, Social behaviour, Activity, Feeding, Skin abrasions, Milk yield
Citation
Buijs, S., Weller, J. and Budan, A. (2023) ‘When the measurement affects the object – Impact of a multi-part head/neck mounted wearable device on dairy cow behaviour, health and productivity’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Elsevier BV. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105937.