December 11, 2019

US university uses Fitbit to monitor dairy cattle activity

The Team from Tarleton State University, Stephenville uses Fitbit to monitor cattle's behaviour, production and physiology for producers to better manage their livestock, reported KERA News.

Barbara Jones, Tarleton State professor and project head said two Fitibits are used - one for measuring daily milk production and the other to track the cattle's activity, such as their eating patterns for reproductive and health purposes.

In addition to the Fitbit, cameras haven been installed to detect the cattle's fatness and thinness, as well as detect how often the cattle drinks, lay down, stand and get up and down. Milk production is tracked, specifically its yield, milk fat, protein and somatic cell count (milk quality measurement). 

The new technology will help dairy producers' farm management, such as estimating when the cattle comes into heat. With better time management, producers can focus on business management or marketing.

The technology originated in monitoring swine and poultry but has been adapted for use in dairy cattle.

-      KERA News