Leg Tag Accelerometer for Monitoring Livestock

Introduction

For contemporary agriculture to meet the rising worldwide demand for animal products, effective and
sustainable livestock management is crucial. The Leg Tag Accelerometer is one example of a
technological invention that has significantly changed this industry. In-depth study of this cutting-edge
technology will be provided in this review, along with explanations of its operational principles,
applications, data management, analysis tools, and potential to improve agricultural decision-making.

A paradigm shifts in the way we keep track of and care for our animals can be seen in the Leg Tag
Accelerometer, a wearable gadget fastened to a cow's leg. Farmers can now monitor the health and
well-being of their cattle with an unparalleled level of accuracy thanks to the use of motion-sensing
technology, which continuously collects vital behavioral data. As we learn more about how this
technology operates, its many uses, data management techniques, and the chances it offers for making
well-informed decisions will become clear.

How the does Technology Works

Cattle are equipped with tiny electronic sensors called leg tags called accelerometers. To capture
information about motion, orientation, and space, these gadgets use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and
occasionally magnetometers [1]. A leg tag accelerometer is first firmly fastened to a cow's leg to start Commented [LK1]: This source does not mention
the process. In order to cause the animal as little disruption as possible in its regular activities, these magnetometers or gyroscopes and does not appear to align
with the cited information
devices are often lightweight and unobtrusive in design.

Continuous data collection is done while the animals are moving about. while a cow moves differently,
such as while walking, running, grazing, or resting, the accelerometers record those movements [3,11].
They also keep an eye on posture, which makes it possible to spot any changes in behavior or health.
The device can gather information about a variety of elements of cow wellbeing by assessing these
factors, including lameness detection, estrus tracking, and general activity levels.

The leg tag accelerometer data is often wirelessly transferred to a central data repository, where it is
processed and stored. Farmers and veterinarians can access this real-time data via web-based interfaces
or mobile applications. The system uses machine learning algorithms to filter and analyze the data,
separating out potential problems like illness or discomfort from potential issues like normal behavior.
Early disease detection and rapid care are made easier by this automated analysis. Leg tag
accelerometers, as a whole, provide a non-invasive and continuous means of data gathering, enabling
thorough monitoring of cattle behavior and health, which can considerably enhance decision-making in
livestock management.
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Through ongoing data collection and subsequent analysis, Leg Tag Accelerometer technology is used in
agriculture to track the activity and health of animals, notably cattle. The management, analysis, and
visualization of data using this technology are described as follows:

Data Collection and Transmission:

Leg Tag Accelerometers are fastened to a cow's leg, where they capture information on the animal's
movements and behaviors on a continuous basis. These gadgets have sensors and communication
modules, allowing them to wirelessly send the data they've gathered to a centralized database or cloud
platform.

Real-Time Monitoring:

Through user-friendly dashboards on PCs or mobile devices, farmers and livestock managers may
receive real-time data on the activity and behavior of specific cows or the entire herd. Insights on
grazing patterns, strolling, resting, and other activities are provided by this real-time monitoring,
enabling farmers to react quickly to any aberrant behavior or health issues [2].

Data Management:

- To facilitate access and retrieval, the gathered data is securely stored in the cloud or on specialized
servers.

- Information is organized and archived through data management systems, making it accessible for
analysis and historical research.

- In order to manage storage effectively, farmers can establish data retention policies that ensure that
pertinent information is maintained while extraneous data is immediately erased.
Data Analysis:

- Applying sophisticated algorithms and machine learning models to the gathered data allows for the
extraction of insightful information.

These investigations can spot patterns, trends, and anomalies in the behavior, health, and
environmental elements that affect cattle [4].

- In order to receive warnings when particular circumstances or deviations occur, farmers can create
custom thresholds and alerts, enabling proactive actions.

Data Visualization:

- To portray the results in a way that is clear and actionable, data visualization tools are utilized.

- Dashboards provide graphical data representations, including as charts, graphs, and heatmaps, which
make it simpler for farmers to understand the data.

- Users of visualization tools can compare data over time, monitor changes, and base decisions on trends
and patterns.

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from reference 2
Improving Decision-Making Through Technology Commented [TT4]: Some of these don’t apply. No
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The information obtained from Leg Tag Accelerometer technology can greatly enhance agricultural correctly.

decision-making. The following are a few ways that technology improves the decision-making process:

1. Early Health Issue Detection: The system can swiftly spot symptoms of illness or distress by
continuously monitoring cattle behavior. When odd patterns are found, alarms are sent to farmers,
enabling quick action. The severity of health problems is lessened, veterinarian expenses are reduced,
and overall animal welfare is improved because of this early detection [6]. Commented [LK5]: This source does not appear to be
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2. Optimized Feeding and Grazing Management: Feeding and grazing regimens can be modified using
information on cow activity patterns. Farmers may supply feed during periods of high activity, ensuring
that cows get the proper nutrients when they are most in need of it. Improved milk production,
resource use, and weight increase may result from this optimization [7]. Commented [LK6]: This source does not appear to be
aligned specifically with the cited information
3. Enhanced Reproductive Management: The technology helps farmers determine when breeding is
most advantageous by tracking estrus activity. Increased conception rates, fewer missed heats, and
more successful pregnancies are all possible effects of improved timing [9].

4. Labor and time costs are reduced because automated data gathering eliminates the need for human
record-keeping and monitoring. This frees up farm staff to concentrate on other important activities, like
managing the health of the herd or maintaining the infrastructure.

5. Data-Driven Planning: Farmers can make data-driven decisions for long-term planning by analyzing
historical data. To maximize herd performance and resource allocation, they can evaluate the impact of
management changes, assess the success of interventions, and make adjustments to their strategy [8]. Commented [LK7]: This source does not appear to be
aligned specifically to the cited information
6. Environmental Impact Mitigation: Farmers can reduce feed waste and lessen the environmental
impact of their operations by enhancing feed management and grazing methods. This fits in with legal
obligations as well as sustainability aims.

7. Resource Efficiency: Farmers can use resources like water and electricity more effectively by using the
technology's insights. For instance, they can save water usage by altering watering schedules based on
the behavior patterns of the cattle. Commented [LK8]: Image does not appear to be
referenced from copied source?

Benefits of Leg Tag Accelerometer Technology:

1. Real-time Monitoring: Leg Tag Accelerometer technology's capacity to provide real-time monitoring
of cattle activity is one of its main features. This means that farmers may quickly spot symptoms of
distress, disease, or damage, enabling quick action and possibly minimizing animal suffering [5].

2. Data-Driven Insights: The technology produces a ton of information on the activity and health of
cattle. Farmers can decide on feeding schedules, breeding procedures, and general herd management
by studying this data. Profitability and productivity can both increase.

3. Efficiency and Labor Savings: Manual observation is frequently required for traditional livestock
monitoring, which can be time- and labor-intensive. Leg Tag Accelerometers automate this procedure so
that farmers can concentrate on other important duties.

4. This technology can help reduce feed waste and promote more environmentally friendly animal
farming methods by optimizing feeding schedules and spotting health problems early on.

5. Scalability: The technology is scalable, making it adaptable and available to a variety of farmers. It can
be used for both small- and large-scale livestock operations. Commented [LK9]: References missing ?

Limitations of Leg Tag Accelerometer Technology:

1. Cost of Implementation: For small-scale farmers in particular, the upfront cost of buying Leg Tag
Accelerometers and setting up the required infrastructure for data administration can be a substantial
obstacle.

2. Data Security Issues: Storing private information about animals in the cloud poses data security issues.
To safeguard farmers' information and guard against security breaches, it's essential to use strong
encryption and cybersecurity safeguards.

3. Data Accuracy and Calibration: Proper calibration and maintenance are essential for the accuracy of
the data that accelerometers acquire. Inaccurate readings can result in incorrect interpretations of cow
behavior and, possibly, ineffective treatments.

4. Skill and Training Needs: Farmers require training to use technology successfully and decipher the
data it produces.

Leg Tag Accelerometers are powered by batteries, which affects their battery life. Long battery life is
necessary to prevent data collecting interruptions. In distant places, managing and replacing batteries as
needed might be difficult for farmers. Commented [LK10]: No references provided?

Recommendations for the Use of Leg Tag Accelerometer Technology in Dairy Farming:
Agriculture's most important subsector, dairy farming can greatly benefit from the use of Leg Tag
Accelerometer technology. The following suggestions are for its application in this particular agricultural
sector:

1. Health Monitoring: Leg tag accelerometers should be used to track the behavior and activity levels of
dairy cows. Analyze this data frequently to spot early indications of health problems including lameness,
mastitis, or calving difficulties.

2. Optimized Feeding: Connect the technology to feed administration programs. Utilize information on
cattle activity patterns to modify feeding schedules and make sure cows are fed appropriately
throughout their most active times. As a result, milk production and herd health may improve.

3. Reproductive management: Monitor estrus behavior using technology. Farmers can find the best
times to breed by keeping an eye on variations in activity patterns, which will boost fertility rates and
improve reproduction management [9].

4. Labor Efficiency: Educate agricultural workers on how to use technology to evaluate data and
successfully react to alarms. This can cut down on the amount of time needed for manual monitoring
and free up workers to work on other crucial activities [10].

Leg Tag Accelerometer technology can help dairy farmers manage their herds more effectively and
produce more milk from healthier cows. Dairy farmers can use the benefits of this technology to
improve their businesses and contribute to the long-term viability of the dairy industry by heeding these
tips.

References

1. Wang, J., He, Z., Ji, J., Zhao, K., & Zhang, H. (2019). IoT-based measurement system for
classifying cow behavior from tri-axial accelerometer. Ciência Rural, 49.

2. Wang, J., He, Z., Zheng, G., Gao, S., & Zhao, K. (2018). Development and validation of an
ensemble classifier for real-time recognition of cow behavior patterns from accelerometer data
and location data. PloS one, 13(9), e0203546.

3. Tamura, T., Okubo, Y., Deguchi, Y., Koshikawa, S., Takahashi, M., Chida, Y., & Okada, K.
(2019). Dairy cattle behavior classifications based on decision tree learning using 3‐axis neck‐
mounted accelerometers. Animal Science Journal, 90(4), 589-596.

4. Vázquez Diosdado, J. A., Barker, Z. E., Hodges, H. R., Amory, J. R., Croft, D. P., Bell, N. J., &
Codling, E. A. (2015). Classification of behaviour in housed dairy cows using an accelerometer-
based activity monitoring system. Animal Biotelemetry, 3(1), 1-14.
5. Tian, F., Wang, J., Xiong, B., Jiang, L., Song, Z., & Li, F. (2021). Real-time behavioral recognition
in dairy cows based on geomagnetism and acceleration information. IEEE Access, 9, 109497-
109509.

6. Stewart, M., Wilson, M. T., Schaefer, A. L., Huddart, F., & Sutherland, M. A. (2017). The use of
infrared thermography and accelerometers for remote monitoring of dairy cow health and
welfare. Journal of dairy science, 100(5), 3893-3901.

7. Marcon, M., Meunier-Salaün, M. C., Le Mer, M., & Rousselière, Y. (2017, September).
Accelerometer technology to perform precision feeding of pregnant sows and follow their
health status. In 8. European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming (ECPLF) (p. np). Commented [LK11]: This source is about pig farming

8. MacKay, J. R., Deag, J. M., & Haskell, M. J. (2012). Establishing the extent of behavioural
reactions in dairy cattle to a leg mounted activity monitor. Applied Animal Behaviour Science,
139(1-2), 35-41.

9. Benaissa, S., Tuyttens, F. A. M., Plets, D., Trogh, J., Martens, L., Vandaele, L., ... & Sonck, B.
(2020). Calving and estrus detection in dairy cattle using a combination of indoor localization
and accelerometer sensors. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 168, 105153.

10. Michie, C., Andonovic, I., Davison, C., Hamilton, A., Tachtatzis, C., Jonsson, N., ... & Gilroy,
M. (2020). The Internet of Things enhancing animal welfare and farm operational efficiency.
Journal of Dairy Research, 87(S1), 20-27.

11. Nielsen, L. R., Pedersen, A. R., Herskin, M. S., & Munksgaard, L. (2010). Quantifying walking
and standing behaviour of dairy cows using a moving average based on output from an
accelerometer. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 127(1–2), 12–19.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.08.004