The Detection of Physiological Changes Using a Triaxial Accelerometer and Temperature Sensor-Equipped Bolus-Type Biosensor in Calves
1
Department of Farm Animal Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
2
Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Republic of Korea
3
Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
4
Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192815
Submission received: 24 August 2024
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Revised: 20 September 2024
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Accepted: 25 September 2024
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Published: 29 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
Simple Summary
Technological advancements and growing interest in farm animal health have led to the development of various biometric devices. Among these, bolus-type biosensors have been extensively used to monitor adult cattle, but their application in calves remains limited. In this study, we evaluated a newly developed miniature bolus biosensor, equipped with a triaxial accelerometer and temperature sensor, to monitor physiological changes in beef and dairy calves. The biosensor was orally administered shortly after birth and monitored for retention and data accuracy. Our findings showed that most calves have successfully retained the biosensor, which provided valuable data on calf activity, body temperature, and responses to the stressful weaning period. Significant changes in these parameters indicate the possibility of using such biosensors for early health monitoring. While occasional regurgitation of the device was noted, this study highlights the potential of these biosensors for improving calf health management, though further validation is needed.
Abstract
In this study, a newly developed small wireless bolus biosensor, equipped with a triaxial accelerometer and temperature sensors, was applied to assess physiological changes in calves. The biosensor was orally implanted in calves, and its retention rate and location in the forestomach were examined. Data transmitted at 10 min intervals were analyzed to determine the characteristics of the calves at 10 and 100 days of age. Additionally, the daily averages of the vector magnitude (DV), changes in V over time (DV1), and reticular temperature (DRT) were analyzed during the experimental period. The biosensor was orally administered to twelve calves (six beef and six dairy) within 22 days of birth. Except for two regurgitated devices, the sensors transmitted data normally in a wireless manner for 15 weeks, recording physiological changes in the calves. The location of the biosensors was confirmed to be the reticulum. The analysis revealed that the V and V1 values were influenced by the physical characteristics of the biosensor’s location. During weaning, DV and DV1 values first increased and then decreased compared to pre-weaning, while the DRT increased post-weaning and remained elevated. These findings suggest that these types of biosensors can be used for monitoring calf health; however, further research is needed to determine their ability to detect pathological states.
