Cow Behavior Recognition Based on Wearable Nose Rings

Abstract

This study introduces a novel device designed to monitor dairy cow behavior, with a particular focus on feeding, rumination, and other behaviors. This study investigates the association between the cow behaviors and acceleration data collected using a three-axis, nose-mounted accelerometer, as well as the feasibility of improving the behavioral classification accuracy through machine learning. A total of 11 cows were used. We utilized three-axis acceleration sensors that were fixed to the cow’s nose, and these devices provided detailed and unique data corresponding to their activity; in particular, a recorder was installed on each nasal device to obtain acceleration data, which were then used to calculate activity levels and changes. In addition, we visually observed the behavior of the cattle. The characteristic acceleration values during feeding, rumination, and other behavior were recorded; there were significant differences in the activity levels and changes between different behaviors. The results indicated that the nose ring device had the potential to accurately differentiate between eating and rumination behaviors, thus providing an effective method for the early detection of health problems and cattle management. The eating, rumination, and other behaviors of cows were classified with high accuracy using the machine learning technique, which can be used to calculate the activity levels and changes in cattle based on the data obtained from the nose-mounted, three-axis accelerometer.