Monitoring Cattle Motion using 3-axis Acceleration and GPS Data

This paper examines feasibility of a cattle monitoring device that can sense, record, and wirelessly transmit the 3-axis acceleration and global positioning system (GPS) data of the cow for accurate and timely monitoring. The device is intended to use for estrus detection by interpreting the measured data to identify cow’s behavior and act. The device also has capability to store the detailed cattle activity data and transfer them wirelessly to the main dairy management computer when cattle enter the barn. Measured tri-axis acceleration and GPS data through field tests in a dairy barn were performed post-processing for interpretation of data and plotted for diagnosis of behavior including frequency and distance traveled as well as the location of cattle. Specifically, the frequency of cow’s activity was analyzed by power spectral density (PSD) for the 3-axis acceleration data and the distance traveled was realized from GPS data. The results indicated that the 3-axis acceleration and GPS data could be used to monitor motion of cattle including time spent prone, distance traveled, and overall activity levels. The monitoring device’s primary application is to automate estrus detection for artificial insemination, but the capability to track the cow’s motion characteristics may provide dairy operators with the capacity to assess the cow’s behavior and act to improve the overall well-being and health of the cow.