Researchers at Southwestern Jiaotong University have explored a novel approach to animal health and farm management by monitoring cattle with wearable technology. The researchers describe breaking new ground in tracking cattle health, location, and living conditions through smart sensors integrated into the animals’ routine life. Their findings were shared in a peer reviewed journal and highlight how technology can give farmers a clearer picture of herd well being without intrusive checks.
In this system, lightweight sensors are placed on the neck and legs of cows. These devices collect data and relay it to a central base station where farmers can observe the herd in real time. The movement of the animals powers the sensors, enabling continuous operation without frequent battery changes. This energy harvesting method means the system can run on the kinetic energy generated by the cows themselves as they move across fields, pen areas, and pasture corridors.
The researchers emphasize that constant monitoring of cattle health and environment can help reduce disease risk and improve the overall efficiency of dairy and beef operations. The data gathered includes oxygen levels, ambient temperature and humidity, the frequency and pattern of movements, reproductive cycles, and milk production indicators. With this information, managers can make timely adjustments to feeding programs, housing conditions, and grazing plans to support animal welfare and farm productivity.
Preliminary tests of the devices on humans suggest that only a light cue is needed to ensure reliable operation, pointing to a future where the same technology could be applied to other settings such as athletic training or medical care. While the current focus is on livestock, researchers see potential for broader use in performance monitoring and health tracking across different populations and environments.