Real-time circadian changes in the behavioral activities of lactating Holstein Friesian and Simmental cows as recorded by an electronic ear sensor system

ABSTRACT

This study used the CowManager SensOor system to examine the behavioral circadian rhythms of 19 Holstein Friesian and Simmental dairy cows in a semi-open barn over 18 months, from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. Over a cumulative total of 4560 days, the sensor system analyzed high active, active, not active, eating, and rumination behaviors of cows. High active, active, and eating behaviors peaked during daylight hours, while not active and rumination values increased during nighttime periods. Specifically, high active and active behaviors peaked in the morning (09:00-10:00h a.m.), while eating exhibited bimodal peaks in both the morning and evening (10:00h a.m. and 09:00h p.m.). Similarly, rumination values were relatively high in the early morning (05:00h a.m.), declined during the day, and peaked again in the evening (07:00h p.m.). In conclusion, this study reveals that lactating cows’ behavioral patterns, are influenced by circadian rhythms, seasonal changes, and lactation stages.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavior trait
• sensor technology
• circadian activity
• eating value
• rumination

Acknowledgments

I express our gratitude to Turkey’s ‘International Center for Livestock Research and Training’ for their support in facilitating this research and providing the necessary permissions for material use.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

No data is transferred, but reasonable requests are considered.

Ethics approval

This study received approval from the Ethics Committee with the certificate dated 29.03.2022–199, issued by the International Center for Livestock Research and Training.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09291016.2024.2377494

Additional information

Funding

No financial support was received from any person/institution for this study.