Developing Algorithms and a Mathematical Model for Monitoring the Physiological State of Cattle

Abstract

This study involved theoretical and experimental research at farms with existing hardware and software. Measurements were conducted with non-invasive methods using special bolus transmitters (smaXtec animal care GmbH, Graz, Austria) developed for cow health monitoring. The boluses were introduced orally into the rumen of the studied cows. Algorithms and mathematical models were constructed for identifying estrus, calving and illnesses, and for monitoring feed and water consumption. Initial data were imported from a standard file, compatible with other applications (CSV table). Additionally, correlations were analyzed between temperature indicators, the rumen pH and the motor activity of the cattle. Illustrations include plots of the main vital factors and the correlated functions, and a screenshot of the software working console. Also included are tables with the results for each cow, the average values and the RMS deviation. The mathematical model developed is a set of algorithms and calculation results. Code for its implementation was written in Matlab R2019b and is attached to this report. This mathematical model may be used to process and interpret data obtained by boluses put into the rumen of animals.
 Keywords: cattle, rumen acidity, temperature, motor activity, estrus, calving