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 4kg neck-rig (31×19×23cm 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 6h 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.
Generated Summary
This study investigated the impact of a multi-part head/neck-mounted wearable device on the behavior, health, and productivity of dairy cows. The research employed a cross-over trial involving 44 cows, assessing various parameters over a 3-week period. The wearable device, designed to capture methane and measure activity, consisted of a nose-piece connected to a halter and a 4kg neck-rig. The study aimed to evaluate how the wearable technology influenced dairy cow welfare, focusing on both short-term and potential long-term effects on behavior and health indicators. The main goal was to determine if the wearable technology had any unintended consequences on the dairy cows. The study examined the effects of the device on several parameters of dairy cow welfare including behavior, health and productivity. The study also examined the potential effects of the wearable on social interactions, feeding behavior, and physical parameters, such as milk yield.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Bald Spots: The wearable device significantly increased bald spots (2.3-fold increase) after 3 weeks.
- Social Grooming: Social grooming (initiated: 41% decrease, received: 34% decrease) was significantly decreased.
- Drinking Time: Drinking time increased by 10%.
- Milk Yield and Lactose Content: Milk yield and lactose content were significantly decreased (minor extent, <2% decrease).
- Transitions: The wearable significantly increased transitions (standing up and lying down) during the initial 6 hours.
- Step Counts: Step counts increased by 14% during the first week only.
- Displacements with Physical Contact: During the last week (third) of the study it affected displacements with physical contact in the feeder area (initiated: 29% increase, received: 34% increase).
Other Important Findings
- The study revealed that the wearable technology can affect parameters related to dairy cow welfare.
- Some effects were minor or short-lived, while others were more significant and persisted or increased throughout the 3-week deployment phase.
- The initial 6 hours, the wearable significantly increased transitions (standing up and lying down).
- The wearable tended to increase the probability of a lowered head.
- The study suggests that a habituation period of approximately one week should be observed before collecting data with the wearable.
- The device did not affect ECMY, robot visits and rumination.
- Effects of the device on displacements emerged in the last week.
- Effects on production and other behavior / welfare parameters were small or absent.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The study involved a relatively short deployment period of three weeks, which might not fully capture the long-term effects of the wearable device.
- The sample size of 44 cows, while substantial, may not be fully representative of all dairy cow populations.
- The study was conducted in a free-stall housing system with a milking robot, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to other housing and management systems.
- The study acknowledges that the effects of the wearable on certain parameters, like milk yield and lactose content, were minor, which could limit the practical significance of these findings.
- The study primarily focused on short-term impacts, and there is a need for long-term assessments to fully understand the implications of wearable technology on dairy cow welfare.
Conclusion
The research underscores the importance of evaluating the impact of wearable technologies on dairy cows. The study’s findings reveal that the head/neck-mounted wearable device significantly affected various parameters of dairy cow welfare, including an increase in bald spots, decreased social grooming, and an increase in drinking time. The study suggests that a habituation period is needed to collect valid data, and further product development could reduce skin abrasions and improve its suitability for long-term application. The results emphasize that the use of the wearable technology can lead to unintended consequences on the dairy cows. The study shows the necessity of carefully assessing the influence of these devices on the animals, including behavior and health, to avoid any detrimental effects. The study’s findings provide valuable insights for the dairy industry and researchers to consider when employing wearable devices to minimize negative impacts on cow welfare. The results of the study highlight the need for researchers and product developers to prioritize animal welfare and behavior. The research emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluations of new technologies before wide-scale implementation in the dairy industry.