Mineral Block Research Articles

Milk Composition and Milk Quality of Saanen Crossbreed Goats Supplemented by Mineral Blocks

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of urea molasses multi-nutrient mineral block (UMMB) and medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient mineral block (MUMB) supplemented group on milk composition and milk quality of Saanen lactating does. A 90-day feed trial was conducted at a dairy goat farm in Felda Kemahang, Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. Twenty four (24) Saanen lactating does (average milk yield 0.05) on milk composition and total bacteria count. Meanwhile, iron milk content in goat supplemented with MUMB (1.46 mg/g) was significantly lowered (p<0.05), approaching the optimum value (0.36-0.75) compared to the control (4.08 mg/kg). In conclusion, UMMB and MUMB supplements had improved milk quality in terms of iron content and fatty acid concentration, which potentially can be utilized as feed supplements to increase the productivity of lactating goats.

In vitro assessment of mineral blocks as a cost-effective measure to reduce oral bioavailability of lead (Pb) in livestock.

Soil contamination in former mining districts is a persistent problem resulting from the historic lack of legal requirements as regards land restoration after mine closures. Much of this polluted land is currently being used worldwide for livestock and big game production, with the consequent health risks for the animals exposed and the subsequent threats to food safety. Soil remediation and restoration may be unfeasible or difficult to accomplish in the short term when pollution affects large territories and other alternatives must, therefore, be explored in order to reduce the probability of grazing animals being exposed to this contamination. In this paper, we study the use of mineral blocks (MBs) as a potential alternative by which to reduce the oral bioavailability of lead (Pb) in polluted soils by means of a simplified in vitro assay simulating gastrointestinal pH conditions. Experiments were carried out with twelve commercial MBs of different compositions in order to identify the most useful to be tested in further in vivo bioavailability studies. The results showed that one of them reduced the bioaccessibility of Pb from polluted soil by 88.2% and 75.9% under gastric and intestinal conditions, respectively, when compared with assays containing only polluted soil without MBs. The MB in question had the highest phosphorus content (7%) and one of the highest calcium contents (10%) of all those tested. Furthermore, negative correlations were detected between the content of calcium and phosphorus in the MBs and the percentage of bioaccessible Pb under gastric conditions, and between phosphorus and bioaccessible Pb under intestinal conditions. The use of MBs with a high phosphorus and calcium content should consequently be tested in vivo as a cost-effective (€ 0.6-1.5/sheep/month) tool by which to reduce the bioavailability of Pb for extensive grazing livestock reared in contaminated areas.

Effect of urea molasses mineral block supplementation on milk production in murrah buffalo under small holder's production system

The present study was conducted at farmer’s field in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh to assess the response of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) supplementation on milk production and body condition score in buffaloes. Twenty Murrah buffaloes in early lactation stage were selected and divided into two groups of 10 each. Animals of T1 group were given free access to urea molasses UMMB for two-three hours in the morning in addition to their normal ration for eight weeks after adaptation period of two weeks. However, the buffaloes in control (T0) group did not receive any supplement. The buffaloes were managed as per the standard feeding practices followed by the farmers. Significant increase in milk yield (P<0.05) was recorded due to feeding of UMMB as compared to control group. The daily milk yield of buffaloes was increased by 26.95 % due to supplementation of UMMB. Considering the present cost of feed supplement and the market price of milk, UMMB supplementation appears to be both economical and cost effective. Supplementation had a positive effect on milk production and BCS of buffaloes maintained under small holder conditions. However, there is need for long-term studies on more number of milch animals to assess the response of UMMB supplementation on animals’ health, production and reproductive performance under smallholder conditions.

Integrating livestock management and telemetry data to assess disease transmission risk between wildlife and livestock

Overlap of cattle and wild elk ranges in southwestern Alberta foothills is an opportunity for inter-species interactions. To assess the spatio-temporal patterns of disease transmission risk between cattle and elk, several risk indexes were defined to represent different transmission routes. Risk indexes were estimated by combining elk telemetry data obtained from 168 GPS-collared elk, and cattle management information obtained by interviews conducted in 16 cow-calf operations overlapping the elk home range. We assessed the bias resulting from ignoring cattle movement related to seasonnal grazing practices, and the impact of the assessment of spatio-temporal patterns of risk.Direct transmission risk indexes peaked during winter months, due to aggregation at higher densities of both elk and cattle on winter ranges and winter pastures, respectively. However, a summer peak also was observed when risk indexes were not adjusted for pasture area, due to larger cattle summer pastures overlapping a higher number of elk telemetry locations. We identified periods when the proximity of elk to specific features (such as mineral blocks, hay land, winter-feeding areas, or water sources) may increase the risk of inter-species transmission. Indirect transmission risk indexes increased with the survival of pathogens in the environment, as the temporal constraint for cattle and elk overlap decreased. Finally, integrating pasture management information substantially influenced the magnitude and temporal patterns of transmission risk indexes, highlighting the importance of collecting detailed livestock management data in the context of assessing the risk of inter-species disease transmission.

Sea tangle (Laminaria japonica) supplementation on meat quality of Korean native black goat.

The supplementation effects of sea tangle powders were determined for the meat quality in Korean native black goats. A total 90 castrated male black goats at 3-month age were divided into 3 dietary treatment groups: control (basal diet + mineral block), T1 (0.3% sea tangle feeding with the basal diet), T2 (0.9% sea tangle feeding with the basal diet). At 9-months feeding, 10 goats per treatment group were slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi muscle samples were vacuum-packed, and subsequently analyzed for physicochemical evaluations. Analysis revealed decrease in the shear force and TBARS values of meat in the sea tangle dietary groups (p < 0.05). The T2 group exhibited increased levels of unsaturated fatty acids such as C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, and C20:4 (p < 0.05). The content of free amino acids with desirable taste such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, and serine were higher in T2, whereas alanine content was higher in both sea tangle dietary groups, as compared to control (p < 0.05). These data indicate that feeding dietary sea tangle as an alternative mineral source results in an improvement in the physicochemical profiles of goat meat.

Effects of Phytonutrients on Ruminal Fermentation, Digestibility, and Microorganisms in Swamp Buffaloes.

Simple SummaryFermentation in ruminants can influence greenhouse gas production, especially methane (CH4) production. Phytonutrients (PTN) and secondary metabolites (tannins, saponins) have antimicrobial activity which can be used for the inhibition of rumen methanogens and the reduction of methane emissions in ruminants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of PTN containing both mangosteen peel powder and banana flower powder on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, and rumen microorganisms in swamp buffaloes. The results suggest that supplementation of PTN can improve fiber digestibility, increase the proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria, and alter rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs), especially increased C3 and reduced methane production. This study shows that PTN containing either mangosteen peel powder (MSP) or banana flower powder (BFP) could be used as a rumen modifier. This experiment aimed to use dietary sources containing phytonutrients (PTN) such as mangosteen peel powder (MSP) and banana flower powder (BFP) as sources of phytonutrients. Four swamp buffalo bulls fitted with rumen fistulae were used as experimental animals. A digestion trial covering four periods was used according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) = control (Cont), T2 = supplementation of PTN1 fed at 100 g/d, T3 = supplementation of PTN2 fed at 100 g/d, and T4 = supplementation of PTN3 fed at 100 g/d. The experiment was conducted for four periods; each period lasted for 21 days. All animals were fed a concentrate mixture at 0.5% body weight, while rice straw, water, and mineral blocks were fed ad libitum. The findings revealed significant increases in the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), while no changes in dry matter feed consumption occurred due to PTN supplementation. Rumen fermentation end-products, such as total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid (C4), were notably enhanced (p < 0.05) and there were the highest in PTN2 and PTN3, whilst acetic acid (C2) was significantly decreased with PTN supplementation groups. Furthermore, the rumen protozoal population was suppressed (p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased rumen methane production (p < 0.05), while the bacterial population was enhanced. Using PTN sources can improve rumen fermentation as well as mitigating rumen methane production.

Impact of Ecklonia stolonifera extract on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, methanogenesis, and microbial populations.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Ecklonia stolonifera (E. stolonifera) extract addition on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, methanogenesis and microbial populations.MethodsOne cannulated Holstein cow (450±30 kg) consuming timothy hay and a commercial concentrate (60:40, w/w) twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) at 2% of body weight with free access to water and mineral block were used as rumen fluid donors. In vitro fermentation experiment, with timothy hay as substrate, was conducted for up to 72 h, with E. stolonifera extract added to achieve final concentration 1%, 3%, and 5% on timothy hay basis.ResultsAdministration of E. stolonifera extract to a ruminant fluid-artificial saliva mixture in vitro increased the total gas production. Unexpectedly, E. stolonifera extracts appeared to increase both methane emissions and hydrogen production, which is contrasts with previous observations with brown algae extracts used under in vitro fermentation conditions. Interestingly, real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that as compared with the untreated control the ciliate-associated methanogen and Fibrobacter succinogenes populations decreased, whereas the Ruminococcus flavefaciens population increased as a result of E. stolonifera extract supplementation.ConclusionE. stolonifera showed no detrimental effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial population. Through these results E. stolonifera has potential as a viable feed supplement to ruminants.

Effects of non-medicated and medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block supplements on nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of lactating Saanen goats.

Poor nutrition is a major contributor to the performance of dairy goats on smallholder farms. Hence, strategic supplementation is required to overcome nutritional deficiencies. This paper reviews the effects of urea molasses multi nutrient block (UMMB) and medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block (MUMB) supplements in comparison with imported commercial mineral blocks (CMB) on nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of Saanen lactating goats. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted at Yusof Ecofarm, Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. Twenty four (24) Saanen lactating goats were assigned to four dietary treatments with six (6) goats in each group based on completely randomized block design. Goats in T1 (control) were fed with basal diet only that comprise of roughages and goat pellet while T2, T3 and T4 received equal amount of basal diet and allowed for ad-libitum licking of UMMB, MUMB and CMB respectively. Total dry matter intake (DMI) (kg/d) were 1.14, 1.29, 1.25 and 1.16 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively whereas the UMMB, MUMB and CMB intakes (g/d) were 86.8, 50.4 and 36.6 respectively. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between treatments on nutrient intake. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in T2 and T3 as compared to T1 and T4. The serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), ferum (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in T2 with the values of 33.60 ppm, 341.67 ppb, 270.00 ppb and 138.30 ppb respectively as compared to other treatments. Hence, the findings of this research revealed that both UMMB and MUMB were effective in improving nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of lactating Saanen goats.

Estrogen level and cervical mucus of Timor hind (Rusa timorensis) after mineral block supplementation during estrous cycle

The aim of this research was to observe the effect of mineral block containing Selenium, Magnesium and Zinc to the length of estrous of Timor hind based on estrogen level and cervical mucus (potential hydrogen (pH)) and natrium chloride (NaCl)). The materials used were ten Timor hinds with range of Body Condition Score (BCS) 2.75 ± 0.25 with first parity. Timor hinds were grouping into 2 groups, it was T0 = without mineral block supplementation and T1 = with mineral block supplementation for 8 weeks. After treatment, the estrous cycle of Timor hind was synchronized using vaginal sponge that contained 20 mg medroxy progesterone acetate (MPA) for 16 days. Cervical mucus and blood were collected at 0, 24, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120 and 144 hours after releasing of vaginal sponge. The cervical mucus was measured for pH and percentage of NaCl. The estrogen level was analysed by radio immunoassay (RIA). Data were analysed using non parametric statistics Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed significantly different was found on 120 and 144 hours of pH of cervical mucus. pH of cervical mucus on 120 and 144 hours were T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.30; T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.28, respectively. NaCl level on 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were also significantly different in cervical mucus and estrogen level. The NaCl level of cervical mucus for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 0.00181% and T1 = 0.00236%; T0 = 0.00179% and T1 = 0.00227%; T0 = 0.00178% and T1 = 0.00202%; T0 = 0.00156% and T1 = 0.00177%, respectively. The estrogen level for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 8.21 pg/mL and T1 = 12,90 pg/mL; T0 = 7.54 pg/mL and T1 = 12.33 pg/mL; T0 = 4.56 pg/mL and T1 = 12.09 pg/mL; T0 = 3.76 pg/mL and T1 = 10.55 pg/mL, respectively. Estrous length of Timor hinds in group T0 and T1 was 48 and 84 hours, respectively. In conclusion, mineral block supplementation leads to longer estrous in Timor deer than those not given supplementation.

Effect of Urea Treated Rice Straw along with Urea Molasses Mineral Block Supplementation on Body Weight Gain, Feed Intake and Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Working Bullocks

Effect of Urea Treated Rice Straw along with Urea Molasses Mineral Block Supplementation on Body Weight Gain, Feed Intake and Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Working Bullocks

Apricot Fortified-Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks Ushering Feed Supplement for Cross Bred Cattle in the Cold Arid Kargil Region of J and K State

Apricot Fortified-Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks Ushering Feed Supplement for Cross Bred Cattle in the Cold Arid Kargil Region of J and K State

Importance of mineral feeding in dairy animals: A review

Mineral feeding is very important for dairy animals. The deficiency or overfeeding of minerals are cause of many problems in body. Minerals are important for growth of calves and clean and more milk production by lactating animals. Animals are provided minerals through food, mineral mixture and mineral blocks. Ca is responsible for development of bones and its function. Iron containing enzymes are worked as immune system in body. In male animals reproductive performance are affected by Cu deficiency. Selenium is responsible for development of immune system and antioxidant status. Zinc directly affects semen volume and its other important parameters. Manganese is a important part of enzymes responsible for digestion of carbohydrate, fat and protein. Iodine is responsible for activity of thyroid gland. The ratio of vitamin and minerals should be maintained. The animals should provided adequate amount of minerals in all stages of life.

VALUABLE SPICE-AROMATIC VEGETABLE – MONARDA CITRIODORA L.

One of valuable spice-aromatic vegetable of Lamiaceae family is lemony monarda (Monarda citriodora L.) cultivated as nonperennial crop in most of regions of Russian Federation. Information regarding its parentage and biological special aspects are described here in this article. Brief review regarding nutritional quality and pharmaceutical importance as well as description of four cultivars of lemony monarda (which are currently included to Russian State register of selection invention and approved for usage, two of these cultivars Mona Lisa and Simka were selected and cultivated by Federal Scientific Vegetable Center are given here in this article. Main directions for up-to-date selection and application and practical usage of lemony monarda were indicated. In the field of creation of up-to-date vegetable cultivars, one of the main directions is selection of such a cultivars with high content of biologically active compounds for improvement of antioxidative activity and applicability for its cultivation at hydroponic plant with frame area to provide fresh green vegetables for people all year round. Simka cultivar meets requirements mentioned above and can be cultivated at various types of hydroponic plants including horizontal (salad lines, seedling tables) and vertical (multilayer hydroponics) types using natural (drag turf) or artificial (mineral wool blocks) substrates. This article also describes the main elements of technology of cultivation of lemony monarda in the open and protected ground to get green products and seed production. The features of the preparation of raw materials with a high content of biologically active compounds for fresh consumption and as a spicy-aromatic dry seasoning for salads, meat dishes, as a natural preservative and aromatic of jam, tea and other drinks are shown.

Effects of Medicated and Non-medicated Multi-nutrient Block Supplementation on Gastrointestinal Parasite Infestation and Blood Hematological Parameters of Lactating Saanen Goats

In a 90-day feeding trial, twenty four (24) Saanen lactating does were assigned to four treatment group. The treatments were feeding: basal diet only as a control (T1), basal diet with urea molasses multi-nutrient block (UMMB) (T2), basal diet with medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block (MUMB) (T3) and basal diet with commercial mineral block (CMB) (T4). There were significant differences (p 0.05) between treatments on WBC, LYM, MON, GRA, RBC, HCT, MCV, MCH, PLT, MPV and PCT. However, significant effects (p<0.05) on HBG, MCHC, RDW and PDW were observed in T2 and T3. This research showed that UMMB and MUMB were effective in controlling parasite infestation in Saanen lactating dairy goats apart from improving their blood hematological parameters. Comparison with CMB showed that it is practical to be used for parasite control.

Profil Lendir Serviks Rusa Timor (Cervus Timorensis) Betina Yang Mendapat Suplementasi Mineral Pada Tiap Fase Berahi

The aims of this research were to observed the effect of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and selenium (Se) to the abundance, color and spinnbarkeit of cervical mucus. The materials used 10 Timor deer with BCS (Body Condition Score) 2-3,25, poel 2 and had different estrous phase. The parameters were observed the abundance, color and spinnbarkeit of cervical mucus. The data of abundance and color of cervical mucus were analyzed by Mann Whitney U-test and the data of spinnbarkeit were analyzed by t-test. The treatments were zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) supplementation (T1) on mineral block form and control (T0). The results showed that Zn, Se, and Mg supplementation had no significant effect (P&gt;0,05) to the abundance, color and spinnbarkeit of cervical mucus Timor deer on estrous phase. It was caused by the high zinc level on feed, so the cervical mucus profile had no difference between T0 and T1.Key words : Mineral Supplementation, Cervical Mucus, Timor Deer

PENDAMPINGAN KELOMPOK TERNAK DALAM PEMBUATAN MINERAL BLOK HERBAL DI DESA MARENU KECAMATAN AEK NABARA BARUMUN KABUPATEN PADANG LAWAS

This activity has been conducted in February to March 2017 in the village of Marenu sub-district of Aek Nabara Padanglawas District with partnersAdvanced Livestock Group Jaya with the aim to increase knowledge of the breeder about the processing of feed sheep and lamb weight disorders as well as mineral technology blocks transfer herbs.A special target in this program is producing herbal mineral products to accelerate weight gain local sheep. The product is potentially for patents, publications, appropriate technology, and textbook enrichment and increases the income of local sheep rancher above the UMR. The approach method does include phases: (a) Dissemination of herbal mineral technology program in an effort to overcome the local sheep weight disorders; (b) the preparation of the social preconditions, namely the strengthening of local sheep farmer groups, either group or forum as a media meet and problem solving-problems encountered breeder; (c) mineral technology program execution herbs both technical and nontechnicalfor the breeder community, supported by related agencies (local government and higher education (Faculty of animal husbandry, Muhammadiyah University of South Tapanuli); (d) Monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The results obtained are very satisfactory known breeders, among others, as follows: 1.) all cattle like the mineral blocks, 2) livestock appetite grew, 3)herding cattle so much faster, 4) livestock quieter moments infree-range, 5). cattle drinking increased and 6)the addition of the weight of the body of livestock. Keywords:Local Lamb, Mineral Blocks, Appetite, Body Weight.

Onlay grafting with bovine bone mineral block for horizontal reconstruction of severely atrophic alveolar ridges in anterior maxillae: A 6-year prospective study

PurposeThe aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of onlay grafting with bovine bone mineral block for reconstruction of horizontal alveolar ridge defects in anterior maxillae. Materials and methodsFourteen patients requiring rehabilitation of edentulous anterior maxillae were enrolled to receive onlay grafting in two layers. A cortical block harvested from the lateral aspect of the mandibular ramus was split to acquire approximately 1-mm-thick bone laminae. The cortical bone plate and block graft were compressed and fixed to the recipient sites. After 6 months, the width of the augmentation was recorded, and implants were inserted. Provisional and definitive prostheses were delivered 3 and a further 6 months later. Implant success and associated complications were assessed. ResultsThe horizontal bone gain was 8.73 ± 0.82, with a resorption rate of 7.03%. Severe bone resorption was noticed 6 months and 2 years after loading. Fistula occurred with the nonintegrated bovine block on the labial sides of the augmented sites 6 years after loading. ConclusionOnlay grafting with bovine bone mineral block in the anterior maxilla may yield optimal horizontal gain with low resorption rates, under the condition of at least 6 months' healing time, mixation with autogenous particulate bone, and application of a membrane to cover the graft site.

In vitro evaluation of Rhus succedanea extracts for ruminants.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Rhus succedanea extract addition on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial growth.MethodsTwo ruminally-fistulated steers consuming 600 g/kg timothy- and 400 g/kg cracked corn-based concentrate with free access to water and mineral block were used as rumen fluid donors. In vitro batch fermentation, with timothy as a substrate, was conducted for up to 72 h, with Rhus succedanea extracts added to achieve final concentrations of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 mg/L.ResultsEffective dry matter (DM) degradability rate linearly decreased (p = 0.046) depending on extract dosing levels. Total gas production after 24 to 72 h incubation tended to decrease following extract addition, beginning with 50 mg/L starting dose (significance of quadratic effects: p = 0.006, p<0.001, and p = 0.008 for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively). Methane production decreased depending on dosing levels following 24 h (p<0.05) and 48 h (p<0.005) incubations and was the lowest with the 50 mg/L dose. The Rhus succedanea extracts increased the abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes (p<0.05) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (p = 0.0597) and decreased the abundance of methanogenic archaea (p<0.05) following 24 h incubation.ConclusionRhus succedanea was shown to reduce methane production and increase cellulolytic bacteria without any signs of toxic effects and with a minor effect on DM degradability.

Combination of Areca catechu , Sauropus androgynous , and Mineral Block is Effective to control Nematode in Goats

A study has been conducted to investigate the effect of two local herbs in Indonesia; Areca catechu nut and Sauropus androgynous leaf, combined with mineral block to treat gastro intestinal nematode in goats. A.catechu is well known to have anthelmintic property due to its alkaloid and tannin content, and S.androgynus also contains tannin, alkaloid and steroid that will enhance the anthelmintic property of those herbals. As many as 80 goats had been divided into 4 groups; 20 were treated with albendazole (Group A), 20 were given A.catechu and S.androgynus (Group B), 20 were given combination of A.catechu, S.androgynus, and mineral block (Group C), and 20 as negative control (Group D). The result revealed that herbal treatment showed significantly effective toward nematodes in gastro intestinal, demonstrated by declining egg worm of Group B and C. Body weight improvement and overall performance in Group C was higher compared to other groups. However, goats treated with albendazole showed slightly better results in the decreasing amount of egg worms found after treatment. Nevertheless, A.catechu and S.androgynus are potential anthelmintic herbal; combination with mineral block will enhance the anthelmintic activity. Therefore they are good options for treating helminthiasis in livestock.

Image analysis to refine measurements of dairy cow behaviour from a real-time location system

Long-term monitoring of animal activity can yield key information for both researchers in ethology and engineers in charge of developing precision livestock farming tools. First, a barn is segmented into delimited areas (e.g. cubicles) with which an activity can be associated (e.g. resting), then a real-time location system (RTLS) can be used to automatically convert cow position into behaviour. Working within the EU-PLF project, we tested a system already able to determine basic activities (resting, moving, eating…) and logged a “big data” set of billions of data points (123 days × 190 cows × 1 location-per-second readings). We then focused on integrating image analysis techniques to help visualise and analyse the dataset, first to validate the data and then to enrich the information extracted. The algorithm developed using freely available tools quickly confirmed the ability of the system to determine cows' main activities (except drinking behaviour), even with 11% of positions missing. The good localisation precision (16 cm) made it possible to enrich the time-budget with new activities such as using brushes and licking mineral blocks. For both activities, using visual observations as gold standard, activity profiles with excellent sensitivity (nearly 80%) were extracted. This validation procedure is both necessary and generalisable to other situations. The improvement of biological information contained in such data holds promise for people designing alarm devices and health and welfare indicators for farmers and/or vets.