Review: A theoretical framework to define foraging behaviour syndromes in ruminants using wearable technologies

Area of Science:

• Animal behavior science
• Environmental science
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Pastoral farming faces pressure to reduce environmental impact.
• Individual animal variation offers potential for improved productivity and welfare.
• Foraging behaviors are key drivers of animal performance and environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a systematic methodology for capturing significant foraging behaviors in large groups of ruminants.
• To identify consistent foraging behavioral variations across individual animals.
• To create a practical tool for farmers to manage environmental externalities.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing wearable technology, specifically Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometers, on foraging ruminants.
• Collecting large, objective datasets from undisturbed animals, contrasting with traditional methods.
• Applying statistical analysis to cluster behaviors and inform a three-factor foraging behavior syndrome model.

Main Results:

• Development of a systematic methodology to capture foraging behaviors using wearable sensors.
• Identification of behavioral clusters that can be grouped into syndromes.
• Adaptation of the animal five-factor personality model to a three-factor foraging behavior syndrome model.

Conclusions:

• Wearable technology provides objective data on animal behavior in natural settings.
• Foraging behavior syndromes can be identified and utilized for targeted animal selection.
• Matching appropriate foraging behavior syndromes to pastoral landscapes can enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.