Real-Time Monitoring of Dairy Cattle Heat Stress Using Environmental Sensors and Wireless Data Transmission
HappyCow addresses the critical issue of heat stress in both housed and grazing dairy cattle, which can arise during moderate to high temperatures. This condition often results in elevated body temperatures and respiratory rates, adversely affecting feed intake, milk production, and reproductive performance. Effective monitoring of heat stress risk is essential not only for improving animal welfare but also for optimizing economic and production outcomes; however, such data is frequently inaccessible to farmers, hindering timely management decisions.
To mitigate this challenge, we will demonstrate the integration of advanced internal and external environmental sensors to monitor real-time heat stress risk at the Harper Adams Future Farm and the Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm. Environmental data will be collected and transmitted via mobile networks to a user-friendly dashboard, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding heat stress management.
The project is named “HappyCow” to signify its commitment to enhancing cattle welfare by effectively monitoring and managing heat stress, ensuring that cows remain comfortable and productive.
Further Reading:
Halachmi, I., Guarino, M., Bewley, J. and Pastell, M., 2019. Smart animal agriculture: application of real-time sensors to improve animal well-being and production. Annual review of animal biosciences, 7(1), pp.403-425.
Sejian, V., Shashank, C.G., Silpa, M.V., Madhusoodan, A.P., Devaraj, C. and Koenig, S., 2022. Non-invasive methods of quantifying heat stress response in farm animals with special reference to dairy cattle. Atmosphere, 13(10), p.1642.