Potential for autonomous detection of lambing using global navigation satellite system technology

摘要: Context On-animal sensing systems are being promoted as a solution to the increased demand for monitoring livestock health and welfare. One key sensor platform, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning, provides information on location movement of sheep. This could be used detect partition in sheep, period time when both ewes lambs at risk. The development algorithms based behavioural features provide alerts sheep managers enable intervention problems arise. Aims To investigate use GNSS method detecting changes around parturition. Methods collars were attached 40 late gestation grazing 3.09 ha paddock New Zealand. Several metrics derived: (i) mean daily speed, (ii) maximum (iii) minimum (iv) distance peers, (v) spatial utilisation by 95% convex polygon. Speed peers also evaluated an hourly scale 12 h before after lambing. Key results Minimum speed peaked day parturition (P < 0.001), suggesting animals may have been expressing more agitation did not settle. Isolation was evident during this time, with postpartum located further from their than pre-partum 0.001). Day lambing reduced Conclusions study demonstrates that technology can parturition-related behaviours scale; however, detection hour using is possible. Implications research highlights opportunity develop predictive models autonomously GNSS. then extended identify experiencing prolonged parturition, example dystocic birth enabling which would improve production welfare outcomes industry.