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On-animal sensors: measuring grazing cattle behaviour under two different supplement strategies
Author
Freitas-Kirk, T
Eyre, KE
McCosker KD
Prada e Silva, L
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Protein supplements are a common approach to address nutrient deficiencies in rangeland cattle. On-animal sensors have emerged as an alternative for measuring individual cattle behaviour, including supplement intake, in near real-time without human intervention. This study aimed to study the combination of on-animal sensors to monitor behavioural changes in response to varying levels of individual supplement consumption. Fourteen Droughtmaster heifers were fitted with a wireless ear tag (WelfareTag „¢ HerdDogg), GPS collar (i-gotU GT-600), and rumen bolus (SmaXtec® Classic Bolus). They co-grazed a 10-ha paddock from 20/9/22 to 13/12/22. In two consecutive periods, they were offered different supplementary high-protein diets, expected to vary in palatability. During period one (days 1-42), heifers received 300 g/d of a low-intake supplement (26% CP, 5% Urea), and during period two (days 43-85), they received 1000 g/d of a high-intake supplement (30% CP, 4% Urea). Data were analysed using R (version 4.3.1) and RStudio with a linear mixed-effects model ('lmer'), each parameter was considered individually. During period 2, heifers spent 1.7 times more time at the feed trough than in period 1 (p<0.001), suggesting increased supplement consumption. Grazing activity was not significantly higher in period 1 than in period 2 (p<0.1). Resting time in period 1 decreased (p<0.1) but travelling times increased (p<0.01). Rumen temperature and rumination index were lower in period 1 (p<0.05, p>0.1), while oestrus index was higher in period 1 compared to period 2 (p<0.001). Counts of water-drinking events were higher in period 2 (p<0.001). In conclusion, behavioural differences were detected by on-animal sensors associated with greater supplement intake. The adoption of sensors for continuous monitoring enhances nutritional, grazing, and reproductive management in extensive rangelands, supporting better decision-making about target supplement intake and improving grazing behaviour and pasture utilisation.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 412-416. Theme: Theme 3 / Decision support – models and tools for integrated rangeland management
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
protein supplements
on-animal sensors
monitor behaviour