HOBO Pendant Research Articles

PSIII-12 Dynamics of neonatal dairy calf behaviors and their association with early gut microbiota

Abstract The behavior of dairy cattle can be both an indicator and a determinant of their productivity and health. Additionally, animal behavior is also associated with their gastrointestinal microbiota through the bi-directional pathways of the gut-brain axis, influencing nutrient utilization and gut health. Few studies have looked at the dynamics of neonatal calf behaviors and their associations with early microbiota development. Therefore, the objective of this study is to observe feeding behaviors and activity of neonatal dairy calves and investigate its associations with the diversity and composition of early-stage gut microbiota. We used Holstein-Angus crossed calves (n = 25) raised in individual outdoor hutches and bucket-fed milk replacer twice daily. The number of milk exposures until calves were successfully bucket trained was recorded, along with milk consumption times during the AM feedings on d 7, 11, and 14. We also monitored the activity of the calves using HOBO Pendant G Data Logger accelerometers secured on the right hind leg of each calf to monitor standing and lying behavior from d 3 to d 13. Fecal samples were collected from the recto-anal junction of the calves at d 7 and 14 after birth and gut microbiota were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on an Oxford Nanopore sequencer. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was applied to evaluate effects of gender and birth weight on behavior and gut microbiota using RStudio 4.2.1. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was used to determine the unique bacterial species for each behavioral group. The results revealed that there was no influence of sex or birth weight on bucket training or consumption time; however, male calves exhibited significantly increased total standing time compared with female calves. We found no significant difference in microbiota between fast-learning calves (one milk exposure; n = 3) and slow-learning calves (5 or more exposures; n = 3). We observed greater alpha diversity of slow drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) compared with fast drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) on d 7 (Chao1; P = 0.03). The LEfSe analysis identified Akkermansia muciniphilia to be more abundant in fast drinking calves, and Megasphaera elsdenii to be more abundant in slow drinking calves. Additionally, a trend of differing microbiota composition was observed between the most active and least active calves (n = 4 per group) on d 14 (Bray-Curtis; P = 0.1), and many Prevotella species were more abundant in the most active calves. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the gut-brain axis of neonatal dairy calves at the species-level and provides further insights into cognitive, consumptive, and active behaviors.

479 Pain control for the castration of newborn bull calves by elastration

Abstract All methods of castration are known to cause pain regardless of the method, or age of the animal. Our objective was to explore providing pain control for bull calves castrated by elastration prior to 1 wk of age. Singleton, bull calves (n = 85) born at the Ontario Beef Research Centre were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups at birth: a single dose of oral meloxicam at castration (1ORAL), a dose of oral meloxicam at castration and a second oral dose 1 wk later (2ORAL), a dose of injectable meloxicam at castration (1INJECT), not castrated (SHAM), or castrated without pain control (PAINFUL). Calves were treated within 48 h of birth and followed until weaning. All calves were observed 2 h/d for 13 different pain-associated behaviors (e.g., tail flicks, kicking, licking the scrotum) on the day of castration (d 0), as well as d 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. To record general activity, from d -1 to d 14 each calf wore an Onset HOBO Pendant G Data Logger attached to one of their hind legs. Calves were weighed weekly until they were turned-out to pasture and thereafter weighed bi-weekly until weaning. Five behaviors were statistically significant between treatment groups. PAINFUL calves had roughly three times the rate of licking (P > 0.05) compared with calves in 1ORAL, 2ORAL, and 1INJECT groups, and four times the rate of licking compared with SHAM calves. Additionally, PAINFUL calves had two times the rate of tail flicks (P < 0.05) compared with meloxicam-treated calves, and five times the rate of tail flicks compared with SHAM calves. A treatment effect (P < 0.05) was observed for standing time, with PAINFUL calves spending the least amount of time standing on average in a 24-h period. No statistical time differences were seen between the remaining treatment groups. No treatment or treatment*time interaction effects were observed for lying time. A tendency was seen for treatment effect on lying time (P = 0.0581), with PAINFUL calves spending the most time lying on average and having a significance difference compared with all other treatment groups (LSM > 0.05). No treatment effect was seen for average daily gain up to wk 8, and for final weaning weights. Weight at time of castration was significant (P < 0.05); however, calves were not blocked by BW when assigned to treatment. In conclusion, meloxicam-treated calves expressed decreased rates of pain-associated behaviors compared with PAINFUL calves, and BW did not differ at time of weaning. Our results provide evidence that calves castrated by elastration before 1 wk of age and received meloxicam, experience less pain.

Effects of space allowance on patterns of activity in group-housed dairy calves

With increasing use of social housing for dairy calves, there is a need to refine housing management practices that influence animal behavior and may affect welfare. Our aim was to assess the effect of pen space allowance on activity patterns and pen space use. Holstein heifer calves were group-housed (n = 6 pens; 5 calves/pen) at 14 d ± 2.8 d of age (mean ± SD). After a 7-d adaptation, each pen was exposed to 3 different space allowances (3.7, 4.6, and 5.6 m2/calf) in a random order, according to a replicated Latin square design with three 7-d periods (period 1, d 22–28; period 2, d 29–35; and period 3, d 36–42). Calves were provided milk replacer (12 L/d) ad libitum via an automated milk feeder and gradually weaned over 10 d, beginning at 48 ± 3 d of age. Using leg-based accelerometers (HOBO Pendant G data logger, Onset Computer Corp., Pocasset, MA), we obtained data describing standing time, standing bout frequency, and standing bout duration. Daily pen-level average standing time (6.5 h/d; SE = 0.27) did not differ between treatments. However, with greater space allowance, calves had more frequent standing bouts (22.6 vs. 20.3 bouts/d; 5.6 vs. 3.7 m2/calf; SE = 0.96) of shorter duration. To assess effects of space allowance on within-pen individual variability, we calculated the coefficient of variation for daily activity outcomes at the pen level and intra-class correlation coefficients for hourly standing time, by pen and day. The coefficient of variation for standing behavior outcomes decreased with increasing space allowance, and the intraclass correlation for hourly standing time increased, suggesting that increasing space allowance reduced individual variability and may promote more synchronous rest. Finally, we qualitatively assessed use of pen space using motion heat maps generated using computer vision from video recorded of each pen from 0800 to 1200 h on d 6 and 7 of each experimental period for each pen. These images suggest that calves preferentially used space near the perimeter of the pen, but space was used more uniformly when space allowance is restricted. Overall, these results suggest that lower space allowances may restrict patterns of activity at the pen level and reduce behavioral synchrony.

Association between a pyroelectric infrared sensor monitoring system and a 3-dimensional accelerometer to assess movement in preweaning dairy calves

The objective of this study was to correlate movement assessed by a pyroelectric infrared sensor system in preweaning dairy calves with lying and standing time assessed by a 3D accelerometer considering the temperature-humidity index (THI). A total of 35 dairy calves (1–7 d of age) were enrolled in the study and 20 calves were included in the final analyses. The lying and standing time of the calves was monitored with a 3D accelerometer (Hobo Pendant G Data Logger, Onset Computer Corporation, USA), which was used as the gold standard reference. The infrared sensor monitoring system (IMS; Calf Monitoring System, Futuro Farming GmbH, Germany) was fixed to the fence of the calf hutch within the calf's reach. Temperature-humidity was monitored with 2 validated THI sensors inside and on outside of each calf hutch. Additionally, one THI sensor was located near the calf hutches. The observation period lasted 14 consecutive days. The average standing time assessed by the 3D accelerometer was 13.4 ± 12.7 (mean ± standard deviation) min/h and the average lying time was 46.6 (±12.7) min/h. The median (25th percentile; 75th percentile) number of movements measured by the IMS was 360 (60; 919) movements per hour. Number of movements per hour measured by the IMS was compared with data obtained with a validated 3D accelerometer. The Pearson correlation coefficient between both standing and lying time and the number of movements was r = 0.85 and r = −0.85, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were only slightly influenced by THI (low THI [<68]: r = 0.86; medium THI [68–72]: r = 0.85; high THI [>72]: r = 0.81). Our data show that the number of movements of dairy calves measured by IMS were highly correlated with the chosen gold standard reference method. High THI slightly affects the measurement accuracy of IMS.

Behavioural thermoregulation and food availability drive fine‐scale seasonal habitat partitioning in limpets

Abstract Small‐scale spatial variation in temperature plays a key role in limiting the distribution of organisms in thermally heterogeneous environments. In the rocky intertidal zone, intra‐day temperature variation at small scales (cm–m) can easily exceed 30°C. To experimentally test the impact of this small‐scale temperature heterogeneity on the distribution of an ecologically important limpet species (Cellana denticulata), boulders on an intertidal rocky reef in New Zealand were rotated and small‐scale temperature variability and food availability were measured throughout 1 year. Small‐scale variability in thermal tolerance, heart rate and heat shock protein expression was also measured to relate in situ limpet distributions with environmental conditions. Temperature variability was measured using limpet bio‐mimics and HOBO pendant temperature loggers, while food availability (chlorophyll a concentration) was measured on in situ concrete fibreboard tiles. To measure limpet distributions, every tagged limpet on each of 18 boulders was followed from June 2021 to 2022. During each sampling, the location of each limpet, compass direction and slope of the surface that each limpet inhabited was measured. To test for physiological differences among limpets from each microhabitat, thermal tolerance and heat shock protein expression were measured in collected limpets; in situ heart rates and body temperatures were also measured sporadically on hot days. Maximum predicted body temperatures (36–39°C), heart rates and actual body temperatures were greatest on equatorial surfaces (i.e. surfaces facing the equator) whereas food availability was greatest on poleward‐facing surfaces. During summer, limpets moved towards surfaces that minimised their body temperatures and maximised food availability, namely vertical and poleward‐facing surfaces and undersides of boulders. Thermal tolerance, measured using Arrhenius breakpoint temperatures (mean ± SE: 34.7–35.8 ± 0.4–0.7°C) and flat line temperatures (36.2–37.4 ± 0.3–0.4°C), was similar among limpets facing different directions. Surprisingly, heat shock protein expression was relatively consistent throughout the year and among directions. Overall, limpet populations are resilient to thermal stress because they effectively use behavioural thermoregulation to exploit cooler microhabitats that also have greater food availability during summer. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

87 Milk Yield, Vaginal Temperature, and Solar Radiation Exposure in Slick and Wild Type-Haired Puerto Rican Holstein Cows

Abstract As heat stress limits dairy cattle performance in the tropics, selection for heat resistant cattle has been proposed as a possible alternative for these countries. Such cattle should be able to regulate their body temperature efficiently so grazing activity is not compromised by environmental conditions. This is particularly important for Puerto Rico’s dairy industry, which depends on grazing as the principal or unique source of dietary fiber. Even though Puerto Rican slick-haired dairy cattle (SLICK) have been associated with superior thermoregulation, empirical data about their capacity to withstand greater solar radiation exposure while maintaining lower body temperature is scarce. The current study aimed to compare the vaginal temperature, solar radiation exposure, and milk yield between SLICK and wild type-haired (WT) cows. Evaluated groups were balanced for lactation number (P = 0.8101) and days in milk (DIM: P = 0.9619). Eight SLICK (2.00 ± 0.33 lactations and 160.33 ± 11.39 DIM) and 8 WT Holstein cows (1.89 ± 0.31 lactations and 159.44 ± 14.34 DIM) were compared. Initially, experimental groups were selected visually, then a genomic test confirmed each the hair coat type of each cow. Vaginal temperature was recorded by means of a HOBO TidbiT v2 Water Temperature datalogger secured to a blank CIDR. Light intensity exposure was recorded using a HOBO Pendant MX Temperature / Light datalogger secured to the top of a neck collar, as an index of solar radiation exposure (previously validated by our group). Data were recorded in each cow every 15 seconds for 48 consecutive hours (August 4-5, 2022) and averaged by hour for statistical analysis using the GLIMMIX Procedure of SAS. The week before the study SLICK cows showed greater milk yields than their WT counterparts (20.76 ± 0.55 vs.8.60 ± 0.56 kg/d; P = 0.0073). No time by hair coat type interaction was observed for vaginal temperatures (P = 0.1396). However, time (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and hair coat type (P = 0.0042) affected vaginal temperature. The SLICK cows presented lower vaginal temperatures than their WT counterparts, with daily averages of 39.08 ± 0.09 and 39.45 ± 0.10°C, respectively. A time by hair coat type interaction (P = 0.0293) was observed for the light intensity exposure of the cows. The SLICK cows had greater light intensity exposure than their WT counterparts at 1,000 h (15,467.00 ± 1,584.92 vs.10,057.00 ± 787.35 lx; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), 1,100 h (12,028 ± 1,660 vs. 8,571.11 ± 888.13 lx; P = 0.0078), and 1,200 h (13,191.00 ± 2,188.86 vs.10,923.00 ± 1,904.31 lx; P = 0.0801). No other differences in light intensity exposure were observed. Slick-haired cows were able to maintain a lower daily vaginal temperature, even with a greater exposure to direct solar radiation, further suggesting a superior thermoregulatory capacity. Concurrently, a greater milk production was observed in the slick-haired group. Future studies should evaluate grazing activity under direct solar radiation exposure in both hair coat groups.

Individual animal variability in rumination, activity, and lying behavior during the periparturient period of dairy cattle

The aim of the current study was to determine individual animal variability in rumination, activity, and lying behavior during the periparturient period within the context of dairy cattle nutrition, social, and physical environment. Holstein animals (nulliparous = 77, parous = 219) from one sand-bedded, freestall dairy in northwest Wisconsin were enrolled −17 d in milk (DIM, d 0 = calving), when they were fitted with an automated monitoring device (Hi-Tag, SCR Engineers Ltd.). At −11 DIM, animals were fitted with HOBO Pendant G Data Loggers. The HOBO Pendant G Data Loggers were fitted 6 d later because they were set up to collect data for 22 d (d −11 to 11), to avoid constant handling of the animals that could alter their behavior. Prepartum, nulliparous and parous animals were housed separately. Postpartum (1 to 17 ± 3 DIM), primiparous and multiparous cows were commingled. Samples of the total mixed ration were submitted for wet chemistry analysis and determination of physically effective NDF (peNDF). Temperature and humidity data were collected using RH Temp probes (HOBO Pro Series) installed in each of the pens, and the percentages of 30-min intervals within a day with temperature-humidity index ≥68 (PctTHI68) were calculated. Stocking density (cows per stall) during the pre- and postpartum periods were calculated daily. Prepartum data from nulliparous and parous animals were analyzed separately, and postpartum data from primiparous and multiparous animals were analyzed together. Prepartum, nulliparous and parous animals explained 83.9 and 64.5% of the variability in rumination, 70.7 and 60.9% of the variability in activity, and 38.1 and 63.6% of the variability in lying time, respectively. Postpartum, animal explained 49.7, 56.8, and 35.6% of the variability in rumination, activity, and lying time, respectively. Although stocking density, PctTHI68, peNDF, crude protein, and ether extract were associated with the variability in rumination, activity, and lying time, they explained ≤6.6% of the daily variability in these behaviors. We conclude that, within the conditions of the collaborating commercial herd, individual animal is the most important factor explaining daily variability in rumination, activity, and lying time.

Evaluation of the HOBO Pendant® G tri-axial accelerometer to measure activity levels in cats

Introduction: Accelerometers have been used as adjunct tools to assess the clinical efficacy of analgesic drugs in cats. The HOBO Pendant® G accelerometer (HOBO) has been used in poultry, lobsters, and dairy cows. We hypothesized the HOBO output would correlate with distance traveled and identify jumping behaviors in cats.

A preliminary investigation of the effect of solar panels and rotation frequency on the grazing behavior of sheep (Ovis aries) grazing dormant pasture

Vegetation management on solar farms can be accomplished through targeted grazing with sheep. To the authors’ knowledge, no research has been conducted to date on sheep grazing behavior on solar farms, yet such research is crucial to inform grazing management practices for contract grazers on solar farms. The objectives of this study were to investigate both the effects of solar panels on sheep grazing behavior and the grazing management strategy (intensive rotational grazing (1-day rotations (1d))) or rotational grazing (4-day rotations (4d))) best suited for vegetation management on a solar farm. Data were collected on Gold Tree Solar Farm in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA. Sheep with predominantly Dorper genetics (over 99%; n = 80) were stratified by body weight (BW) and age in a crossover design across treatment grazing locations, solar farm (S) or native rangeland (NR), and grazing managements, intensive rotational (1d) or rotational (4d). Grazing location treatments (S or NR) were randomly assigned a grazing management, 4d (paddock size = 0.405 ha, 4 days/paddock), or 1d (paddock size = 0.101 ha, 1 day/paddock, 4 paddocks), resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design. All sheep were equipped with a HOBO Pendant G data logger (Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA, USA) in a medial-dorsal position on their necks using vet wrap (Dura-Tech), to record ‘grazing’ behavior, defined as standing or walking slowly with the head down. The sensitivity, accuracy, and precision were > 90% for ‘grazing’ behavior with 2-minute intervals. ‘Grazing’ behavior exhibited a treatment × management (< 0.01) interaction. Both solar (S-4d and S-1d) groups spent more time (< 0.01) ‘grazing’ than both NR (NR-4d and NR-1d) groups. The presence of solar panels may have provided sheep relief from heat, wind, and rain, which could increase grazing activity. During the study, forage was senescent and low-quality in terms of nutritive value. Both forage digestibility and protein content were higher in the S than in the NR paddocks. Sheep spent less time ‘grazing’ under intensive rotational management (1d) when compared with rotational management (4d) (< 0.001). The use of sheep for vegetation management on solar farms has great potential. Sheep are effective grazers, easily able to maneuver between solar panels and can graze on steep slopes utilizing the panels to provide shade and protection from climatic conditions. In conclusion, utilizing a mix of intensive rotational and rotational grazing according to forage conditions – rotational 4d grazing management types being most effective for grazing behavior with senescent forage conditions – may be the most effective grazing management strategy on solar farms.

Forage particle size and forage preservation method modulate lying behaviour in dairy cows

It has been suggested that reducing forage particle size as well as feeding hay compared to silage may improve forage intake. Little is known, however, how such ration characteristics affect other aspects of cattle behaviour. Therefore, this study investigated the lying behaviour of cows in response to particle size reduction (LONG versus SHORT; Trial 1) and preservation method (SILAGE versus HAY; Trial 2) of forages which constituted ≥ 80% of the rations’ dry matter. Two feeding groups with 10 (Trial 1) and 9 Holstein cows each (Trial 2) received the experimental rations for approximately 5 weeks. Cows were housed in a free-stall barn with straw-bedded cubicles and rubberized floor in the alleys. Lying behaviour was recorded using HOBO Pendant® acceleration data loggers during the last 3 weeks of the experimental period as well as for 3 consecutive days during the week preceding the experiment, the latter serving as a baseline covariate to consider individual cow lying behaviour.SHORT-fed cows (Trial 1) had a longer daily lying time (+ 1.1 h/d; P = 0.003) and tended to have more lying bouts (+ 3.1; P = 0.090) than cows fed the LONG ration. In both groups, a preference towards the left lying side (57.4%) was observed. A similar pattern was observed for both groups with regard to rumination time while lying. Cows fed SILAGE or HAY (Trial 2) did not differ with regard to lying times (12.8 h/d). However, cows on HAY tended to lie less on the left side (- 1.1 h/d; P = 0.098) and had less lying bouts per day (- 2.5 bouts/d; P = 0.039). Consequently, these cows showed nearly an equal preference for the left and right lying side with 49.1% and 51.6%, respectively; whereas cows on SILAGE tended to prefer the left lying side (55.6%), also when ruminating. In contrast, cows on HAY tended to reduce rumination time on the left lying side (- 0.61 h/d; P = 0.079).Effects observed may be attributed to changes in eating behaviour as well as the amount of feed ingested in a given time period. Under the conditions investigated, time budgets for lying may be limited and changes of the forage characteristics (e.g. particle size reduction) could mitigate these constraints.

Validation of an alternate method for monitoring the presence of cows at the feed bunk in a Calan Broadbent Feeding System using a 3-axis, data-logging accelerometer

Daily dry matter intake is a key observation in dairy nutrition, and observation of feeding behavior provides insight into the physiological control of hunger and satiety that regulate intake. The objective of the study was to develop and validate an alternative method to observe feeding behavior, including meal length and frequency, in a Calan Broadbent Feeding System (American Calan) using a 3-axis accelerometer (Hobo Pendant G, Onset Computer Corp.). Sensors were mounted between the door and the feed divider using commonly available materials without making permanent modifications to the feeding system. Forty-eight sensors were deployed with a recording frequency of 30 s for the last 7 d of each period in a crossover experiment with 24 multiparous and 24 primiparous animals housed in a freestall barn. The tilt angle on the Z-axis was used to determine when the door was open to indicate feeding activity. The sensor system was in very high agreement with 6 h of visual observation (Cohen's κ = 0.92 ± 0.014; estimate ± 95% confidence interval). The minimum intermeal interval is the time between 2 feeding bouts that is still considered one meal. This essential criterion to characterize meals was calculated by determining the intersection of a mixture of Gaussian distributions fitted to the log-transformed between-feeding intervals. The best fitting mixture of Gaussian distributions was determined with the distribution module of JMP Pro 14.3.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). The minimum intermeal interval was 31.3 min using the best fitting model, a mixture of 3 Gaussian distributions. Using the determined minimum intermeal interval, meal length averaged 37.3 min/meal and meal frequency averaged 7.3 meals/d. In conclusion, data-logging 3-axis accelerometers are adequate to monitor presence of cows in the feed gate in the Calan Broadbent Feeding System, and this approach allows for reasonable estimation of meal length and frequency.

Behavioral changes in dairy cows with metritis in seasonal calving pasture-based dairy system

The aims of this study were to determine changes in lying and rumination behavior of transition dairy cows that were healthy or affected by metritis during the autumn and spring calving season in a temperate climate and determine the effect of some weather variables (precipitation and heat stress) on these behaviors. A total of 103 multiparous cows were monitored during the autumn (February to April) and spring calving season (July to October) from 10 d before to 10 d after calving. Cows were chosen retrospectively by diagnosis of metritis [autumn season, (n = 11); spring season, (n = 13)] or as healthy [autumn season, (n = 25); spring season, (n = 25)] based on vaginal discharge characteristics evaluated during the first 10 days in milk. In all animals, electronic data loggers recorded lying (Hobo Pendant G Acceleration, Onset Computer Corp.) and rumination behavior (Hi-Tag rumination monitoring system, SCR Engineers Ltd.) during the study period. We included precipitation level (>1 mm/d = with rain, and ≤1 mm/d = without rain) and heat stress [no heat stress = temperature-humidity index (THI) < 68 vs. heat stress = THI ≥ 68] as weather factors that may have affected lying and rumination behavior during the spring and autumn season in a temperate climate, respectively. Metritis during the spring calving season was associated only with longer lying times (≥1.3 h/d) after calving. During the autumn calving season cows with metritis lay down longer the day of calving (~2.1 h/d) and had fewer lying bouts of longer duration during the prepartum period compared with healthy cows. Rumination time did not differ by health status during the spring calving season, whereas cows with metritis during autumn ruminated 30, 21, and 24 min/d less than healthy cows during the prepartum, calving, and postpartum period, respectively. Precipitation and heat stress were associated with decreased daily lying and rumination time in sick cows. Our results indicate that differences in lying and rumination behavior depended on the metritis status, and support the idea that weather factors such as rainfall or heat stress requires to be considered in analyses of transition cow behavior in seasonal calving pasture-based dairy systems.

Light sensors assess solar radiation vs. shade exposure of slick- and wild-type Puerto Rican Holstein cows

Anecdotal data suggest that slick-haired cows (SLICK) graze under solar radiation longer than their wild type-haired (WT) counterparts. However, to the authors’ knowledge, empirical data regarding the suggestion is scarce. This study aimed to use light sensors (HOBO Pendant MX) to study solar radiation exposure. Sensors (attached to a collar) were validated in 20 Holstein cows rotated from shade (0837 to 0906h) to sunlight (0907 to 0932h) and then back to shade (0933 to 1005h). After validation, sensors were used to compare the differences in solar radiation exposure between 10 SLICK and 10 WT Holstein cows. Data were analyzed by the GLIMMIX and FREQ procedures (SAS). Light intensity was greater under solar radiation than during the first (P&lt;0.01) and second (P&lt;0.01) shade periods (51,026.00±682.25; 2,282.40±647.64 and 1,907.27±626.28 lx, respectively). No differences were observed between shade periods (P=0.62). The SLICK cows spent more time under solar radiation than the WT cows (52.67 vs. 47.33%, respectively; P&lt;0.01). Hair coat type and period interacted (P&lt;0.01), with greater light intensities in SLICK than in WT cows under solar radiation (24,702±106.65 vs. 20,518±98.43 lx, respectively); but no differences were observed under shade (1,856±7.03 and 1,793.2±6.53 lx, respectively). The SLICK cows showed greater exposure time to direct solar radiation than their WT counterparts.

The use of integrated data collection system to evaluate milking performance, microclimatic condition and cows’ behaviour

Optimal milking management leads to an increase in production efficiency while respecting animal welfare and health. Not all farms can equip themselves with high level technological systems for economic, generational and structural reasons. The aim of the study was to assess milking performances, cow behaviour and microclimatic condition in farm areas using an integrated data collection system based on surveys and low-cost sensors. The use of video recordings and mobile electronic flowmeters highlighted significant differences between farms that milked two and three times a day. Milking efficiency parameters (cow/hour; cows/stall per hour; milk/hour; milk/stall per hour) were calculated. In particular, the milk/stall per hour parameter emerged as the most interesting. Animal stay time, defined as the time running from when cows are moved from the housing to the beginning of the milking, was calculated and the highest value (76.3 minutes) was observed in farms with more than 10 stalls/row. Hobo pendant sensors were used in order to evaluate cows lying behaviour: no differences were observed between farms that milked two and three times a day (11.3 vs 11.0 h/d of lying). Microclimatic conditions were influenced by both the season (p < .001) and farm areas (p < .05) (holding area, milking parlour, housing area). Light intensity in milking parlour emerged as a critical point; further research is needed to understand the relation with udder hygiene and health. The integration of manual measurements with the use of low-cost sensors allowed to monitor the efficiency of the process and microclimatic condition in farm areas. HIGHLIGHTS The integration of manual measurements and low-cost sensors was tested Different parameters can be used to monitor milking efficiency Light intensity in milking parlour emerged as a critical point

The importance of cross-calibration and protecting water temperature sensors against direct solar radiation heating in hydrological studies

ABSTRACTWater temperature monitoring is important in many scientific studies. This study compares three models of water temperature sensors (Vemco Minilog II, HOBO TidbiT and HOBO Pendant) to test the importance of: (1) using cross-calibration to minimize relative errors, (2) using cross-calibration to improve on the accuracy of less accurate sensors, and (3) protecting sensors against direct solar radiation heating. The results show that when the same sensor models are cross-calibrated, the relative error can be reduced (Vemco: 0.01°C; HOBO TidbiT: 0.02°C; and HOBO Pendant: 0.07°C). Cross-calibration can also improve less accurate sensors (HOBO TidbiT and Pendant) to similar accuracies of Vemco (±0.1°C). Finally, no evidence of solar radiation heating was observed for Vemcos (unprotected); however, HOBO TidbiT and Pendant showed heating up to 2°C (maximum). When HOBO TidbiT and Pendant are shielded (flow-through system), heating is no longer an issue.

Short communication: The effect of diarrhea and navel inflammation on the lying behavior of veal calves

Many veal calves arrive to growing facilities with diseases, including diarrhea and navel inflammation. Observing neonatal calf behavior, such as lying behavior, can be used to better detect and determine the implications of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of navel inflammation and diarrhea on lying behavior in neonatal veal calves. This study was part of a larger experiment that included a total of 360 male Holstein calves from 3 cohorts; from these calves, we selected a subset of 125 calves (every third calf as they entered the barn) to be fitted with 3-dimensional accelerometers (Hobo Pendant G data loggers; Onset Computer Corp., Bourne, MA) on 1 hind leg to continuously measure lying time, number of lying bouts, and lying bout duration. Calves were housed individually on slatted flooring (Tenderfoot; Tandem Products Inc., Minneapolis, MN) in 3 rooms of a mechanically ventilated barn. Health exams were conducted twice weekly for 2 wk starting the day after arrival. Exams included rectal temperature, navel score (0 = normal, 1 = mildly inflamed, 2 = moderately inflamed, 3 = severely inflamed), and fecal score (0 = normal, 1 = semiformed, 2 = loose, 3 = watery). Calves were considered to have navel inflammation (n = 22) or diarrhea (n = 15) if they scored ≥2 during at least 3 of the 4 health exams. The lying behavior of these calves was compared with that of normal calves (n = 18) that had no signs of illness and rectal temperatures <39.4°C during at least 3 of the 4 health exams. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA; models included cohort (1, 2, or 3), health status (normal, navel inflammation, or diarrhea), week (1 or 2), and a health by week interaction. There was an effect of health status on lying time, whereby normal calves spent more time lying compared with calves with inflamed navels and tended to spend more time lying compared with calves with diarrhea. There was no effect of health status on the number of lying bouts per day or on the duration of lying bouts. There were no health by week interactions. Results indicate that neonatal veal calves with navel inflammation and diarrhea may be less comfortable than calves without these conditions. Veal producers should consider adapting their facilities to create more comfortable lying environments to help calves better recover from disease, such as by adding a hospital pen with comfortable bedding.

Claw horn lesions in mid-lactation primiparous dairy cows under pasture-based systems: Association with behavioral and metabolic changes around calving

The objectives of this study were to describe the lying behavior of primiparous dairy cows under pasture-based systems during the pre- and postcalving period and characterize the association of lying behavior and analytes related to energy metabolism during this period with claw horn disruption lesion development later in lactation. Our convenience sample included 39 primiparous Holstein cows from 3 commercial farms that were assessed for body condition score (BCS; 5-point scale, 0.25-point increments) and had blood collected at wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 3 relative to calving date. Blood samples were assayed for nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and cholesterol concentrations. Electronic data loggers (HOBO Pendant G Acceleration, Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA) recorded lying behavior at 1-min intervals from 3 wk before calving to 3 wk after calving. Starting at 4 wk after calving and until 16 wk after calving, cows were examined for claw lesions at approximately 4-wk intervals. Sole lesions and white line lesions were scored on a 0 to 10 scale. Of the 39 primiparous cows, 19 cows scored 0 at all exams during the entire study period and 20 cows had at least 1 severe lesion (score ≥4) between 8 and 16 wk after calving. Time spent lying before calving averaged 10.3 ± 0.3 h/d, but declined to 7.3 ± 0.3 h/d after calving (least squares means ± standard error). At calving, we noted an increase in the number of lying bouts (12.9 ± 0.45 bouts/d) compared with the pre- and postcalving averages of 11.6 (±0.53) and 9.1 (±0.47) bouts, respectively. Cows that developed claw lesions later in mid lactation spent less time lying down than cows without lesions during wk 3 after calving compared with healthy cows (7.29 ± 0.22 vs. 8.51 ± 0.16 h/d). Lesion cows had fewer lying bouts per day, and these bouts were of longer duration than no-lesion cows after calving. Increased odds of lesion were found to be associated with shorter lying times and fewer number of lying bouts during wk 3 (odds ratio = 1.23). Nonesterified fatty acids (747 ± 58 vs. 990 ± 86.85 µmol/L) and BHB (0.77 ± 0.06 vs. 0.60 ± 0.04 mmol/L) concentrations during wk 1 were greater in cows that developed claw lesions relative to cows that did not develop lesions. The BHB concentrations also remained higher in wk 2 for cows that developed claw lesions (0.63 ± 0.04 vs. 0.46 ± 0.03 mmol/L) compared with cows that did not develop any lesions. Cows that developed lesions experienced greater losses in BCS from wk -3 to 3 than cows without lesions (0.74 ± 0.01 and 0.61 ± 0.01 BCS change, respectively). In summary, changes in lying behavior and energy metabolic status after calving were associated with claw horn disruption lesions in mid-lactation primiparous cows under pasture-based systems.

Recruitment pattern of Scleractinian coral spats on neighbouring artificial substrates at Kurusadai Reef Complex, Gulf of Mannar, India

This study was conducted to assess the recruitment rate of coral spats and other invertebrates near to the coral reef ecosystem of Gulf of Mannar. The reef region examined was at Kurusadai Reef Complex (Gulf of Mannar) for this assessment. There were two sets of invertebrate settlement tripods deployed and exposed at a depth of 2m. Seventy two settlement tiles measuring 20x20 cm in two different angles were fixed in these tripods in the benthic reef ecosystem. In order to assess the impact of Sea surface temperature on the invertebrate settlement, Onset Hobo Pendant® Temperature logger was also attached with the tripods. The sediment traps in duplicate were also erected in the study site to assess the sedimentation rate of the reef ecosystem. About 80% of recruited coral spats were observed on the tiles which were exposed at 60° angle. Principal component analysis also supported that the most influencing species were coral spats followed by barnacles and bivalves in the 60° angle exposed settlement tiles. It was also observed that the most influencing place of coral spats’ recruitment was on the inner tiles. The mean sedimentation rate observed was 14.6 ± 4.8 mg.cm−2.d−1. The lower density of coral spats observed on 90° and 60° angle exposed outer tiles might be due to the observed sedimentation rate and it is believed that coral spats preferred the shaded environment initially for further perpetuation in the environment. Moreover, Bray-Curtis cluster analysis supported that the coral spats found on the inner tiles having 80% similarity in this assessment. The coral spats found in this assessment were species from Pocilloporidae and Poritidae.

Ad hoc instrumentation methods in ecological studies produce highly biased temperature measurements.

In light of global climate change, ecological studies increasingly address effects of temperature on organisms and ecosystems. To measure air temperature at biologically relevant scales in the field, ecologists often use small, portable temperature sensors. Sensors must be shielded from solar radiation to provide accurate temperature measurements, but our review of 18 years of ecological literature indicates that shielding practices vary across studies (when reported at all), and that ecologists often invent and construct ad hoc radiation shields without testing their efficacy. We performed two field experiments to examine the accuracy of temperature observations from three commonly used portable data loggers (HOBO Pro, HOBO Pendant, and iButton hygrochron) housed in manufactured Gill shields or ad hoc, custom‐fabricated shields constructed from everyday materials such as plastic cups. We installed this sensor array (five replicates of 11 sensor‐shield combinations) at weather stations located in open and forested sites. HOBO Pro sensors with Gill shields were the most accurate devices, with a mean absolute error of 0.2°C relative to weather stations at each site. Error in ad hoc shield treatments ranged from 0.8 to 3.0°C, with the largest errors at the open site. We then deployed one replicate of each sensor‐shield combination at five sites that varied in the amount of urban impervious surface cover, which presents a further shielding challenge. Bias in sensors paired with ad hoc shields increased by up to 0.7°C for every 10% increase in impervious surface. Our results indicate that, due to variable shielding practices, the ecological literature likely includes highly biased temperature data that cannot be compared directly across studies. If left unaddressed, these errors will hinder efforts to predict biological responses to climate change. We call for greater standardization in how temperature data are recorded in the field, handled in analyses, and reported in publications.

From Ambient to Personal Temperature: Capturing the Experience of Heat Exposure.

Vol. 125, No. 9 Science SelectionOpen AccessFrom Ambient to Personal Temperature: Capturing the Experience of Heat Exposureis accompanied byOpportunities and Challenges for Personal Heat Exposure Research Nate Seltenrich Nate Seltenrich Search for more papers by this author Published:22 September 2017CID: 094002https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2469View Article in:中文版AboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit Heat exposure can have a wide range of adverse effects on the human body.1 But when researchers set out to measure the precise size of those effects across populations, they typically are forced to rely on imprecise exposure data. The authors of a new commentary in EHP outline an alternative approach to better assess how individuals experience heat.2Most studies on heat health rely on ambient temperature readings from airports and other fixed weather stations. These data cannot capture social and behavioral factors that influence heat exposure on a finer scale, nor do they reflect temperatures indoors, where many of us spend our time. Thus, they do not reflect what most individuals experience in their daily lives.2In contrast, so-called personal heat exposure research uses wearable sensors and advanced modeling to capture data at the individual level. “We’re trying to measure what an 80- or 90-degree day means in terms of what people actually experience,” explains senior author David Hondula, an assistant professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State University.“One of the values of this kind of data is it allows us to make what is otherwise invisible visible,” says co-lead author Evan Kuras, a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By studying heat exposure at the individual level, he says, “We may discover things that we might not have thought to pay attention to.”Only a few studies have used personal heat monitoring in the general population, as opposed to groups at high risk for heat stress, such as athletes, outdoor workers, and members of the military. In one example, commentary coauthor Molly (Bernhard) Richardson, a postdoctoral fellow in population health sciences at Virginia Tech, measured temperatures experienced by 81 individuals in rural and urban Alabama over the course of a week in the summer of 2012.3 In another, Hondula and Kuras measured temperatures experienced by 23 Boston residents over a week in July 2013.4For the duration of these studies, participants wore temperature monitors whenever possible, indoors and out. For the Boston study, dime-size iButton sensors were clipped to belt buckles or bags, while for the Alabama study, slightly larger HOBO Pendant sensors were clipped to subjects’ shoes.These studies, although small in scale, nonetheless produced noteworthy findings. Kuras and Hondula’s study found significant differences among the temperatures experienced by the participants, even though they all lived within the same urban neighborhood. Generally, however, the participants’ personal heat exposures were lower than the outdoor ambient temperature.Richardson’s study concluded that qualities of the participants’ home environment—including everything from location and quality of construction to presence of fans and air-conditioning—played an important role in determining their overall heat exposure.The authors of a new commentary point out that everyone has a different experience of and response to heat. Data on personal heat exposure are important for designing effective strategies to help whole populations cope with heat waves. Image © Andy Parker/iStockphoto.Both studies were designed primarily as pilots for future research. This summer, Richardson will lead a follow-up in Alabama with a new sensor and more than twice as many participants.5 Other ongoing work is being led by climatologist Chris Fuhrmann of Mississippi State University. Over the past year, Fuhrmann has used the iButton sensor to study temperatures experienced in football stadiums by spectators and athletes, and on university campuses among groundskeepers.6 This summer, he will measure heat in mature cornfields.Fuhrmann and Australian National University associate professor Kathryn Glass note that such precise ground-level data can serve additional roles by validating satellite-based thermal imagery and improving algorithms and models for research and public policy alike.“You need to know about individual-level factors across lots of individual people to know what is happening to the population,” says Glass, who specializes in epidemiological modeling. With heat exposure, “you are often having to make assumptions, [for instance] about what it is likely to be like inside a building. Having some actual data is very helpful.”