Evaluation of the RumiWatch system as a benchmark to monitor feeding and locomotion behaviors of grazing dairy cows

Direct visual observation is a common method for validation of animal behavior technologies; however, observations are time consuming and subject to human error. The objective this study was evaluate the RumiWatch system (Itin Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland), which composed noseband sensor pedometer, monitoring feeding locomotion behaviors grazing dairy cows, determine its accuracy use as benchmark in studies. conducted at University Minnesota West Central Research Outreach Center Morris, Minnesota, from May June 2018. Two experiments were validated: (1) (2) rumination cycle bites. Lactating crossbred cows (n = 12) offered pasture 22 h/d, milked twice daily. Visual recorded by 3 observers with Pocket Observer app (Noldus Information Technology, Leesburg, VA). first experiment determined agreement pedometer 144 h behaviors. second 17.75 Pearson correlations evaluated associations observations, 0.84 rumination, 0.76 grazing, 0.39 drinking, 0.57 other activities, 0.83 standing, 0.91 lying, 0.38 walking. Correlations bites ?0.13 0.47, respectively. lying high precision accuracy, may be used instead validate technologies.