The Detection of Physiological Changes Using a Triaxial Accelerometer and Temperature Sensor-Equipped Bolus-Type...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Monitoring calf health is crucial for livestock management.
• Assessing physiological changes in young animals presents unique challenges.
• Existing methods for continuous physiological monitoring in calves are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel wireless bolus biosensor for monitoring physiological changes in calves.
• To assess the biosensor's retention, location, and data transmission capabilities.
• To analyze physiological parameters like movement and temperature during calf development and weaning.

Main Methods:

• Oral implantation of a wireless biosensor with accelerometer and temperature sensors in twelve calves (beef and dairy).
• Wireless data transmission at 10-minute intervals for 15 weeks.
• Analysis of daily averages of vector magnitude (DV), changes in V over time (DV1), and reticular temperature (DRT).

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated successful wireless data transmission for 15 weeks, with high retention rates in the reticulum.
• Analysis revealed that movement (DV and DV1) and temperature (DRT) parameters were influenced by the biosensor's location and calf age.
• Significant changes in DV, DV1, and DRT were observed during the weaning period, indicating physiological adaptation.

Conclusions:

• The wireless bolus biosensor is a viable tool for monitoring calf physiological status.
• Observed physiological changes correlate with developmental stages like weaning.
• Further research is warranted to explore the biosensor's potential for detecting specific health conditions in calves.